Coeur d'Alene Lake
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Coeur d'Alene Lake has plenty to offer, including sparkling water, picturesque forested hillsides, and acres of BLM-managed lands. Together, it adds up to the perfect place to take an RV trip for a quiet retreat into nature. It's a great spot for hiking, boating, and fishing, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. There are multiple RV parks and campsites in the surrounding area with reservable and first-come, first-served options. Road access varies from paved approach roads to gravel and dirt spurs.
Quick Facts About RVing in Coeur d'Alene Lake
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Developed campgrounds and nearby dispersed options • Reservations: Yes for developed sites/No for dispersed • Hookups: None to full hookups (varies by campground) • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Available at developed campgrounds/Bring your own for dispersed • Cell Service: Spotty to good depending on location • Pets: Allowed with leash • Roads: Paved access with gravel or dirt spurs • Best Season: Spring through fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Multiple developed and dispersed RV campsite options • Easy access via the city of Coeur d'Alene and I-90 • Great for boondocking with self-contained RV rigs • Easy access to the lake and an extensive trail network • Easy to secure supplies or resupply in nearby towns • Works well as a basecamp for a trip through North Idaho
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail
This popular trail in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest starts uphill, but hikers enjoy a more manageable time once they hit the summit. Stunning views and wildlife spotting are the attractions. Bring your dog on a leash and take advantage of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Caribou Ridge Loops
Locals and visitors enjoy this trail set for longer hikes and excellent mountain biking in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Equestrians also favor it, but if you're looking for some quiet time, you can still find it here. Part of the trail is paved, and Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't far away.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Tubbs Hill Park Trail
Just south of the city, Tubbs Hill Park's trail loop offers impressive lake views and an easy hike. Trail runners love it, and so will your dog as this is one of the few parks in the vicinity where he can be off-leash. If you want to sunbathe or swim, you'll find a beach on the southwestern side of the loop.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Coeur D’Alene Parkway
Part of the North Idaho Centennial Trail, this well-maintained paved trail attracts bikers and hikers who want to get in some distance without big climbs. It's also wheelchair-accessible at various points. Those who want to get in more of a workout will enjoy the exercise stations. A rest area with restrooms is available here.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
Boaters of every stripe will enjoy Coeur D'Alene Lake's sunny expanses and numerous mooring areas. You can bring them all here whether you're a canoe, kayak, or powerboat fan. There are also countless catch-and-release fishing spots along the lake and nearby trails. Those who fancy floating on a lake with a rod in hand will find Coeur D'Alene Lake a very good time indeed.
Climbing
Ten miles west of Coeur D'Alene, Q'Emlin Park is the northern Idaho destination of choice for rock climbing. No matter your skill level, you're sure to find a wall to enjoy, and the park's a great place to practice and improve your skills. Climbers also enjoy the whimsical names of the walls and spurs, which include A Climb Named Sue, Dolly Parton, Lion of the North, and No Pryor Experience.
Wildlife Viewing
The southern shore of Coeur D'Alene Lake is the best place to spot wildlife at the lake itself. White-tailed deer, elk, moose, and wild turkey are frequently seen. Owl lovers can see great horned owl nests, and smaller mammals and birds abound. Caribou and bald eagles are often sighted in the nearby forests. Bring your binoculars and camera because there's a lot of wildlife to see.
Picnicking
With the many city, county, and state parks in the area, you're sure to find a great picnic spot around Coeur D'Alene Lake. Many tables and a big playground for the kids can be found at Coeur D'Alene City Park, or you can dine among the eagles and deer in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Whether you picnic in the city or the wilderness, clean up your trash and dispose of it properly.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
You can find plenty of RV camping around Coeur D'Alene Lake. Blackwell Island RV Park, just west of the city of Coeur D'Alene, offers full-hookup pull-through sites with a host of amenities, including boat moorings. Wolf Lodge Campground, eight miles east of Coeur D'Alene, boasts creekside accommodations and peaceful, beautiful grounds with full RV hookups available. If these options don't quite meet your needs, search for "BLM camping near me" as you approach your destination.
Developed Campgrounds
There are several developed campgrounds right on Coeur d'Alene Lake and in the immediate area. Blackwell Island RV Park lies right outside Coeur d'Alene and has pull-through sites with full hookups and boat moorings. It also offers potable water and a dump station. Wolf Lodge Campground is another nearby option, with creekside sites with full RV hookups. It has sites that can accommodate RVs of up to 62 feet, so it's a great place to stay no matter what you're driving. Bell Bay Campground is right on Coeur d'Alene Lake and has 16 reservable single-family sites. It has amenities, including potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. However, if you're traveling in a large RV, you should check with the campground before making reservations. Some parts of the site may be difficult to access with larger Class A RVs.
Dispersed Camping
Coeur d'Alene Lake offers plenty of dispersed camping options for use during an RV trip. There are five free-to-use dispersed campsites available: Crater Lake, Crater Peak, Orphan Point Saddle, Sheep Springs, and Tingley Springs. Many feature fire rings and toilet facilities. The local BLM office notes that the sites are accessible using high-clearance vehicles. So, you may need to leave your RV at a trailhead and hike to your chosen site. As with other BLM dispersed camping sites, you can stay for up to 14 days and must follow Leave No Trace rules. You must also camp at least 100 feet from any nearby water sources. The lack of available hookups or other RV amenities means you'll need to find alternative dump sites and places to fill your water tanks and recharge batteries.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans can easily handle narrow dirt and gravel roads, making them a great fit for visiting Coeur d'Alene Lake. They'll also let you access the widest variety of campsites, which can be especially helpful if you desire privacy. • Travel Trailers: Most of the developed campgrounds in the area accommodate travel trailers of up to 35 feet with ease. Many of the dispersed camping areas do as well. Certain tight turns can be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. • Fifth Wheels: It is possible to bring a fifth wheel to camp at Coeur d'Alene Lake, but it will limit your options significantly. The turning radius and height of the average fifth wheel can make accessing some sites all but impossible. However, if you stick to developed campgrounds and dispersed pullouts near main access routes, you'll be fine. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are not ideal for camping in most of the dispersed sites around Coeur d'Alene Lake. You can easily find nearby developed sites that will accommodate them, though. • Class B Motorhomes: Since Class B motorhomes have similar capabilities to camper vans, they're also a perfect fit at Coeur d'Alene Lake campsites. Their small size and good ground clearance mean there aren't many places you can't go with one. • Class C Motorhomes: If you're planning to visit the area in a Class C motorhome, you'll find it can navigate most of the local access roads. However, be prepared to exercise due caution on sharp turns and narrow spurs. It's a good idea to reach out to the local BLM office for detailed information about road conditions while you plan your trip.
Free Camping 
The BLM field office for Coeur D'Alene Lake is in Coeur D'Alene, on the north shore of the lake. The office can direct you to BLM sites near the city and the surrounding area. In addition, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, two and a half hours from Coeur D'Alene Lake, is a popular destination for tent campers and backpackers and contains Bureau of Land Management camping areas.
RV Rentals Near Coeur d'Alene Lake Plan your next adventure
Planning your Coeur d'Alene Lake BLM trip
Coeur D'Alene Lake is open year-round. December and January are the coldest months, but winter isn't particularly harsh. Spring and summer may see a few hot days, but temperatures average in the high 70s. Extremes do happen, so it's wise to pack clothing to cover any weather event. Also, don't forget your hiking shoes and sunscreen.
BLM RV camping around Coeur D'Alene Lake can put you into as much — or as little — civilization as you please, and you're always certain to find like-minded people on your travels. Our blog is the best stop for learning more about BLM camping before your journey begins.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Depending on where you're planning to stay, you may need to plan ahead to secure basic provisions. The dispersed campsites lack amenities and don't offer potable water. So, you'll need to venture out into Harrison or Coeur d'Alene to purchase things like water, propane, fuel, and groceries. Fortunately, both are within easy reach of area campsites. If your trip overlaps with the peak of tourism season, you must book a campsite well in advance. That includes the period between late June and early September each year. While there are some ways to find suitable sites closer to your trip, taking the chance is inadvisable. You should also know that cellular service can get spotty in the areas closest to the lake. However, satellite coverage makes reliable internet service possible with the right equipment. You will also need to follow pack-in/pack-out principles while at the lake, as trash disposal is limited. Additionally, roads can become impassable at some points during the spring, so advance planning is wise.
Leave No Trace 
It's important to remember that when on BLM land, you should be aware of your environment. The rule of "take only pictures, leave only footprints" should always be followed. When camping, make sure to bury solid human waste at least 200 feet from any water source. Resist the urge to get up close and personal with wildlife since that can be dangerous to both you and the animals. Pack out your trash or dispose of it in the proper containers upon departure.
Coeur d'Alene Lake Location
Coeur D'Alene Lake is in the Idaho panhandle at the state's northernmost point and is best accessed from Exit 15 of Interstate 90, which runs east and west. If you're coming from the north or south, Interstate 15 intersects with I-90 outside Missoula, Montana. US Route 195 is a more direct north-south route, but it has more local traffic.
Ready to visit Coeur D'Alene Lake? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Coeur d'Alene Lake
• Morning: Start your day lakeside to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. If you're planning to go for a hike or kayaking, head out early to beat the crowds. Otherwise, take your time relaxing while you prepare for the day's activities. • Afternoon: Begin your afternoon with a trip into either Coeur d'Alene or Harrison, depending on where you're staying. If you wish, you can find a place to eat lunch in town or pick up groceries for a lakeside picnic. If you've brought a bike with you, spend the second half of the afternoon biking around the trails near the lake. • Evening: Evening by the lake is the perfect time to enjoy a campfire and recharge from your day. You can enjoy the cooler temperatures and watch the sunset over the lake. Afterward, be sure to look up to take in one of the prettiest night skies you'll ever see.
Nearby Attractions
• Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes: The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is one of the most well-known and well-loved paved bike routes in Idaho. Depending on where you're staying, you can reach it in between 5 and 25 minutes. • Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail: Located between 15 and 25 minutes from most lakeside campsites, Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail is Idaho's oldest BLM recreation site. It offers stunning panoramic lake views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. • McEuen Park and Downtown Coeur d'Alene: If you're looking for a great place to dine, shop, or take a waterfront stroll, McEuen Park and Downtown Coeur d'Alene are ideal destinations. You can reach either from most lakeside campsites in between 20 and 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you RV camp on BLM land near Coeur d'Alene Lake? Yes, the BLM-managed land surrounding Coeur d'Alene Lake includes dispersed camping sites that allow RVs. However, they're undeveloped sites, so visiting RVs must be self-sufficient. Is this area suitable for large RVs? Most of the developed RV sites within range of Coeur d'Alene Lake support large RVs. However, the undeveloped sites nearest to the lake have small, unpaved access roads and limited space. They're better suited to mid-size and smaller RVs. Is there drinking water available? If you're staying at one of the area's developed campsites, you will have access to potable water. However, you will not have a potable water supply at dispersed camping locations. You can purchase water nearby to bring to those locations, however. Do I need four-wheel drive to reach dispersed campsites? Four-wheel drive isn't strictly necessary to reach the dispersed campsites around Coeur d'Alene Lake. However, it can be helpful if you're visiting during springtime, when unpaved roads turn muddy and uneven. Is there cell service around the lake and nearby BLM areas? You'll have little trouble getting a cellular signal while you travel on the main approaches to the lake. Coverage can become spotty as you enter wooded areas, though. So, be sure to pre-download maps and any other data you need before heading toward the lakeside.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
If you're planning a trip to visit Coeur d'Alene Lake, renting an appropriate RV can make your journey easier. It's especially critical if you plan to visit in springtime, when roads become more difficult to navigate. Smaller RVs, like camper vans, Class B RVs, and mid-length towables, are ideal. And if you are planning to visit in a larger motorhome, making one of the area's developed campgrounds your base is a smart move. To consider your RV options, explore our available RV rentals near Coeur d'Alene Lake.