The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management was established in 1946 and is responsible for managing public lands for today's outdoor enthusiasts and preserving them for future generations. You can camp in developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, which are often close to popular hiking, boating, climbing, and wildlife viewing areas. Mica Bay Boater Park is in northwest Idaho and is less than a 20-minute drive south of Coeur d'Alene. It has a campground with 16 campsites, two mooring docks, and a swimming beach, all nestled on Mica Bay. You can access this site by boat or a short pedestrian roadway. There is no private vehicle access. Popular attractions in the area include Coeur d'Alene National Forest for hiking and fishing and Cougar Bay Nature Preserve for wildlife viewing.
The Tubbs Hill Trail is a loop nature trail in downtown Coeur d'Alene. While biking is not permitted on the path, you may hike up a tall hill for great views of the lake below. You can also take one of several short side trails to get closer to the water. Length: 2.0 miles Intensity: Easy
John C Pointner was devoted to conserving the Cougar Bay wetland and protecting local wildlife and birds. He bequeathed 155 acres of land to the BLM because he wanted people to enjoy the natural beauty of this area. The trail is less than seven miles north of the boater park in a marshy area that leads to an observation platform overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene. Length: 1.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Old Wagon trail is 17 miles northwest of the boater park and is a loop trail. Along the route, you will be enthralled by views of the Spokane River, walk through meadows, and can peer into a deep canyon. Length: 2.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
The most popular activity at Mica Bay Boater Park is boating with motorized or non-motorized boats. Visitors may use the two boating docks at the park for free. You can also fish from the docks. Fish commonly caught in the bay include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, and black crappie. Picnic tables are available, and there is a beach to bask in the sun or swim.
Cougar Bay Nature Preserve is an excellent area for birders to spot waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, and songbirds. Four-legged denizens include moose, beavers, otters, and deer. You can also look for frogs and turtles while exploring the preserve's trails.
If you'd like to picnic in the Coeur d'Alene area, consider visiting McEuen Park. This park has picnic tables, benches, a large playground, and a beach that you may use. This location also has a dog park, and you can access many trails, like the Tubbs Hill Trail, from the picnic area. You could also check out Greensferry Park, which has two picnic tables and grills along the Spokane River.
While you can stay overnight at Mica Bay Boater Park, you may only do so with a tent since there are no roads for RVers to take directly to the campground. However, there are plenty of RV camping options around Coeur d'Alene. Blackwell Island RV Resort is nine miles north and has full hookups, drive-through campsites, and boat ramps. Another great campground to check out is the Spokane KOA Journey, a full-service campground with hookups, restrooms, showers, cable TV, Wi-Fi, a pool, and a dog park. All of the campsites at this location are well-shaded, and you can rent mountain bikes, kayaks, and canoes on site.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in dispersed camping areas in Coeur d'Alene National Forest, about 50 miles east of Mica Bay Boater Park. If you are looking for more free options during your RV trip, search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet.
When you plan on staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to pack all the water you will need for your trip since many of these sites do not have potable water available. Visitors to Mica Bay Boater Park may also want to bring insect repellent to ward off pests around the water, and boaters should pack safety gear like life vests, flares, and first aid kits. By staying at a BLM-managed campground, you will likely be giving up many comforts, like electricity. However, you will gain solitude and easy access to hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping in locations that do not offer many amenities.
The BLM expects you to use the Leave No Trace principles as a guide while camping and recreating on public lands. These guidelines are easy to follow and include packing out your trash, cleaning up pet waste, and ensuring you are responsible when having a campfire.
From Coeur d'Alene, take Highway 95 south for eight miles. Turn left on Putnam Road and continue for two miles. Turn right on Tall Pines, and then turn right on Loff's Bay Road to a parking area where you can walk a short pedestrian roadway to Mica Bay Boater Park. Latitude and longitude: 47.59472222, -116.8591667 Ready to visit Mica Bay Boater Park? 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.
