How much does camping cost at Bell Bay Campground?

Camping fees at Bell Bay Campground range from $26-$112/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bell Bay Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bell Bay Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bell Bay Campground before I book?

Yes! Bell Bay Campground has 26 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bell Bay Campground?

Bell Bay Campground is open May 08 to September 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bell Bay Campground?

Bell Bay Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Bell Bay Campground?

Cell phone service at Bell Bay Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Bell Bay Campground have?

Bell Bay Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bell Bay Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bell Bay Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bell Bay Campground?

Bell Bay Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bell Bay Campground?

Popular activities at Bell Bay Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bell Bay Campground

4.29

125 reviews

406 East Point Rd., Harrison, ID 83833, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,543 ft

Price

$26 - $112/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Reservable season ru...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,543 ft

Price

$26 - $112/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Reservable season ru...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Bell Bay Campground

$26.00 - $112.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $112.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

Group Site Fee$112.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

406 East Point Rd., Harrison, ID 83833, USA

Bell Bay Campground

406 East Point Rd., Harrison, ID 83833, USA

Nearby places

Coeur d'Alene (approximately 1 hour drive), Harrison (approximately 15 minutes drive)

Weather at Bell Bay Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bell Bay Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 50s–60s°F) and full access to Bell Bay's lakefront — ideal for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. The forested sites on the upper loop provide shade and cooler evenings while the lower loop puts you steps from the water for easy launches and sunset swims. Expect peak activity on holiday weekends and quieter mid-week stays; bring mosquito repellent for late-afternoon and evening bugs. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note quieter, serene conditions and good scenery through reservation season end.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable season runs from May 16 to September 28 annually. Campground is closed for reservations from September 29 to May 15.

About Bell Bay Campground

Bell Bay Campground sits on the shores of Coeur d'Alene Lake in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Harrison. Managed by Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, this small forested campground offers both upper-loop sites with shade and lower-loop sites with direct water access. Campers launch boats from well-maintained docks, fish from shore, and bike or hike nearby trails while enjoying views across one of Idaho's most scenic lakes.

Bell Bay Campground offers tent-only, standard non-electric sites, and a large group site. Most sites are first-come, first-serve, though six single-family sites and the group site are reservable.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers warm, dry weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights in the 50s–60s°F) and full access to Bell Bay's lakefront — ideal for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. The forested sites on the upper loop provide shade and cooler evenings while the lower loop puts you steps from the water for easy launches and sunset swims. Expect peak activity on holiday weekends and quieter mid-week stays; bring mosquito repellent for late-afternoon and evening bugs. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2543 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests frame views of Coeur d'Alene Lake, a 50-square-mile body of water that dominates the campground's eastern exposure. The upper loop sits at elevation among the pines. The lower loop hugs the shoreline where maintained docks provide lake access. At 2,543 feet elevation, the forest canopy offers shade but also holds moisture during mosquito season. The landscape is classic Pacific Northwest: big trees, clear water, and enough shade to keep daytime temperatures comfortable even in mid-summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available at Bell Bay Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit
maximum of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites allow up to 8 guests. Group sites accommodate up to 60 guests.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 60 people, making it suitable for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or the contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes steep trails which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. However, hosts have reportedly been helpful accommodating guests, such as assisting with shade selection during hot weather.

Site SizeMost campsites are medium-sized, with the group site accommodating up to 60 guests.

PrivacySites in the lower loop are close together with limited privacy. Kathryn B. stated, "These sites are fairly close together with little privacy. You will see and hear your neighbors.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 7 offers excellent lake views but requires a short but steep walk to parking. Site 15 is noted for breathtaking views and spaciousness.

Best CampsitesSite 15 and site 7 in the lower loop get frequent mentions for their lake views and water proximity. Just know the tradeoff: lower-loop sites sit close together with limited screening between neighbors.

Need help booking Bell Bay Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electric hookups are not available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bell Bay Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, especially centered around the lake. Hiking is popular with the Bell Bay Trail running for a mile along the lakeshore. Fishing opportunities are abundant, with trout, salmon, and panfish available. Swimming is limited to dock areas as there is no beach access. Boating and canoeing can also be enjoyed, with docks available for mooring boats.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided, which are regularly maintained according to user reviews.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

125 reviews

Satisfactory

Bell Bay Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews provide a mixed sentiment. Many campers praise the scenic views, clean facilities, and friendly hosts, while others point out challenges such as steep trails, limited beach access, and close proximity of campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 125 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include breathtaking views of Coeur d'Alene Lake, clean vault toilets, well-maintained docks, and friendly camp hosts. "Wonderful campground, very close to the lake! Well...

Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include steep access trails to the docks, the lack of beach access, occasional issues with hosts, and close campsite proximity. "The walk from the camping area to the beach was a...

Based on 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 and 7 are frequently praised for their views and proximity to the lake. "Spot 15, incredible," according to Wildman Smith. "Sunset views were spectacular," added Kathryn B.

Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing appropriate footwear for steep trails, planning for limited privacy, and exploring nearby attractions like Harrison for beaches and ice cream.

Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, visitors often praise the natural beauty and lake activities but note challenges like mosquitoes and limited shade. Fall reviews highlight quieter conditions and serene...

Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I found this place by chance...incredible," shared Wildman Smith. "Bathrooms are spotless clean," he added. "Beautiful campground (lower loop) and views," said Sleep Never. "The campground perched...

Based on 125 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility was noted as challenging due to steep trails and limited cleared areas near docks. "The hike down to the private dock area was a little too steep for the 88-year-old senior in our...

Based on 125 reviews

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Go if

You want direct access to Coeur d'Alene Lake for boating and fishing with forested sites and maintained facilities.

Skip if

You need a sandy beach or prefer campgrounds with easy, wide access roads and minimal elevation change to the water.

Nearby Campgrounds

57 Chatcolet Rd, Plummer, Idaho, 83851-6004, United States

Heyburn State Park spreads 101 campsites across Idaho's oldest state park, where Chatcolet Lake meets Ponderosa pine forest along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. Sites run $30-33/night and include hot showers, flush toilets, and varying hookup options across multiple campground areas. Expect a mix of cramped, closely-spaced sites and quieter pockets depending on which loop you choose.