How much does camping cost at Sam Owen?

Camping fees at Sam Owen are $30 - $116/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sam Owen first-come first-served or reservation?

Sam Owen 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 Sam Owen before I book?

Yes! Sam Owen has 23 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 Sam Owen?

Sam Owen is open May 15 to September 06. 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 Sam Owen?

Sam Owen does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Sam Owen have?

Sam Owen has 82 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sam Owen?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sam Owen. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sam Owen?

Sam Owen offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sam Owen?

Popular activities at Sam Owen include Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sam Owen

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sam Owen?

Fire policies at Sam Owen: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.23

572 reviews

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES

Top 19% in IDSummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$30 - $116/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open between May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$30 - $116/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Open between May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Sam Owen

$30.00 - $116.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $94.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $116.00; PREMIUM STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Premium Singles: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Single...

Group Site Fee$94.00

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435-245-6521comments@AmericanLL.com

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Campground Map

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES

Sam Owen

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES

Nearby places

Sandpoint (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Hope (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).

Weather at Sam Owen

Current alerts(10)

A season pass for the day use area can be purchased on site or online at SCENICCANYONS.COM
All sites are reservable at this campground. All sites are available 6 months in advance for single overnight camping and group day use can be reserved 1 year in advance.
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.
Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating

Best Time to Camp at Sam Owen

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warm, stable weather and full access to the peninsula’s shoreline — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s F (24–28°C) with cool evenings around 45–55°F (7–13°C). Lake Pend Oreille warms into the 60s–70s°F, making swimming, boating, paddling and shore fishing peak activities; hiking and biking on nearby trails are also at their best. The campground is busiest on weekends and holiday weeks, so reservations are strongly recommended for July and August. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: summer with warm water, full shoreline access, and many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open between May 16 and September 24 during peak seasons. Closed for reservations from September 24 to May 15.

About Sam Owen

Sam Owen sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho Panhandle National Forests, minutes from Sandpoint. Managed by Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, this large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with flush toilets, a dump station, and direct water access. Campers swim, boat, and fish the lake during the summer season, with camp hosts maintaining clean facilities and well-kept sites.

Sam Owen Campground accommodates different styles of camping, including tent and RV camping, as well as group use areas. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warm, stable weather and full access to the peninsula’s shoreline — expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s F (24–28°C) with cool evenings around 45–55°F (7–13°C). Lake Pend Oreille warms into the 60s–70s°F, making swimming, boating, paddling and shore fishing peak activities; hiking and biking on nearby trails are also at their best. The campground is busiest on weekends and holiday weeks, so reservations are strongly recommended for July and August. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe peninsula's glacially carved shape creates a mix of coves and open lake views at 2,000 feet elevation. Pine and cedar forests still cover much of the campground, though logging operations have thinned tree cover in certain loops. Deer browse through the sites, and eagles are common overhead. The lake dominates the landscape, with rocky shoreline accessible from multiple points throughout the campground. Morning mist often rises off the water, meeting the surrounding forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins at the campground. However, campers can rent kayaks and paddleboards for recreational use.

Programs & ActivitiesThe amphitheater at the campground hosts educational programs, enhancing the cultural and learning experience for visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum allowed stay is 14 days within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact limit not provided, depends on site capacity.

Groups

Group sites include a picnic shelter with electricity and lights. The group picnic area rate is $94 per night, and the group shelter is $116 per night during peak season.

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 online at Recreation.gov or through their contact center. Kayak rentals can be reserved at sceniccanyons.com.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible flush toilets and a group picnic shelter with electricity. The half-mile Sam Owen Trail #4 is also described as accessible, leading to a scenic vista.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some large enough to accommodate 36' RVs. Reviews mention spacious sites, but some highlight uneven or sloped pads requiring additional leveling.

PrivacyThe level of privacy varies by site. Many users noted that the campsites provide good spacing and privacy, but recent logging has reduced tree cover and shade in some areas, impacting seclusion.

Total Campsites82 campsites

Recommended SitesScented Leaf loop for privacy and large tent pads; Skipping Stone for proximity to the beach.

Best CampsitesSkipping Stone Loop has waterfront sites with direct lake access. Scented Leaf Loop works well for large tents. Red Sun Loop has less shade after recent logging, so plan accordingly if you need tree cover. Reviews mention some sites have sloped or uneven pads that require leveling blocks.

Need help booking Sam Owen?

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

Sam Owen Campground offers a variety of amenities aimed at making the camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. Located on a peninsula on Lake Pend Oreille, campers have access to accessible flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, picnic shelters, and a group picnic shelter with electrical hookups. Reviews highlight the clean bathrooms and availability of drinking water. Some reviews note that there are no showers available and that sites are dry with no electric or water hookups at individual campsites.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Sam Owen

Sam Owen Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing. The natural setting on Lake Pend Oreille provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and water-based activities, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is popular; anglers catch trout, northern pike, catfish; direct lake access.

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Designated swimming area on Lake Pend Oreille; warm summer water and many positive comments.

Boating4.0/5

Campground has a boat ramp and dock, giving easy access for boating across the lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Adjacent to Sam Owen Game Preserve; deer common and eagles/otter/raptors frequently observed.

Water Sports4.0/5

Dock, coves, and calm lake water make kayaking accessible; kayaks specifically mentioned.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake vistas, coves, wildlife (eagles) and bench viewpoints create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but few details are provided in reviews. Campers are reminded to keep the area clean and adhere to bear safety guidelines.

Cell CoverageNo explicit information was provided about cell phone service. Some reviews indicate limited or no reception, which some campers appreciated for the opportunity to unplug.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.2

572 reviews

Satisfactory

Sam Owen is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Sam Owen Campground receives mixed reviews, with many praising the natural beauty, clean facilities, and recreational opportunities, while others criticize the aftermath of logging operations and inconsistent camp host behavior.

Review Summaries

Based on 572 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the stunning lake views, clean bathrooms, well-maintained campsites, and a variety of activities including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Many campers appreciated...

Based on 572 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the logging aftermath, which has reduced shade and created debris. Other issues include camp host rudeness, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and rocky beach areas.

Based on 572 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Scented Leaf Loop is praised for being less impacted by logging and offering better shade, while the Red Sun Loop was heavily affected by storm damage and logging, leaving many sites without...

Based on 572 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water shoes for the rocky beach, reserving sites well in advance due to popularity, and being prepared for dry camping with no electrical or sewer hookups. Kayak and...

Based on 572 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with positive reviews highlighting warm water and recreational activities. However, some reviews note that the lack of tree cover makes sites uncomfortably hot in...

Based on 572 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake is beautiful and clear, and the fishing was excellent.' 2. 'The bathrooms were some of the cleanest I’ve ever seen at a campground.' 3. 'The aftermath of the logging has reduced the...

Based on 572 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground’s accessible flush toilets and the accessibility of Sam Owen Trail #4 are appreciated. However, the lack of level sites and uneven terrain in some areas present challenges.

Based on 572 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet owners value the dog-friendly section of the beach, although some reviews note issues with rule enforcement, such as unleashed dogs.

Based on 572 reviews

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Sam Owen

$30.00 - $116.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $94.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $116.00; PREMIUM STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Premium Singles: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Single...

Group Site Fee$94.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-245-6521comments@AmericanLL.com

Nearby Campgrounds

Green Bay Campground sits on the eastern shore of Pend Oreille Lake at 3,000 feet elevation, with 11 primitive sites spread between two small camping areas. The campground is free and offers direct beach access, but you'll trade space and quiet for that lakefront location. Note: the campground is closed for facility upgrades through summer 2024.

Sam Owen

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Common Concerns

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Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Sam Owen

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Sam Owen?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sam Owen

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews