Sam Owen

Star4.23
572 reviews
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES
SwimmingSummer 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

Opens Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc. site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sam Owen
$30.00 - $116.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30-$116 depending on site type. Group shelters with electricity are $116, group picnic areas $94, and standard non-electric sites...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$94.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 572 reviews

174 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES

Sam Owen

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORES

Driving directionsFrom Sandpoint, take State Highway 200 east 21 miles. Turn right on Peninsula Road (County Road 1028) and continue 1 mile to the recreation area.
Accessible year-round, by paved roads; may occasionally face congestion due to seasonal tourism.
Nearby places
Sandpoint (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Hope (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Davis Mercantile in Hope is 5 miles away for groceries and essentials
Beyond Hope Resort nearby offers boat slips and restaurant options.

Best Time to Camp at Sam Owen

Experience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons at Sam Owen, where warm summer days invite endless hours of swimming and boating, punctuated by refreshing mountain breezes that whisper through the pines. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber. Winter brings a hushed tranquility as snow blankets the landscape, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude. The seasonal dance of weather not only transforms the scenery but also reveals different facets of the lake—from summer's sparkling clarity to winter's mysterious depths.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Open May 16–Sep 24; summer praised for warm water, swimming, boating and recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late Sept; offers fall colors and cooler weather but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground is closed through mid-May; spring season largely unavailable for reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations from Sep 24 to May 15; winter season unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 24.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.

About Sam Owen

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sam Owen Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to its enchanting wilderness retreat. Towering pine and cedar forests create a natural cathedral overhead, while crystal-clear waters lap at the shoreline just steps from your campsite. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through morning mist, or spotting eagles soaring above the treetops, this beloved destination offers an authentic Pacific Northwest experience that draws visitors back year after year.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum allowed stay is 14 days within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe accessible Sam Owen Trail #4 is a half-mile hike leading to a vista of Owens Bay. The trail includes benches for rest and enjoying the view. Several reviewers praised the trail for its beauty and accessibility.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with anglers catching species like trout, northern pike, and catfish. One user mentioned, 'The lake is beautiful and clear, and the fishing was excellent.'
SwimmingLake Pend Oreille offers a designated swimming area near the beach. Many reviews described the water as clear and surprisingly warm, though the beach is rocky, making water shoes a good idea.
BikingBiking is mentioned as enjoyable in the campground and nearby areas. Paved roads within the park are suitable for biking.
BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp and dock, allowing for easy access to boating activities. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent, and the lake is described as 'refreshing' and ideal for water sports.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located adjacent to the Sam Owen Game Preserve, making wildlife viewing a major attraction. Campers frequently spot deer and unique bird species, with one reviewer noting the presence of bald eagles.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWindstorms occasionally disrupt tree cover; bear activity frequent; rocky beaches pose minor risks.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided.

Weather at Sam Owen

Reviews

4.2
572 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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