How much does camping cost at Smith Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Smith Lake Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Smith Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smith Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Only first-come, first-served availability is offered, with seven campsites available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Smith Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Smith Lake Campground has 6 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 Smith Lake Campground?

Smith Lake Campground is open Typically open from June to September; no specific peak season pricing.. 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 Smith Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Smith Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Smith Lake Campground: Campfires may be restricted depending on fire restrictions (e.g., Stage 2 Fire Restrictions).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Smith Lake Campground have?

Smith Lake Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Smith Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smith Lake Campground. 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 Smith Lake Campground?

Smith Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smith Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Smith Lake Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smith Lake Campground

4.20

64 reviews

Smith Lake Campground, Smith Lake Road, Bonners Ferry, ID

Top 22%Summer

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

3,054 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,054 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Smith Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site. Camping is free of charge.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(208) 267-5561

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Campground Map

Smith Lake Campground, Smith Lake Road, Bonners Ferry, ID

Smith Lake Campground

Smith Lake Campground, Smith Lake Road, Bonners Ferry, ID

Nearby places

Bonners Ferry (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are likely available in Bonners Ferry, located 5 miles away.

Weather at Smith Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smith Lake Campground

June through September brings the most reliable access, with daytime highs between 65–80°F and nighttime lows from 35–50°F. The ice-free water supports swimming, boating, and fishing during these months. Cool mountain evenings require layers even in summer. Snow closes the area for the rest of the year.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in US

Campground open June–Sept; summer temps 65–80°F and ice-free water make it ideal for water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Typically open from June to September; no specific peak season pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June through September.

About Smith Lake Campground

Smith Lake Campground sits at 3,054 feet in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Bonners Ferry, offering seven free campsites along a small mountain lake. The campground includes vault toilets, potable water, a boat ramp, and a floating dock. Sites are small and better suited for tents, though trailers up to 25 feet can fit.

Smith Lake Campground primarily caters to tent campers and those with small RVs or trailers. It features primitive camping with no fees, as stated in the official data, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Users often describe the sites as better suited for tents.

Weather and SeasonsJune through September brings the most reliable access, with daytime highs between 65–80°F and nighttime lows from 35–50°F. The ice-free water supports swimming, boating, and fishing during these months. Cool mountain evenings require layers even in summer. Snow closes the area for the rest of the year.

ElevationPerched high in the northern Rockies, Smith Lake Campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and clean, and the landscape shifts from dense forest to alpine meadows. This lofty position means winter holds sway for much of the year, but rewards summer visitors with cooler temperatures and spectacular mountain vistas.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake occupies a glacier-carved basin surrounded by dense coniferous forest and granite outcroppings. A floating dock extends into the water, and the campsites sit under a canopy of towering evergreens. Bald eagles patrol the shoreline. The forest floor receives filtered sunlight through the conifers, creating pockets of shade across the small campground.

Geological RegionSmith Lake Campground rests within the dramatic landscape of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain of forested ridges, hidden valleys, and crystalline mountain lakes. This corner of the northern Rockies showcases the region's characteristic blend of dense coniferous forests, granite outcroppings, and glacier-carved basins filled with pristine waters. The small lake itself is a testament to the area's glacial past, its basin carved by ice and now cradled by the surrounding peaks that define this rugged corner of the American West.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of Smith Lake and the surrounding forested landscape. Several reviewers highlight the 'beautiful scenery' and 'peaceful lake.'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations or similar services are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are referenced in the provided data.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day
no specific check-in time.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day
no specific check-out time.

Stay Limit

First come, first served. No explicit mention of stay limitation.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground spreads seven small sites around the lake, most with decent spacing. Uneven terrain affects several sites, and the size limits bigger rigs despite the 25-foot trailer capacity.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; the campground is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityOnly first-come, first-served availability is offered, with seven campsites available.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly provided in any source.

Site SizeThe sites are described as small and better suited for tents than campers. Jason O remarks, "Very small campsites. Some of the spots would have a hard time finding level ground." David Owley notes trailers of up to 25 feet can fit.

PrivacyThe sites are generally well-spaced. Mark Haskell mentions, "The seven sites were well spaced," though Jason O notes that some sites are close together.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSome reviewers recommend this campground for tent camping due to smaller campsite sizes and uneven ground, which may be challenging for larger RVs.

Best CampsitesThe seven sites are generally well-spaced, though a few sit closer together. Some spots have uneven ground that makes leveling difficult.

Amenities available

Smith Lake Campground offers a modest set of amenities. Official sources confirm the availability of potable water, vault toilets, a boat ramp, and a day-use area equipped with three picnic units. "Restrooms are available at this site," and "potable water is available at this site," according to the authoritative content. User reviews provide additional context: Mark Haskell notes, "The seven sites were well spaced, and we felt fortunate to find an open spot here in July," while Kasey True highlights "Bathroom kept clean and stocked on toilet paper." However, users have also mentioned wasp nests as a concern, which could affect overall comfort.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Smith Lake Campground provides a range of outdoor activities centered around its natural features. Official sources highlight fishing, swimming, picnicking, and other water activities. User reviews reflect positive experiences, with Erica Brunson noting the opportunity to kayak, swim, and fish. Wildlife viewing is also a noted activity, as Erica Brunson mentioned seeing a bald eagle regularly during her stay.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsYellow jackets are a common issue, as noted by multiple reviewers. Seasonal access also depends on snowpack, and some campsites reportedly have uneven ground.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; instead, vault toilets are provided as per official sources.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires may be restricted depending on fire restrictions (e.g., Stage 2 Fire Restrictions).

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are at Bonners Ferry, which is 5 miles away. The Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office is available for inquiries.

Trash & RecyclingTrash must be carried out, as stated by Sock Hawk: "Trash must be carried out."

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated next to Smith Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Camp HostThere is no on-site campground host.

Trip Planning Tools

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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

From Booking Sources

4.2

64 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's peaceful environment and range of activities. Clean facilities and the free cost of camping are major draws, though some issues like wasp nests and poor cell phone reception are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the peaceful setting, well-maintained vault toilets, free camping, and the range of water-based activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Wildlife sightings, such as a...

Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the presence of wasp nests, poor cell phone reception, and small or uneven campsites. Wendy Childs mentions noisy nights and issues with road conditions.

Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are sparse, though users note the small size of sites and the proximity of some sites to one another.

Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest coming prepared for self-contained camping and being cautious of wasp nests. Bringing firewood and sufficient supplies is recommended due to the lack of a camp store.

Based on 64 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most active during the summer months (June to September), which aligns with its official operational season. Off-season visits are quieter but may be limited by snowpack.

Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campground with a beautiful lake to kayak, swim, fish you name it," - Erica Brunson. "Very small campsites. Some of the spots would have a hard time finding level ground," - Jason O. "Nice...

Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.

Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, and Nicole Duke highlights that the campsites are "kid & pet friendly."

Based on 64 reviews

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Go if

Kayakers, swimmers, and fishing-focused campers who can arrive mid-week in July will find this hard to beat at zero cost. The floating dock and boat ramp are right there, potable water and clean vault toilets are on-site, and Bonners Ferry is only 5 miles out for resupply.

Skip if

No cell signal on any carrier makes this a no-go for anyone who needs to stay reachable. The seven sites fill fast on summer weekends with no reservation option, uneven terrain makes some spots awkward, and yellow jacket nests are a recurring issue across the campground.

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