Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

Star4.37
54 reviews
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SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,093 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

May–Late October

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service (Idaho Panhandle National Forests) site

Official Website
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Whiskey Rock Bay Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to use this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 54 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterbeach

"User reviews for Whiskey Rock Bay Campground are mixed. Many praise the beautiful location and scenic views, but there are frequent complaints about disruptive behavior from other visitors, challenging access roads, and lack of amenities like potable water or trash services."

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Campground Map

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Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

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Driving directionsBy road: From Clark Fork drive south on Road 278 (Johnson Creek Road) and continue 30 miles to the site. By boat: The site is located on the west shore of Pend Oreille Lake about 10 miles south of Garfield Bay.
User reviews mention that the road access is rough, with dirt roads requiring all-wheel drive and decent clearance. Some roads, like Lakeview Cutoff, should be avoided due to their difficulty.
Nearby places
Clark Fork (~30 miles by road), Garfield Bay (~10 miles by water)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

From the crisp mornings of May through the golden days of late October, Whiskey Rock Bay transforms with the seasons. Early spring campers bundle up against frosty mornings that give way to sunny afternoons, while summer visitors bask in warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a front-row seat to nature's grand finale, with cool evenings ideal for campfire stories and stargazing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Ideal for swimming, boating and kayaking; reviewers praise summer water but note noisy weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late Oct with crisp mornings and golden days—scenic and quieter than summer weekends.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early spring can be frosty; open starting in May with cooler, variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open May–Late Oct).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May–Late October
  • Current Alerts: null

About Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Pend Oreille Lake, Whiskey Rock Bay Campground offers an intimate escape with just 9 thoughtfully placed camp units. Three coveted lakeside sites put you mere steps from the water's edge, while the remaining sites provide peaceful forest retreats. The campground welcomes day visitors with 4 dedicated picnic sites, each equipped with its own fire ring for afternoon gatherings. Modern vault toilets, a convenient boat dock, and a inviting swimming beach complete this waterfront haven, creating the perfect basecamp for your Idaho lake adventure.
The campground supports primitive camping with minimal facilities. It is suitable for tent camping and possibly RV camping, though access is challenging.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground provides various recreational activities including picnicking, fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and swimming. The swimming beach and dock are highlighted features.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the lake. Specific details about the types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.
SwimmingThe campground has a swimming beach, which is frequently noted as a highlight by users. One user stated, 'The water in August is perfect,' suggesting favorable swimming conditions during that time of year.
BoatingBoating is supported, with both motorized and non-motorized options available. There is a dock and a 'small boat launch,' but reviews mention it as 'very steep and primitive.'
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities such as swimming are highlighted amenities. The beach is described as functional but susceptible to misuse by some visitors, as noted in reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available. The rough road conditions may pose challenges for certain vehicles. Wildlife activity requires precautions, especially proper food storage.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

Reviews

4.4
54 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Whiskey Rock Bay Campground are mixed. Many praise the beautiful location and scenic views, but there are frequent complaints about disruptive behavior from other visitors, challenging access roads, and lack of amenities like potable water or trash services.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is frequently described as 'beautiful,' 'secluded,' and having 'perfect water' for swimming in the summer. The dock and swimming beach are highlighted as major assets.
Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from loud boaters and parties, especially on weekends, is a recurring issue. Other complaints include the poor condition of access roads, lack of potable water, and occasional cleanliness...
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Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and toilet paper as these are not guaranteed. Arrive early to secure a campsite as spots fill up quickly. Use reliable maps and avoid using Google Maps, which reportedly gives...
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Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are ideal for swimming and boating, but weekends often see more disruptive visitors. Access roads are challenging year-round but may be particularly problematic during wet seasons.
Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It’s a long drive in, and we hoped for some peace and quiet.' 2. 'Do not take Lakeview Cutoff Road.' 3. 'The campgrounds are beautiful, and the water in August is perfect.' 4. 'Bathrooms can get...
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Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several users highlight the variability in campsite quality; some sites are on the lake while others are more secluded. Specific numbers are not provided.
Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address experiences with pets.
Based on 54 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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