How much does camping cost at Riley Creek?

Camping fees at Riley Creek range from $35-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Riley Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Riley Creek 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 Riley Creek before I book?

Yes! Riley Creek has 5 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 Riley Creek?

Riley Creek is open May 09 to September 19. 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 Riley Creek?

Yes, Riley Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Riley Creek?

Cell phone service at Riley Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Riley Creek have?

Riley Creek has 67 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Riley Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Riley Creek. 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 Riley Creek?

Riley Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Riley Creek?

Popular activities at Riley Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Riley Creek

4.69

522 reviews

2376 E HWY 2

Top 22% in IDSummer

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,159 ft

Price

$35 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,159 ft

Price

$35 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

67 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Riley Creek

$35.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Shelter: $75.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-437-3133

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2376 E HWY 2

Riley Creek

2376 E HWY 2

Nearby places

Laclede, Idaho (~1 mile)

Priest River, Idaho (~7 miles)

Sandpoint, Idaho (~15 miles)

Weather at Riley Creek

Best Time to Camp at Riley Creek

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable, comfortable weather (daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F / 24–28 °C, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s °F / 7–12 °C) and full campground services, making boating, swimming, and fishing on the Pend Oreille River and nearby Lake Pend Oreille excellent. Electric/water hookups, fishing piers, playgrounds and trail access are all open and at their best, so weekend family trips and multi-day water outings are ideal. Expect the busiest weekends and high demand—p Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Peak season for swimming, fishing and boating; reviewers love summer activities despite crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 09 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 10 to September 20 during the peak season.

About Riley Creek

Riley Creek sits on the Pend Oreille River near Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho's foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and laundry facilities for both tent and RV campers during the peak season. Visitors fish, swim, boat, hike, and bike along the river corridor, with spacious sites that provide reasonable privacy despite some gravel-over-cement pads that challenge tent staking.

Riley Creek accommodates various camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. However, there are no first-come, first-served sites, as all sites require reservations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable, comfortable weather (daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F / 24–28 °C, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s °F / 7–12 °C) and full campground services, making boating, swimming, and fishing on the Pend Oreille River and nearby Lake Pend Oreille excellent. Electric/water hookups, fishing piers, playgrounds and trail access are all open and at their best, so weekend family trips and multi-day water outings are ideal. Expect the busiest weekends and high demand—p Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2159 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a glacial-carved valley where the Pend Oreille River flows toward Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest natural lakes in the western U.S. at over 1,200 feet. Three mountain ranges converge around the valley, creating layered peaks visible from camp. The river moves slowly here, suitable for swimming and boating. Tree cover varies by site. Some loops offer thick pine canopy and good privacy, while others sit more exposed. White-tailed deer wander through regularly, and bald eagles fish the river. The elevation of 2,159 feet keeps temperatures moderate even in summer.

Programs & ActivitiesThe amphitheater hosts ranger-led talks and evening programs, which are well-received by families and educational for children.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites allow up to 8 people per site.

Groups

Group camping is supported with reservable shelters such as the 'Eagles Nest.' These are suitable for larger gatherings, though reviews highlight the need for constant occupancy of rented group areas due to theft.

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 on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible amenities such as paved paths and designated areas for RV camping. Some reviews note ease of movement through the loops for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and accommodating large RVs and trailers.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some surrounded by trees providing seclusion and others more open. Many reviews commend the thoughtful spacing between sites.

Total Campsites67 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the water or those with extra privacy are recommended. Site #31 is noted for its private feel despite proximity to walking paths.

Best CampsitesSite #31 gets mentioned frequently for good tree cover and privacy. Campers recommend avoiding sites near the lumberyard across the river, which generates noise during weekdays. Loops farther from the entrance tend to be quieter, though this means longer walks to the beach and some amenities.

Need help booking Riley Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Riley Creek Recreation Area provides a range of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. The campground features showers, flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, electricity and water hookups, paved roads, a playground, and areas for swimming. Additionally, there is a dump station available for RV campers. For recreational purposes, the site has basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and hiking trails.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riley Creek offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and swimming. Hiking and biking trails provide opportunities to explore the scenic surroundings. Wildlife viewing is another major draw, with species like bald eagles and deer frequently spotted.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

4.7

522 reviews

Top-Rated

Riley Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Riley Creek are overwhelmingly positive, with users praising its cleanliness, spacious sites, family-friendly amenities, and overall beauty. Criticism often revolves around specific staff interactions, rule enforcement inconsistencies, and issues with reservation policies.

Review Summaries

Based on 522 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 522 reviews.

site #62Loved
For example, site #62 is described as spacious but inconvenient due to a distant water spigot.
Site #31Loved
Site #31 is praised for its privacy but noted as challenging for backing in larger trailers.

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean bathrooms and showers, spacious campsites with privacy, numerous activities such as biking and swimming, and the overall beauty of the surroundings.

Based on 522 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve intrusive or rude camp hosts, inconsistent enforcement of rules, crowded beach areas, and difficulty securing reservations.

Based on 522 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing comfortable shoes for walking to distant amenities like the beach, avoiding sites near noisy areas such as the lumberyard, and booking reservations well in advance due to...

Based on 522 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In peak summer months, campers enjoy the beach and water activities but sometimes face overcrowding. Spring reviews often highlight quieter stays and well-prepared facilities. Fall experiences are...

Based on 522 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Riley Creek is a beautiful campground. The grounds are beautiful and well taken care of.' - Karly U 2. 'The campground was amazing as always. Unfortunately, we had a very poor experience with...

Based on 522 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews praise the campground's accessibility, citing paved paths and spacious sites. However, some users with disabilities mention challenges related to site layout or backing into tight...

Based on 522 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at Riley Creek, and the off-leash 'dog island' is particularly popular. Some users note concerns about rocky terrain being hard on pets' feet.

Based on 522 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want developed amenities on the Pend Oreille River with access to fishing, boating, and swimming during summer.

Skip if

You're tent camping and need soft ground for stakes, or you prefer a quieter atmosphere without active camp management.

Nearby Campgrounds

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

Priest River sits in the foothills near Lake Pend Oreille, offering tent and RV camping with direct access to boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground features flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station during its seasonal operation. Families appreciate the playground and swim beach, though sites are closely spaced and Highway 2 traffic is audible.