Smith Lake Campground

4.33

64 reviews

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

Summer Destination

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

Opens Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests site

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

Opens Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests site

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.

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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USFS

Provider

(208) 267-5561

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 64 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwaterwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Smith Lake Campground

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

Driving directionsTravel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office for 5.0 miles. Turn right at Smith Lake Road (Country Road #36) and follow for 2.3 miles to lake and campground.

Access to the campground is through County Road #36, which is described in reviews as being 'very washboard' and can be challenging. Seasonal access depends on snowpack.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Smith Lake Campground

Smith Lake transforms with the seasons, offering a brief but brilliant window of accessibility from June through September when the high mountain snows finally yield to wildflower meadows and warm sunshine. During these precious summer months, visitors enjoy ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with crisp mornings perfect for fishing and pleasantly warm afternoons made for swimming and exploring. The elevation keeps temperatures comfortable even during peak summer, though wise campers pack layers for cool mountain evenings. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest erupts in golden hues before winter's blanket once again closes this mountain sanctuary until the following year.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open June–Sept; peak season with active use and warm-weather lake activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Limited access as season winds down; some late-summer/early-fall visits likely pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Snowpack limits access; official open season begins in June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground operates seasonally June–Sept; winter visits are restricted by snowpack.

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

Tucked away in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Smith Lake Campground offers a serene escape where seven intimate campsites border the tranquil waters of a pristine mountain lake. This hidden gem provides adventurers with free camping and a back-to-basics experience, complete with vault toilets, fresh potable water, and a convenient boat ramp for launching your watercraft. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across the glassy water in a kayak, or simply savoring a lakeside picnic under the canopy of towering trees, this peaceful retreat delivers the authentic wilderness experience that modern life often lacks.

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 SeasonsSmith Lake transforms with the seasons, offering a brief but brilliant window of accessibility from June through September when the high mountain snows finally yield to wildflower meadows and warm sunshine. During these precious summer months, visitors enjoy ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with crisp mornings perfect for fishing and pleasantly warm afternoons made for swimming and exploring. The elevation keeps temperatures comfortable even during peak summer, though wise campers pack layers for cool mountain evenings. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest erupts in golden hues before winter's blanket once again closes this mountain sanctuary until the following 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 ScenerySmith Lake sparkles like a jewel set among emerald forests, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding canopy of evergreens. A wooden floating dock extends into the lake, creating the perfect launch point for early morning paddle adventures or quiet afternoon fishing expeditions. The campground itself is embraced by towering conifers that filter the sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor, creating natural cathedral-like spaces perfect for contemplation. Keep your eyes skyward – majestic bald eagles frequently patrol these waters, their distinctive white heads catching the light as they soar above the treetops in search of their next meal.

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.

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 features seven campsites that are mostly well spaced. Some are reported to be close together and on uneven ground.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity at the campground. According to user reviews, the lake is well-suited for fishing, with Kasey True mentioning two fishing docks and Charlie W describing it as "a fishing lake..."

SwimmingSwimming is available and enjoyed at Smith Lake. Erica Brunson includes it among the activities campers can partake in, alongside kayaking and fishing.

BoatingBoating activities are supported with a boat ramp on site. Mark Haskell mentions a "small lake has a floating dock for fishing and a launch for kayaks."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, with Erica Brunson describing a bald eagle that "roosts near the lake" and was seen daily during her stay.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Weather at Smith Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3

64 reviews

Recommended

Smith Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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