Coeur d'Alene, ID

Camping in an area where you can also fish, swim and hike is always a good thing, so when my family found out about the Elk River Recreation District camping we thought we would try it out. From Moscow the city of Elk River is only 51 miles east on Hwy 8 so it is relatively nearby. The drive is very scenic and you can even follow through onto the Scenic Byway if you have a little more time.

After driving into town you will turn right on Front St., pass an RV campground with full hookups on your right and continue on Dent Rd. where you will find several camp spots along the Elk River Reservoir. The land is actually owned by the Potlatch Corp. who allows visitors to camp in the area for a fee. We spent a few nights in a tent area, which cost $8 a night and were right on the water, next to well toilets and fresh drinking water. RV sites are $15 a night but do not have full hookups. Each camp spot is a nice size with a picnic table and fire pit. The camp host, who stays the summer in his RV on-site, comes around and collects the fees.

The Recreation District has three fishing docks and a separate dock for swimming. The area around the campground allows ATVs and we saw a few riding around. You can follow roads up further past the camp host if you want a more secluded camp spot, where you will also find connection trails for Elk Creek Falls. You can also get to the Elk Creek Falls trail head by going back through town about 3 miles. Call ahead of time to reserve a spot around busy holidays, but we had no problem staying where we wanted after the Fourth of July.

There were plenty of trout in the reservoir and a few fishermen nearby. We caught quite a few fish the first night we went out on the dock. The swimming area is really nice and we spent hours watching the kids jump off the dock. There are also a few rowboats and paddle boats available for campers to rent from the Elk River Lodge in town. The lodge is also a great place to buy soft serve Huckleberry ice cream and get your fishing license if you don’t already have it.

This is a great place to take your family if you don’t want to travel too far off the beaten path. You will find it relaxing and a lot of fun.

For reservations to the Elk River Recreation District you can call the camp host at (208)826-3468. Visit the Elk River Lodge website for more information on the area and the year-round recreational opportunities.