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fotodog's avatar
fotodog
Explorer
Jun 11, 2014

Idaho trip, & best place to stay around Coeur d'Alene

Hello all,
We're leaving soon on a trip from San Francisco up through Oregon, spending a few days along the Comumbia rivier gorge, and then heading east for 8-10 days in Idaho. I have read all the Idaho posts I can find in this forum, with lots of good info. We typically like to travel no more than 5-6 hours between stops, and then stay in an area for a couple of days to explore in my Jeep, take day hikes, photograph, etc.

Originally I had planned on going to Lewiston for a couple of days, and then heading to Lolo, Mt via why 12, as I read that's a beautiful road. Then south on hwy 93 to Salmon for a couple of days, continuing on to Arco to see the Craters of the Moon, and ending up in Ketchum and Sun Valley area for a few days before heading home.

Since my wife isn't thrilled about a jet boat tour in Lewiston to Hells Canyon, it seems like we might be better off going north to the Coeur d'Alene area instead of Lewiston. It seems more scenic, and better for hiking. Is this accurate? It's practically the same distance, and the only downside I can see is when we head east from there towards Lolo, it will be on I90.

So, I'm trying to find the best place to stay for a couple of days around Coeur d'Alene. I've read the reviews at rvparkreviews.com, but nothing stands out, and I would love to hear some personal feedback. The ideal park for us includes full hookups for our 30' class A, but in a scenic area with some space. I know, that's asking for a lot.

And if anyone has recommendations for the Salmon area, and Ketchum area, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!
  • As a native I would recommend going a little farther North. Farragut State Park along lake Pend Orielle is great, and huge. That puts you within about a half hour of Sandpoint or Coeur d'Alene for day trips.

    Anywhere along Priest lake is pretty much my idea of heaven (Luby Bay, Reeder Bay, Priest Lk St. Park, etc). Not a bad spot there, the area is so beautiful.
  • We took a jet boat tour at Hells canyon that was just a nice cruise up the canyon. They also stopped and gave us a nice leisurely lunch. It was not a fast-spin around type tour. Just a nice ride.
  • Thanks for the quick replies gentlemen. When I looked at all the rv parks within a reasonable radius of CDA, the 2 that seemed the best were Blackwell Island and Heyburn State park. I get the sense that Blackwell is closer to town and perhaps more convenient, and the state park is more wooded and remote. Sound right?
  • I am in Blackwell Island right now. It is a nice campground right on the Spokane river were it meets the lake. Nice place to stay as it is close to downtown.
  • fotodog, if you are an Elks Lodge member, the CDA lodge has a nice RV Park.
  • Wolf Lodge campground - Right off of I-90
    or if you want to get out there a little bit and want a beutiful drive take I-90 East to exit 43 and take Coeur d Alene River road north to:
    Kit Price camp ground, Devils elbow camp ground or Big Hank campground all very nice and plenty of places to drive your jeep. I believe you can google the campgrounds for more info.
  • On your way to Lolo is Haugan (on 90). Free RV camping behind the hotel.
  • We have stayed at Blackwell Island. Decent with all the amenities...and close to town. Make sure you have a water pressure regulator...they warn you at the desk and even sell them..
    Don't know if it is still there, but right across the water is a saw mill...runs 24/7 and can be heard for sure....Also lots of goose droppings along the water. But, it's all part of the adventure.
    Have a good trip.

    Blackwell Island LINK..