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

[fotodog]

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!

[Redsky]

My wife is from Spokane and used to go to the Cour d'Alene area growing up. We try to avoid the crowds and stay at places further south as in the Heyburn SP and other areas. It all depends on what you value most when "camping".

[walker111]

Another vote for Farragut. Loved it. Stayed there 2 years ago for 8 night. Split 4 nights on 2 loops.
Snowberry was my favorite. Nice pullthroughs.

[BigSkyFamily]

I suggest Farragut as well. If you're up in northern ID you should also head over to western MT and check out the Flathead Lake/Glacier Park area.

[soricobob]

Blackwell Island, no doubt!

[SNOPRO711X]

If you like to bike there is a nice bike trail just off I-90 at the Idaho Montana border. There are bike rentals available at the ski lodge on the pass. Very scenic ride along the old Milwaukee Road line called the Hiawatha trail. You start at the summit and head down hill going thru a number of tunnels, the first one at the summit being 1.8 miles long. When we did the ride you could catch a bus ride most of the way back.

We have stayed at the Century campground in Salmom, it is fine. Wagon hammer campground North of town is also very nice. Both of them are on the river.

[John_S_]

The sawmill is gone and the goose droppings much less.

[Not_a_Clue]

We stayed at this KOA in Arco. Nice campground, a young couple running it.

[Not_a_Clue]

We overnighted in Salmon in 2011 in this campground, Century II campground, they had two or three sites right on the river with a deck. Wish we could have stayed longer.

[Mike_NW]

I live in Spokane and would recommend staying at Blackwell. It would be a great base to explore he Coeur d'Alene area vs staying at Heyburn. I would also recommend a day or two at Farragut. If you really want to explore the beauty of Idaho then travel a bit further north to the Priest Lake area. We have camped at the Indian Creek Campground and found it to be an excellent place to explore. Tremendous natural beauty and some very unique outdoor photo opportunities.

[fotodog]

DarthMuffin, love that name! Thanks for your input, I was considering Farragut SP after reading some positive reviews. I'm not adverse to staying a half hour away from CDA, in fact if might be preferable. Looks like a nice option.

[DarthMuffin]

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.

[Fire5er]

We also like Blackwell Island when we stay in the area.

[ScottG]

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.

[fotodog]

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?