Kootenai National Forest

Camping and Picnicking

Go directly to our
Campground and Picnic
Area Guide

Want to kick back and relax under shady pines by sparkling lake? Looking for a "base camp" for a day of hiking, rock climbing, boating, fishing, or swimming? Want to just get out of the house for the day for a nice picnic in the great outdoors? If so, the Kootenai National Forest can offer you that and more!

Forest Service campgrounds are designed to meet your recreational needs. Except for the most primitive sites they have toilets/outhouses that are well cleaned and potable drinking water sources. Most are accessible by even the tamest passenger car, and will accommodate large RVs or trailers.We even have some sites that are accessible by boat! No matter which site you choose, you'll find adventure and some peace and quiet in America's Great Outdoors.

Our Campground Reservation page can help you make reservations at some of our designated campgrounds over the phone or online so your spot will be assured in the busiest summer months.

Use our Campground & Picnic Area Guide to browse all our recreation sites. The 39 primary Forest Service facilities on the Kootenai are listed in detail, with photos of many of the areas. You can choose a spot by:

• Map
• Sorted List

As with any public facilities, we do have a few rules we ask you to follow when you visit our campgrounds and picnic areas:

Help us Protect Your Forests

Please preserve and protect your National Forests. To do this, try to leave natural areas the way you find them, by practicing "Leave No Trace" conservation ethics. Do not carve, chop, cut, or damage any live trees. They have done nothing to deserve this treatment, and damaged trees cheapen the natural experience for others. Try to leave your camp or picnic site a little cleaner than you found it; the next visitor will thank you.

There are campgrounds on the Kootenai National Forest that use the Pack it In, Pack it Out program for dealing with waste. This means that garbage cans are not provided. Campers are asked to bring their own garbage bags and take their garbage with them when leaving the campsite. While this seems like an inconvenience, the funds saved are used to provide additional recreational facilities.

Camping

If you are staying at a campground, camp only in those places specifically provided or marked. All vehicles, RVs, and trailers must be parked in the campsite or its driveway. Driving or parking off road is not permitted. Please observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and be considerate of others in your activities.

Campfires

Please obey any restrictions on fires posted at the sites. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose. Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control. Remember, one careless moment with fire can destroy centuries of nature's handiwork. You wouldn't want to be responsible for burning down your favorite spot.

Stay Limit

The stay limit in any National Forest campground is 14 days. There is a limit of 10 persons per camp site, with the exception of certain group sites. Make sure you give everyone else a chance to enjoy the area, just as you do!

Vehicles

Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their vehicles in accordance with posted regulations and applicable Federal, State, and local laws just like everywhere else! Motorized travel is restricted on many roads to protect wildlife habitat and other resources. Information about travel limitations is available at Ranger District offices. Allow plenty of time for all motorized outings and please drive safely.

Pets and Animals

Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. Saddle or pack animals are only allowed where authorized by posted instructions.

The forest has its share of animals as well. Please be considerate and safe around them: they ARE wild, no matter how tame they may seem at the time. Some areas of the Kootenai are bear country; please check bulletin boards at the specific sites for more information.

Fireworks and Explosives

Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.

General Notice

All visitors and users of the National Forests are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed above are included and enforceable through Federal Regulations.

Last but not Least......

Our final rule: enjoy your visit! Plan to come back!

USDA Forest Service - Kootenai National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 24 June 2004 at 13:45:47 EDT