Robinson Lake Campground
4.5622 reviews6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Robinson Lake Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Peak Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Single campsite fee is $15/night, additional vehicle fee is $5/night. During the non-peak season (when water is turned off), there is no fee. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of northern Idaho's Kaniksu National Forest, Robinson Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This tranquil retreat wraps around the shores of a sparkling 60-acre lake, where the gentle murmur of nearby Gillon Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay. Each campsite comes equipped with modern conveniences including potable water, accessible vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, spotting elusive forest birds through the morning mist, or exploring winding forest trails, this hidden gem delivers an authentic outdoor experience without sacrificing essential comforts.
Robinson Lake Campground includes 10 combined tent and RV sites, with facilities such as vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. No reservations are available, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificancePerched near the storied Canadian border, Robinson Lake Campground serves as your gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest's most treasured natural landmarks. The nearby Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars stands as a living monument to centuries past, where towering giants have witnessed the passage of time since before European settlement. These sacred groves and surrounding wilderness have long provided sanctuary for native wildlife and continue to inspire visitors with their timeless majesty and the stories whispered through their ancient boughs.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Robinson Lake into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm days that beckon swimmers to the crystal-clear waters and create perfect conditions for lakeside picnics and trail adventures. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air and changing leaves paint the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons. The campground welcomes visitors from late May through early September, timing its season to showcase the region at its finest. While winter brings a blanket of snow and crystalline frost to this mountain retreat, the campground rests quietly, preparing for another spectacular summer season.
ElevationAt 2,800 feet above sea level, Robinson Lake Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Idaho mountains where crisp, pine-scented air invigorates your senses. This modest elevation creates a refreshing mountain climate that offers welcome relief from summer heat while painting early mornings with delicate frost even in warmer months. The altitude enhances every sunset with spectacular clarity and transforms each breath into a reminder that you've truly escaped to the mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryEncircled by towering evergreens that seem to touch the sky, Robinson Lake mirrors the surrounding forest in its glassy 60-acre surface, creating a photographer's dream at every turn. Gillon Creek weaves through the landscape like a silver ribbon, its gentle babbling joining the chorus of Stellar's Jays and Chestnut-Backed Chickadees that call this forest home. Well-maintained trails wind through the verdant understory, where interpretive signs reveal the secrets of this thriving ecosystem. From dawn's first light dancing on the water to the golden hour's warm embrace of ancient trees, every moment here offers a new perspective on Idaho's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionDeep within the heart of the Kaniksu National Forest, Robinson Lake Campground showcases the raw beauty of northern Idaho's geological tapestry. This pristine 60-acre lake, carved by ancient forces and cradled by forested ridges, represents the perfect marriage of water and woodland. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and stream, where Gillon Creek has patiently sculpted its path through the terrain over countless seasons. Dense coniferous forests cloak the rolling hills, creating a wilderness sanctuary that feels worlds away from civilization while remaining wonderfully accessible to those seeking authentic mountain experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThree of the campsites are accessible for individuals with disabilities, and vault toilets are handicap accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as nicely sized by user reviews, accommodating tents and small groups.
Sites PrivacySites are closely situated with minimal privacy, according to user reviews.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest bringing bug spray, and some note that tent areas are well-prepared with raked soil and framed wooden boundaries.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as superior within the campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard tent sites accommodate up to 8 guests.
Groups
No specific information about group camping sites is mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 campsites arranged close to one another, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets available. Accessible sites are included.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 26 to September 10, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are permitted for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Campground may fill quickly during peak season weekends.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not accepted; sites are first-come, first-served. Therefore, cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Robinson Lake Campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating with non-motorized equipment, and picnicking. The lake includes docks for swimming and fishing, and nearby trails provide easy hiking experiences and birdwatching opportunities.
Hiking
The campground offers the Water, Woods, and Wildlife Trail, a 1-mile loop, and the Robinson Lake Trail System with several trails totaling 4 miles. Trails are easy and take hikers into a wilderness-like setting. User reviews describe them as pleasant and well-maintained.Fishing
Fishing at Robinson Lake includes rainbow and brook trout, bass, and sunfish. User reviews highlight enjoyable fishing experiences and mention a notable large-mouth bass near the dock.Swimming
The campground features a swimming dock with a ladder, separate from the fishing dock. User reviews note warm water conditions but mention the brown color of the lake water.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted on Robinson Lake. Power boats are limited to electric motors.Wildlife viewing
Robinson Lake offers birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of wood ducks, herons, Stellar's jays, and chestnut-backed chickadees. User reviews also mention bald eagle sightings during spring.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation opportunities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are possible, as indicated by user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, bugs, and challenging weather in the off-season, such as snow and freezing temperatures.
Active alertsThere are no current advisories or closures specifically mentioned.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office (Phone: 208-267-5561, Address: 6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805). Closest hospital and police services are in Bonners Ferry.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, meaning campers are responsible for removing their own trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to Robinson Lake (60 acres) and Gillon Creek. A swimming dock, fishing dock, and boat ramp are located nearby.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention a lack of privacy between campsites due to their close proximity and limited understory growth. Others cite issues with payment envelopes and camp hosts.
HostThe camp host has been described as friendly and helpful by several users. Hosts ensure the campground is clean and maintain the facilities.
Campground Map
6286 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Driving directionsTravel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry Ranger District for 27.0 miles (stay right at US 95 and Idaho 1 junction). Turn left at Robinson Lake Campground, Road #448, and continue 0.3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; however, Road #448 requires a turn-off from US 95 and may involve navigating rural terrain. Seasonal closures may apply based on weather conditions.Nearby places
Bonners Ferry: 27 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car
Eastport (Canadian border): 6 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for RV waste facilities is Chevron gas station on US 95 in Bonners Ferry. Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Bonners Ferry, approximately 27 miles south of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
22 reviews
Robinson Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Robinson Lake Campground as peaceful, family-friendly, and well-maintained, with enjoyable fishing, hiking, and swimming opportunities. However, some reviewers mention limited privacy due to closely spaced campsites and concerns about payment security.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, potable water availability, scenic trails, good fishing opportunities, swimming and fishing docks, respectful camp hosts, and free firewood during the...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns include campsites being close together with minimal privacy, gloomy conditions due to dense tree cover, and issues with payment security involving cash envelopes.
Based on 22 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing cash for payments, bug spray due to insects, and visiting during the off-season for free camping. Some reviewers suggest exploring hiking trails and enjoying bird-watching...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring is highlighted for fishing and bald eagle sightings. Summer reviews praise swimming activities but note insects and warm lake water. Winter data is unavailable, though off-season camping is...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nicely kept campground close to Canada. 10 sites, first come first served, $15 a night. Potable water was on and the vault toilets were clean." (Corey Johnson) "Peaceful and well equipped for a...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users mention each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, and tent areas are framed with flat soil. No specific sites are identified as better or worse.
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
Three campsites and vault toilets are handicap accessible, but no detailed user reviews address accessibility experiences.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025