Whiskey Rock Bay Campground
4.3414 reviews: null
Whiskey Rock Bay Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required to use this site.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Pend Oreille Lake, Whiskey Rock Bay Campground offers an intimate escape with just 9 thoughtfully placed camp units. Three coveted lakeside sites put you mere steps from the water's edge, while the remaining sites provide peaceful forest retreats. The campground welcomes day visitors with 4 dedicated picnic sites, each equipped with its own fire ring for afternoon gatherings. Modern vault toilets, a convenient boat dock, and a inviting swimming beach complete this waterfront haven, creating the perfect basecamp for your Idaho lake adventure.
The campground supports primitive camping with minimal facilities. It is suitable for tent camping and possibly RV camping, though access is challenging.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom the crisp mornings of May through the golden days of late October, Whiskey Rock Bay transforms with the seasons. Early spring campers bundle up against frosty mornings that give way to sunny afternoons, while summer visitors bask in warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a front-row seat to nature's grand finale, with cool evenings ideal for campfire stories and stargazing.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to mirror-like reflections on Pend Oreille Lake, where morning mist dances across one of Idaho's most spectacular bodies of water. Towering evergreens frame your camping experience, their fragrant boughs providing natural privacy and shade. The interplay of water and forest creates a stunning backdrop – watch eagles soar overhead, spot deer coming to drink at twilight, and enjoy unobstructed views across the expansive lake to distant mountain peaks.
Geological RegionSet within the breathtaking Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Whiskey Rock Bay sits along the shores of magnificent Pend Oreille Lake – a glacially-carved gem stretching over 40 miles through northern Idaho. This remarkable landscape showcases the region's dramatic geological history, where ancient glaciers sculpted deep valleys between rugged mountain ranges. The surrounding terrain offers a spectacular blend of dense coniferous forests cascading down mountainsides to meet the crystal-clear waters, creating a diverse ecosystem that defines the character of the inland Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes was provided.
Sites PrivacySome sites are directly on the lake, while others are positioned further away from the water. Privacy levels are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the water are recommended for better views and access.
Best CampsitesSeveral campsites offer lakeside views and direct access to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No information provided about group camping accommodations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are dispersed, with a mix of lakeside and forested spots.
Open and Closed SeasonMay–Late October
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews imply the campsites are first-come-first-served, with frequent high demand during weekends.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Whiskey Rock Bay Campground provides various recreational activities including picnicking, fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), and swimming. The swimming beach and dock are highlighted features.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the lake. Specific details about the types of fish or quality of fishing are not provided.Swimming
The campground has a swimming beach, which is frequently noted as a highlight by users. One user stated, 'The water in August is perfect,' suggesting favorable swimming conditions during that time of year.Boating
Boating is supported, with both motorized and non-motorized options available. There is a dock and a 'small boat launch,' but reviews mention it as 'very steep and primitive.'Beach activities
Beach-related activities such as swimming are highlighted amenities. The beach is described as functional but susceptible to misuse by some visitors, as noted in reviews.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the authoritative sources or reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are implied but not explicitly detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available. The rough road conditions may pose challenges for certain vehicles. Wildlife activity requires precautions, especially proper food storage.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Sandpoint Ranger District (208-263-5111)
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. One user noted, 'Some jerks left all of the trash by the bathrooms as if there is a garbage service there.' Campers are expected to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on Pend Oreille Lake, featuring a dock and swimming beach.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention loud boaters disturbing peace late into the night, poor road conditions, and lack of garbage services.
Hostnull
Campground Map
: null
Driving directionsBy road: From Clark Fork drive south on Road 278 (Johnson Creek Road) and continue 30 miles to the site. By boat: The site is located on the west shore of Pend Oreille Lake about 10 miles south of Garfield Bay.
User reviews mention that the road access is rough, with dirt roads requiring all-wheel drive and decent clearance. Some roads, like Lakeview Cutoff, should be avoided due to their difficulty.Nearby places
Clark Fork (~30 miles by road), Garfield Bay (~10 miles by water)
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
4.3
14 reviews
Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Whiskey Rock Bay Campground are mixed. Many praise the beautiful location and scenic views, but there are frequent complaints about disruptive behavior from other visitors, challenging access roads, and lack of amenities like potable water or trash services.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is frequently described as 'beautiful,' 'secluded,' and having 'perfect water' for swimming in the summer. The dock and swimming beach are highlighted as major assets.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from loud boaters and parties, especially on weekends, is a recurring issue. Other complaints include the poor condition of access roads, lack of potable water, and occasional cleanliness...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and toilet paper as these are not guaranteed. Arrive early to secure a campsite as spots fill up quickly. Use reliable maps and avoid using Google Maps, which reportedly gives...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summers are ideal for swimming and boating, but weekends often see more disruptive visitors. Access roads are challenging year-round but may be particularly problematic during wet seasons.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It’s a long drive in, and we hoped for some peace and quiet.'
2. 'Do not take Lakeview Cutoff Road.'
3. 'The campgrounds are beautiful, and the water in August is perfect.'
4. 'Bathrooms can get...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several users highlight the variability in campsite quality; some sites are on the lake while others are more secluded. Specific numbers are not provided.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address experiences with pets.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025