Smith Lake Campground
4.3318 reviewsSmith Lake Campground, Smith Lake Road, Bonners Ferry, ID
Smith Lake 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 for this site. Camping is free of charge.
About this campground
Tucked away in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Smith Lake Campground offers a serene escape where seven intimate campsites border the tranquil waters of a pristine mountain lake. This hidden gem provides adventurers with free camping and a back-to-basics experience, complete with vault toilets, fresh potable water, and a convenient boat ramp for launching your watercraft. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, gliding across the glassy water in a kayak, or simply savoring a lakeside picnic under the canopy of towering trees, this peaceful retreat delivers the authentic wilderness experience that modern life often lacks.
Smith Lake Campground primarily caters to tent campers and those with small RVs or trailers. It features primitive camping with no fees, as stated in the official data, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Users often describe the sites as better suited for tents.
Weather and SeasonsSmith Lake transforms with the seasons, offering a brief but brilliant window of accessibility from June through September when the high mountain snows finally yield to wildflower meadows and warm sunshine. During these precious summer months, visitors enjoy ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with crisp mornings perfect for fishing and pleasantly warm afternoons made for swimming and exploring. The elevation keeps temperatures comfortable even during peak summer, though wise campers pack layers for cool mountain evenings. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forest erupts in golden hues before winter's blanket once again closes this mountain sanctuary until the following year.
ElevationPerched high in the northern Rockies, Smith Lake Campground sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and clean, and the landscape shifts from dense forest to alpine meadows. This lofty position means winter holds sway for much of the year, but rewards summer visitors with cooler temperatures and spectacular mountain vistas.
Natural Features and ScenerySmith Lake sparkles like a jewel set among emerald forests, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding canopy of evergreens. A wooden floating dock extends into the lake, creating the perfect launch point for early morning paddle adventures or quiet afternoon fishing expeditions. The campground itself is embraced by towering conifers that filter the sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor, creating natural cathedral-like spaces perfect for contemplation. Keep your eyes skyward – majestic bald eagles frequently patrol these waters, their distinctive white heads catching the light as they soar above the treetops in search of their next meal.
Geological RegionSmith Lake Campground rests within the dramatic landscape of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain of forested ridges, hidden valleys, and crystalline mountain lakes. This corner of the northern Rockies showcases the region's characteristic blend of dense coniferous forests, granite outcroppings, and glacier-carved basins filled with pristine waters. The small lake itself is a testament to the area's glacial past, its basin carved by ice and now cradled by the surrounding peaks that define this rugged corner of the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly provided in any source.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as small and better suited for tents than campers. Jason O remarks, "Very small campsites. Some of the spots would have a hard time finding level ground." David Owley notes trailers of up to 25 feet can fit.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are generally well-spaced. Mark Haskell mentions, "The seven sites were well spaced," though Jason O notes that some sites are close together.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviewers recommend this campground for tent camping due to smaller campsite sizes and uneven ground, which may be challenging for larger RVs.
Best CampsitesSpecific best campsites were not identified; however, users note that sites are generally well-spaced.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24 hours/day
- no specific check-in time.
Check-out
- Open 24 hours/day
- no specific check-out time.
Stay Limit
First come, first served. No explicit mention of stay limitation.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features seven campsites that are mostly well spaced. Some are reported to be close together and on uneven ground.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June through September.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; the campground is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly first-come, first-served availability is offered, with seven campsites available.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Smith Lake Campground provides a range of outdoor activities centered around its natural features. Official sources highlight fishing, swimming, picnicking, and other water activities. User reviews reflect positive experiences, with Erica Brunson noting the opportunity to kayak, swim, and fish. Wildlife viewing is also a noted activity, as Erica Brunson mentioned seeing a bald eagle regularly during her stay.
Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity at the campground. According to user reviews, the lake is well-suited for fishing, with Kasey True mentioning two fishing docks and Charlie W describing it as "a fishing lake..."Swimming
Swimming is available and enjoyed at Smith Lake. Erica Brunson includes it among the activities campers can partake in, alongside kayaking and fishing.Boating
Boating activities are supported with a boat ramp on site. Mark Haskell mentions a "small lake has a floating dock for fishing and a launch for kayaks."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity, with Erica Brunson describing a bald eagle that "roosts near the lake" and was seen daily during her stay.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly detailed, though access during winter might be limited due to snowpack, as mentioned in the official description.Water Sports
Kayaking is specifically mentioned as a water sport supported by the lake, per user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be restricted depending on fire restrictions (e.g., Stage 2 Fire Restrictions).
Hazards
General hazardsYellow jackets are a common issue, as noted by multiple reviewers. Seasonal access also depends on snowpack, and some campsites reportedly have uneven ground.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The nearest emergency services are at Bonners Ferry, which is 5 miles away. The Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office is available for inquiries.
Good to know
Peak season datesTypically open from June to September; no specific peak season pricing.
Trash and recyclingTrash must be carried out, as stated by Sock Hawk: "Trash must be carried out."
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated next to Smith Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include the presence of yellow jacket nests and uneven campsites. One reviewer also mentioned noise disturbances from 'people hot-rodding around the lake.'
HostThere is no on-site campground host.
Campground Map
Smith Lake Campground, Smith Lake Road, Bonners Ferry, ID
Driving directionsTravel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry Ranger District Office for 5.0 miles. Turn right at Smith Lake Road (Country Road #36) and follow for 2.3 miles to lake and campground.
Access to the campground is through County Road #36, which is described in reviews as being 'very washboard' and can be challenging. Seasonal access depends on snowpack.Nearby places
Bonners Ferry (5 miles, approximately 10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are likely available in Bonners Ferry, located 5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
18 reviews
Smith Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's peaceful environment and range of activities. Clean facilities and the free cost of camping are major draws, though some issues like wasp nests and poor cell phone reception are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the peaceful setting, well-maintained vault toilets, free camping, and the range of water-based activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Wildlife sightings, such as a...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the presence of wasp nests, poor cell phone reception, and small or uneven campsites. Wendy Childs mentions noisy nights and issues with road conditions.
Based on 18 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest coming prepared for self-contained camping and being cautious of wasp nests. Bringing firewood and sufficient supplies is recommended due to the lack of a camp store.
Based on 18 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most active during the summer months (June to September), which aligns with its official operational season. Off-season visits are quieter but may be limited by snowpack.
Based on 18 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Wonderful campground with a beautiful lake to kayak, swim, fish you name it," - Erica Brunson. "Very small campsites. Some of the spots would have a hard time finding level ground," - Jason O. "Nice...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are sparse, though users note the small size of sites and the proximity of some sites to one another.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, and Nicole Duke highlights that the campsites are "kid & pet friendly."
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025