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Bell Bay. Photo by Elizabeth Sayre

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Bell Bay Campground

Photo by Elizabeth Sayre

​Bell Bay Campground is located southeast of Coeur d’Alene, ID on the east shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake.  It consists of two loops; the lower loop has 16 sites. The upper loop is used primarily as a group site for up to 75 people, but when not reserved, can be used as 10 single sites if needed. There is a day use area on the lakeshore with 3 picnic tables, which can be accessed by a short and steep trail, or a longer trail with switchbacks (neither trail provides ADA-accessible access). Two docks are available for those who would like to boat in to the day use area.

 

Prices: (cash & check only, credit cards are not accepted)

 

$24 per night

$10 per extra vehicle

$112 for group site (up to 75 people)

$8 for day use

$52 day use season pass

$7 per bundle of firewood

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Reservations: Available at recreation.gov. The group site can be reserved one year prior to the first day of your camping stay. All other sites can be reserved 6 months prior to the first day of your camping stay.

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Directions: From the city of Coeur d’Alene travel east on Interstate 90 to Exit 22 (Harrison-St. Maries), then turn right (south) on State Highway 97. Follow the highway for approximately 29 miles. Turn right at fire station onto East Point Road (road #314, which is a gravel road). Continue 3 miles to fork in road.  Take Lower Loop and follow road straight into the campground.  See map below.

 

Open Dates: Opens one week before Memorial Day weekend (on Friday).  Closes the last Monday in September.

 

Amenities: Pressurized drinking water, vault toilets, garbage cans.

 

Nearby: A trail connects the upper and lower loops and offers scenic vistas and several benches.  The Bell Bay Trail goes along the lake shore for a mile.  The lake offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, power boating and canoeing.

 

The campground is 3 miles north of the small town of Harrison, ID.  Harrison has ATMs available in a small convenience store and at a pub.  Harrison has bike rentals available and bike paths - one is 20 miles long, another is 70 miles long.  2 boat launches are available between Bell Bay and Harrison.

 

The nearest gas station is 18 miles away in St. Maries. St. Maries also has a 24 hour grocery store and a bank with an ATM.

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See more campgrounds managed by Scenic Canyons in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

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For more information, visit the Forest Service website.

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