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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. For the most current season dates, please visit recreation.gov.

 

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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