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Campgrounds reopening by Memorial Day, but spring conditions wetter than normal

| May 26, 2022 1:00 AM

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is offering a few updates on campgrounds and some tips for having a fun and safe camping season.

Due to the cool and wet spring across north Idaho, most Forest Service campgrounds have more snow and ice than is typical for this time of year. Visitors should expect more mud and snow in and around campgrounds this Memorial Day than what they’ve experienced in the past.

CAMPGROUNDS

Concessionaire-operated campgrounds below will open for reservations between Tuesday, May 22, and Friday, May 27. Sites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. Campgrounds on the Coeur d’ Alene River Ranger District retain some sites as first come, first served.

Open May 20:

Priest Lake Ranger District: Reeder Bay, Luby Bay, Osprey and Outlet Bay campgrounds

Sandpoint Ranger District: Sam Owen campground

Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District: Kit Price, Devil’s Elbow, Mokins Bay, Bell Bay and Beauty Creek campgrounds.

Open May 27:

Priest Lake Ranger District: Beaver Creek Campground

Bumblebee Campground will remain closed this year for hazard tree removal.

Several Forest Service-operated campgrounds will also open May 27. Boat-in campsites on Bartoo and Kalispell Islands at Priest Lake are available for reservation on www.recreation.gov. All other campgrounds have no reservation system. They include the other boat-in sites on the Priest Lake Ranger District, at Lake Pend Oreille on the Sandpoint Ranger District, the St. Joe Ranger District campgrounds along the lower St. Joe River corridor, and campgrounds on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District.

Shadowy St. Joe campground will be closed this season for reconstruction work funded through the federal Great America Outdoors Act and a Recreation Vehicle Fund grant from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

CONDITIONS

Ground conditions are very saturated right now. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource damage while driving into any of the more than 1,400 dispersed camping sites across the forest. Furthermore, trail conditions are muddy, wet, and snow-covered in places.

Visitors are always encouraged to be aware of their surroundings when recreating in the national forest, especially when selecting a campsite. Some trees may have been weakened by a windstorm, a wildfire, or because they’re dead or dying. Hazardous trees are not always apparent at first glance. They are especially dangerous when the wind is blowing. For more information on hazardous trees, download the IPNF Hazard Tree Safety Flyer.

Visitors are asked to watch out for wildlife and provide them plenty of space. Food should be stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers. Proper food storage is required if you are recreating on National Forest System lands north of the Clark Fork River, Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River.

Please also be careful with fire this summer as conditions begin to dry out. Be sure to pack a shovel and a bucket for extinguishing your campfire. Never leave your campfire unattended. Before leaving your campsite, douse the fire with water, stir, and check your campfire for heat with your bare hand.

Info: www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf/.