Bells Bay Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Bells Bay Campground

Bells Bay Campground is situated on a slope above Coeur d'Alene Lake. It is about half way down on the east side of the lake. Keep in mind that even though it is only 35 miles from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, it is an hour drive on the windy roads. There are many deer in these forests and we almost hit one in the middle of the day so be careful driving. There are beautiful rolling hills covered with forest and spotted with lakes. The lakes offer recreational opportunities as do the many trails. Biking the old railroad paths is very popular.

Campsites: There are 16 campsites in Bells Bay Campground. Each is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit with attached grate. Campsites 6, 7, 8, and I believe 11 are tent only camping.

Host on Site: Yes there is a host on site and he was very helpful.

Water: Water is on a pressurized system and was clear and cool.

Garbage Services: Yes, there is garbage service.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There is a vault style outhouse in the campground which was clean and well stocked. There is another on the docks in the swimming area and two more older ones in the group campground.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouse in the campground is handicap accessible but nothing else would be considered handicap accessible.

Firewood: Firewood is available through the camp host for $7.00 per bundle.

Pets: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area: There is a picnic area by the lake and swimming dock. However, there are only 3 tables.

Recreation: Recreational activities include camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, photography and biking. Many of the old railroads have been converted to biking paths. I don't have good info on these paths but there is info at Harrison Chamber of Commerce and Outdoor Idaho did a show about them.

Fishing: Fishing is available in Coeur d'Alene Lake. Check the seasons and regulations from our Idaho Fishing Review page.

Boating: Boating is available on Coeur d'Alene Lake. However there is no boat access facilities here. Check out Mineral Ridge Public Boat Launch to the north and Harrison Marina and RV Park to the south.

Swimming: There is a swimming area with picnic tables, swimming dock and outhouse on the lake below Bells Bay Campground. There is no lifeguard so swimming is "at your risk".

Hiking: Since I love hiking I'm sure I would enjoy the Bell Bay Trail, a foot path that runs for a mile around the lake shore.

Wildlife: Deer are common. Elk, moose, fox, bear and smaller woodland animals can be found in the surrounding area. Birds are abundant.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Beauty Creek Campground and Harrison Marina and RV Park.

Phone service: There is a pay phone at Harrison just a short drive to the south and we had reception off and on throughout this area.

Nearby Services: Camping supplies such as food, pop, dinner, snacks and propane can be found at Harrison also.

RV Dumping Site: There is an RV dump station at Harrison.

Location/Driving instructions: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho follow this GoogleMap.

Coordinates: 47.4744810,-116.8418010

Elevation: 2350 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2012

Fees And Reservations: Campsites 2, 4, 9, 11 and 16 plus the "Group Campground" are reserveable at recreation.gov. As of April 2017 the sites are $18.00 per day, your extra vehicle is another $8.00 and the Day Use area is $5.00. If you are camping here there is no fee for the day use area. The group site fee is $85.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.