Smith Lake Campground

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Smith Lake Campground

Smith Lake Campground is on the slope above Smith Lake. It is set in a mature forest with quite a bit of undergrowth which allows for some privacy in the campground. It is an older campground and some of the sites, as in most older campgrounds, are close together. This is a beautiful setting and the lake is picturesque. The facilities are OK, but one table was badly broken and I would worry about parties. However, when we were there, only one site was occupied and the fisherman at the lake certainly didn't resemble a party animal.

Campsites: There appears to be 7 camping sites, each having a picnic table and fire ring. They were nice roomy sites that our children would have loved!

Water: There may be water at the campground, but when we were there both pumps were disabled.

Garbage Services: No garbage services, pack it out with you.

Restroom: The restrooms are older vault style outhouses which were not the cleanest, but were in good condition.

Handicap Accessible: This campground is not handicap accessible.

Pets: There were no pet rules posted.

Recreation: The fishing in Smith Lake would be the attraction at this campground. Also, rustic uncrowded camping would be appealing. Loons nest around the lake so take care not to disturb them. There is a trail around the lake for a good hike.

Fishing: There is fishing in Smith Lake. There would be trout, but there could be other species as the elevation is low.

Boating: The campground has a boat ramp and dock.

Wildlife: There would certainly be deer in the area and could be elk. Bear live in this country so use caution with your food and garbage.

Phone service: There is no pay phone but we had reception on our ATT cell phones.

Nearby Services: Bonners Ferry is only 8.1 miles to the south and has full services available.

RV Dumping Site: No.

Location/Driving instructions: From Bonners Ferry, travel north on Hwy 95 for 5.6 miles. Turn right onto County Rd 36 and travel .4 miles to a sharp left onto Smith Lake Road. Travel another 1.1 miles to a slight right onto County Rd 36B/Smith Lake Rd which leads you to the campground in 1.1 more miles. This sounds simple enough and we did drive right to it but I found the road confusing. It looked more like we were going into an abandoned subdivision. Google Maps directions are very good for Smith Lake.

Coordinates: 48.7789220,-116.2641320

Elevation: 3036 Feet

Reviewed Date: June 2010

Fees And Reservations: The campground operates on a first come, first serve basis. This is a no fee campground.

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