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camping tips

Essential Packing List for Harrison Bluffs

June 15, 2024 · Harrison Bluffs

Essential Packing List for Harrison Bluffs

Planning your trip to Harrison Bluffs? Here's everything you need for a comfortable stay in Idaho's beautiful lakeside setting.

Shelter & Sleeping

  • Tent (check your site's capacity — most sites fit 2 tents)
  • Sleeping bags rated for 30°F+ (nights can be cool, even in summer)
  • Sleeping pads or air mattresses
  • Extra blankets
  • Pillows

Cooking & Food

  • Cooler with ice (nearest store is in Harrison, about 5 minutes)
  • Camp stove and fuel
  • Pots, pans, and cooking utensils
  • Plates, cups, and silverware
  • Biodegradable dish soap and sponge
  • Trash bags (pack it in, pack it out!)
  • Water bottles (bring plenty — no water hookups)
  • Firewood (available locally, do NOT bring wood from out of state)

Clothing

  • Layers — Idaho mountain weather changes quickly
  • Rain jacket
  • Warm fleece or hoodie for evenings
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Sandals or water shoes for the lake
  • Sun hat and sunglasses

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Bug spray
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight or headlamp (plus extra batteries)
  • Fire starter (matches or lighter)
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Duct tape (you'd be surprised how handy it is)

Recreation

  • Bikes (the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is right nearby!)
  • Fishing gear and Idaho fishing license
  • Kayak or paddleboard
  • Binoculars for bird watching
  • Camera
  • Books, cards, or games for campfire time
  • Star chart or astronomy app (the stargazing here is incredible!)

For RV Campers

If you're staying at our RV park (power and water hookups provided), also bring:

  • Hoses and adapters for water hookup
  • Power cord for electrical hookup
  • Extension cords if needed
  • Leveling blocks

Pro Tips

  1. Fill up on water at Harrison City Park before heading to camp
  2. Download offline maps — cell service can be spotty
  3. Arrive before dark — the bluffs are beautiful but the roads are rural
  4. Check fire conditions before your trip at Idaho Fire Info
  5. Bring cash — some Harrison businesses are cash-only

Happy camping! 🏕️