RV Camping on Lake Coeur d'Alene: A Guide to Parks and Sites Near the Water
Lake Coeur d'Alene is one of the premier RV destinations in the Pacific Northwest. A 25-mile glacial lake surrounded by mountains and forest, it offers the rare combination of stunning natural beauty and enough nearby services to make RV travel comfortable. Whether you are passing through on a longer road trip or planning a dedicated week on the water, the lake has options worth knowing about.
That said, not all RV parks near Lake Coeur d'Alene are created equal. Some are essentially gravel lots near the highway. Others put you within view of the water but pack sites so tightly that you can hear your neighbor's television. Finding a spot that balances hookups, space, scenery, and peace takes a little research.
Here is what the RV camping landscape looks like around the lake, and how to choose the right fit for your trip.
The North Shore: Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls
Most RV travelers approach Lake Coeur d'Alene from Interstate 90, which runs along the north end of the lake near the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls. This is the most developed part of the region, with the widest selection of RV parks and the most services.
Pros: Easy interstate access, proximity to restaurants and shopping, multiple parks to choose from, some with resort-style amenities like pools and laundry facilities.
Cons: The parks here tend to be larger and more commercial. Sites can be close together, and the atmosphere leans more toward RV resort than wilderness getaway. Lake views are not guaranteed -- many parks in this area are set back from the water. Road and city noise can be a factor.
If your priority is convenience and amenities, the north shore works well. If you came to Idaho for the scenery and the quiet, keep reading.
The East Shore
The eastern side of Lake Coeur d'Alene is less developed, with winding roads and smaller communities. There are a few RV-friendly options along this stretch, though many are more rustic. Some forest service roads lead to dispersed camping areas where self-contained RVs can park, but these have no hookups and limited access for larger rigs.
The east shore is beautiful for day-tripping and scenic drives, but the RV infrastructure is limited compared to other parts of the lake.
The South Shore: Harrison and Beyond
The southern end of the lake around Harrison, Idaho is where things get interesting for RV campers who want something different.
Harrison is a small town of about 200 people, sitting at the point where the lake narrows toward the St. Joe River valley. The landscape here is more open than the forested north shore -- rolling bluffs, meadows, and elevated terrain that provides natural vantage points over the water.
This is where Harrison Bluffs RV Park is located, and it is worth explaining what makes the south shore experience distinct.
Harrison Bluffs RV Park
Our RV park has 10 sites along an elevated bluff overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene. Every site includes water and electrical hookups, a level parking pad, and an unobstructed view of the lake. The property is pet-friendly and accommodates rigs up to 50 feet on standard sites.
What sets Harrison Bluffs apart from larger parks:
The views are the real amenity. Every single site looks out over the lake. You are not craning your neck past another RV to catch a glimpse of water -- the panorama is right there from your door. Sunrises over the lake and golden-hour evenings are part of the daily routine here.
The spacing is generous. With only 10 sites on the property, you have room to breathe. There is no feeling of being parked in a row. The bluff setting creates natural separation between sites, and the overall atmosphere is quiet and unhurried.
Two premium combo sites (RV9 and RV10) offer something unusual: a full-hookup RV pad paired with a private tent camping area. These sites accommodate up to 6 guests and can handle rigs up to 100 feet. They are ideal for families who want RV convenience but also want the kids to have a tent camping experience alongside.
The location is practical. Downtown Harrison is a short drive away, with a general store, restaurants, and a public boat launch. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes trailhead is in town. The nearest dump station is at Harrison City Park. You have access to everything you need without being surrounded by development.
Heyburn State Park
About 10 miles south of Harrison, Heyburn State Park has RV-accessible campsites with electrical hookups. The park is set among old-growth forests along Chatcolet Lake and offers a developed campground experience with showers, flush toilets, and a boat launch. Sites book up quickly in the summer, so plan ahead.
Heyburn is a solid choice for those who want full state park amenities. The trade-off is that the campground is more crowded and the sites are closer together than what you will find at smaller private properties.
What to Look For in a Lake Coeur d'Alene RV Park
If you are comparing options, here are the factors that matter most for this area:
Hookups
Full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) are available at some of the larger parks near Coeur d'Alene city. Many smaller parks and campgrounds, including Harrison Bluffs, offer water and electric hookups. The nearest dump station to our RV park is at Harrison City Park, which is a short drive away.
Know your needs before you book. If you are staying for a week or more, sewer hookups at your site add convenience. For shorter stays, a nearby dump station works fine.
Site Size and Spacing
This is where parks vary dramatically. Some of the larger RV parks pack sites in tightly to maximize capacity. If you are in a smaller rig, this may not bother you. If you are traveling in a 40-foot Class A, you will appreciate parks that give you room to extend your slides, set up chairs, and not feel like you are in a parking lot.
At Harrison Bluffs, standard sites handle rigs up to 50 feet, and the premium sites go up to 100 feet. The bluff layout naturally spreads sites out.
Lake Views vs. Lake Access
These are two different things, and both matter. A park might advertise "lake views" but place you 200 yards from the water behind a row of trees. Others might be right on the water but at lake level, so your view is of the opposite shore rather than a sweeping panorama.
Harrison Bluffs is elevated above the lake, which gives you a wide-angle view from an elevated vantage point. Direct lake access for swimming and boating is available at Harrison City Park and the marina, a short drive from the property.
Season and Availability
Most RV parks in the Lake Coeur d'Alene area operate seasonally. Harrison Bluffs is open from May 1 through October 31. Peak demand runs from late June through August, so if you are planning a midsummer trip, book as early as you can.
The shoulder months of May, early June, September, and October offer cooler weather, fewer crowds, and often beautiful conditions. Fall color in the Idaho panhandle is spectacular, and fishing gets better as the water cools.
Practical Tips for RV Camping in the Area
A few things worth knowing before you head this way:
- Fuel up before leaving I-90. Gas stations are less frequent once you head south toward Harrison.
- Stock up on groceries in Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls. Harrison has a general store for basics, but selection is limited.
- Download offline maps. Cell coverage is adequate on Verizon and T-Mobile around Harrison but can be spotty in the surrounding hills.
- Generator hours at Harrison Bluffs are 9 AM to 9 PM, if you need supplemental power beyond your hookups.
- Bring leveling blocks. Even well-maintained pads can benefit from fine-tuning, especially on elevated terrain.
- Check road conditions if you are arriving in early May or late October. The season's first and last weeks can occasionally bring weather surprises.
Booking Your Stay
All reservations for Harrison Bluffs RV Park are made through Hipcamp. You can view site details, check availability, and reserve your dates from our RV park page. If you have questions about whether your rig will fit a particular site or need help choosing between standard and premium sites, feel free to reach out to us at (208) 254-0116.
Lake Coeur d'Alene is a destination that lives up to its reputation, and the right RV park can make all the difference in how you experience it. If you are looking for hookups, lake views, and a pace of life that reminds you why you got an RV in the first place, the south shore is worth the extra few miles.