Sam Owen sits among the stunning landscapes of Idaho Panhandle National Forests in Idaho . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.

Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are May-sep when the weather is most comfortable .

🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.

🏕️ At a Glance

⛺ Sites: 50
🚙 Max RV: 35 feet ft
🏛️ Agency: Usda Forest Service
🚻 Restrooms: Yes
💧 Water: Yes
🐕 Pets: Allowed
🚿 Showers: No
🥾 Hiking: Available
🦅 Birding: 100/100 (Pacific Flyway)
⏱️ Stay Limit: 14 days
💲 Nightly Fee: $25-35
📅 Reservations: Required (Recreation.gov)
🌆 Best Seasons: May-sep
📍 GPS: 48.2167, -116.2831
🆔 Facility ID: 232202

💳 Booking & Fees

📅 Reservations: Required - Book on Recreation.gov →
💵 Nightly Fee: $25-35
📋 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.

⏰ Stay Limit: 14 days
💡 Tip: Book early for peak season (May-sep). Sites can fill up months in advance.

💧 Water Access & Features

🔒 PLUS+ Content
Unlock distance to water, flow data, water availability details, and safety information for this campground.
📏 Distance✅ Availability🗺️ All Sources💡 Safety Tips
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📸 Discover the Beauty of Idaho Panhandle National Forests

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.

🌞 May-sep

🦅 Peak birding: May, Jun, Aug

🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings

Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.

🔒 PLUS+ Content
Unlock real-time wildlife sightings from iNaturalist community scientists near this campground, including photos, species names, and observation dates.
🦅 Birds🦌 Mammals🦎 Reptiles📸 Photos
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Sam Owen located in Idaho, offering 50 camping sites.

Sam Owen

A Rural campground in Idaho

📍
Location
, Idaho
💰
Fees
$25-35

Stay Limit
14 days
🚌
Max RV Length
35 feet
🐾
Pets
Available
📡
Cell Coverage
Verizon: Fair
AT&T: Fair
T-Mobile: Poor

Overview

Sam Owen Campground Is Situated on a Peninsula on the East Side of Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, at an Elevation of 2,000 Feet. the Lake Spans 82,088 Acres and Has 125 Miles of Shoreline. Sam Owen Campground Is Situated on a Peninsula on the East Side of Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, at an Elevation of 2,000 Feet.

the Well-Loved Campground Shares a Peninsula with the Sam Owen Game Preserve, Which Provides Plenty of Opportunities to See Wildlife Up Close.

Nearby Attractions

the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway Is Well Worth Exploring. Sam Owen Campground Is Nestled on the Banks of Lake Pend Oreille in a Densely Wooded Forest of Pine and Cedar. Popular Activities Include Hiking, Canoeing, Swimming and Boating in Summer, and Skiing in Winter.

a Beach Draws Crowds of Sunbathers and Swimmers. Visitors Also Like to Hike the Half-Mile, Accessible Sam Owen Trail #4. the Trail Reaches a Beautiful Vista of Owens Bay, Where Hikers Can Rest on Benches and Take in the Astonishing View.

Anglers Take Pleasure in Catching Kamloops, Dolly Varden, Northern Pike, Trout and Catfish. a Boat Ramp and Dock Are Located on-Site.

Amenities Include a Picnic Area, Paved Overflow Parking Areas and an Amphitheater for Educational Programs. Campsites Do Not Have Electric Hookups But a Group Picnic Shelter Has Electricity and Lights. Accessible Flush Toilets, Drinking Water and a Dump Station Are Provided. Deer Are Very Easy to Spot, and Watching for Unique Birds Is a Rewarding Activity.Managed by: Usda Forest Service

Site Details

Campsite Information

  • Total Sites: 50
  • Hookup Types: Electric
  • Max RV Length: 35 feet

Amenities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: Available
  • 🚿 Showers: No
  • 🗑️ Dump Station: Available
  • 💧 Potable Water: Available
  • 🛝 Playground: No
  • 🧺 Laundry: False
  • 📶 WiFi: False
  • 🏊 Swimming: Available
  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available

Map & Location

Address & Coordinates

Address: 1242 Hope Peninsula Road

City: , Idaho 83836.0

Coordinates: 48.2166667, -116.2830556

Area Type: Rural

Phone:

Activities & Attractions

Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|swimming|hiking|picnic|dump-station|hookups|electric|water|beach|lake|trail|rv|shelter|amphitheater

Available Activities:

  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available
  • 🏊 Swimming: Available

Regulations & Permits

🔥 Stay Limits & Fees

Maximum Stay: 14 days

Nightly Fee: $25-35

Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)

📋 Reservations

Reservations: Yes

Book on Recreation.gov

🌤️ Weather & Climate

83.5°F
Summer High
22.2°F
Winter Low
24.39″
Annual Precip
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
May-sep
Best Visit Time

📱 Connectivity

Verizon

Fair Signal

LTE

AT&T

Fair Signal

LTE

T-Mobile

Poor Signal

4G

📺 Television Reception

Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS

Signal Quality: Fair

Total Stations: 6 stations

Nearest Market: BOISE/TWIN FALLS

Notes: Signals FROM BOISE/TWIN FALLS MARKET

📻 Radio Reception

Total Stations: 15 stations (5 AM, 10 FM)

AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Fair

Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK

Local News: KIDO 580 Am

Market: BOISE

Notes: 5 AM, 10 FM Stations from Boise

🔌 EV Charging

⚡ City of Sandpoint – Tesla Destination

Distance: 12.7 miles away

Address: 54 Bridge St, Sandpoint, ID

Network: tesla-destination

Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • Tesla

Essential Information

Park System Information

Park Classification & Structure

  • Park Type: National Forests
  • Parks Post Name: idaho-panhandle-national-forests
  • Parent Park Name: Idaho Panhandle National Forests
  • Correct Park Type Mapping: idaho-panhandle-national-forests

System Statistics

  • Total Campgrounds in System: 33.0
  • States Covered: Idaho, Arizona
  • Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service

System IDs & References

  • Parent Organization ID: 131.0
  • Parent Recreation Area ID: 1011
  • Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
  • Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1011, 1011.0

URL Slugs & Navigation

  • State Slug: idaho
  • Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
  • Park Type Slug: national-forests
  • Parent Park Slug: idaho-panhandle-national-forests

Additional Park Information

Welcome to Idaho Panhandle National Forests! This Beautiful Destination Features 33 Campgrounds Across Idaho, Arizona. Managed by Usda Forest Service, This Location Offers Incredible Camping Opportunities for Every Type of Outdoor Enthusiast.

Data Reference Notes

Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service

232202 Sam Owen