Sam Owen US Forest Service Campground

"Our family favorite. Campsites are decent, even after the storm took so many trees. Beach is awesome, especially the dog beach. Camp hosts are absolutely the best, friendly, helpful, can't say enough about them. Keep in mind, this is dry camping, no hookups whatsoever. And little to no cell reception, which is a plus in my mind."

"A huge National Forest Service campground that has spacious campsites and bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks, cold water only (no showers, bring own soap and hand towel to wash hands). This is bear country so all must keep a clean campsite. Bears have been known to come into campground. Deer sometimes also walk through campground. Rising Son and Skipping Stone loops have the best views of the lake, with easy trail access to beach. The other loops are just a bit further walk away, and are more settled back into the forest. Beach is great for launching a kayak or SUP. Lake Pend Oreille can get very wavy, especially in windy days. Waves can also swell bigger than usual because of boat traffic coming from all directions, so take caution while paddling to avoid getting swamping or tipped. Be aware that there can be heavy motorboat traffic coming and going to Beyond Hope Resort south of the campground, that shares some of the same bay area. Though there is a 200-feet no-wake buffer along the shoreline, not all boaters flow that rule, which can be dangerous for paddlers out further if boat drivers aren't laying attention. Do not swim in the boat lane, and be alert and cautious when paddling. The island that you see southwest of the campground is private property and largely undeveloped (dock only). You can paddle south from the campground, following the shoreline around the peninsula and see some huge homes and an RV lakefront "resort." Best to do this early morning before wind and waves pickup. As of summer 2019, the campground concessionaire offered kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Campground's boat launch and dock divides the dog-friendly beach from the day-use beach with a designated swimming area (no lifeguards). All the beach area north of the dock (to the right) allows pets. But please don't let your dog defecate in the lake water or directly on the lake shore, and pick-up and dispose of dog waste (use garbage bins in campground, no cans near beach)."

"Not great weather but what a fantastic place! The surroundings are just so beautiful. We saw a moose, ride bikes, went for a hike to the Sam Owen graveyard and played on the beach. The campground is well maintained and clean. Staff was helpful and kind. We love this place and will be back for sure."

"I absolutely love the scenery and the lake here, but there is pretty much NO grass, and it is overpriced by a long shot. You even have to pay for parking to visit friends camping there. And this place is no where near nice enough for that."

"Great campground near Sandpoint. We will definitely be back."