Sam Owen

Overview

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.

Recreation

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.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

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.

The well-loved campground shares a peninsula with the Sam Owen Game Preserve, which provides plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up close. Deer are very easy to spot, and watching for unique birds is a rewarding activity.

Nearby Attractions

The Pend Oreille Scenic Byway is well worth exploring.

Camp site features

Across 78 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 78 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 78 sites
  • ADA accessible: 1 of 78 sites
  • Longest RV: 60 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

From Sandpoint, take State Highway 200 east 21 miles. Turn right on Peninsula Road (County Road 1028) and continue 1 mile to the recreation area.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

300 reviews
5 stars
172
4 stars
67
3 stars
32
2 stars
22
1 stars
7
Tanya Z
Loop:Reds
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We love this campground. This was the first time we stayed down closer to the lake. It was challenging getting our 30 foot rig into the spot. We don't have any problems up in the other loops but we were after sunshine for our solar. The bathrooms are clean and were floating toilets so l which was a delight.
Mark R
Loop:Leaf
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Loved everything about it and the camp hosts were equally amazing, however, the price they charge for Wood was really steep. Other than that everything was great and we loved our trip.
Jack S
Loop:Danc
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great camping experience at the end of the season. Such a lovely place.
Steve M
Loop:Ston
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Camp site included one extra vehicle on arrival i was told that my motor home was the extra vehicle and was charged 10 a day for my car but if had a trailer pulled by a truck it is one vehicle. In the day use areas it says 10 to 8 for day use except for campers gate was locked at at 8:15 i was locked out and had to leave my boat tied to a tree this gave my wife great anxiety.
Michael M
Loop:Danc
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Sam Owen's has largely recovered from the windstorm several years ago that took out more than half of the trees. We tend to camp in the back sections where it is a bit quieter than along the lake. Pearl's restaurant is always a great spot for lunch right next to the swim beach with an awesome view of the lake and marina. Bathrooms were very clean and the host had ice for sale which saves a long drive back to town. The hosts were so helpful and friendly.
Blaine L
Loop:Danc
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful campground
Availability

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Season dates

Peak season

May 19, 2028 – Sep 24, 2028

Reservable online

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