Idaho Campground Review
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Bells Bay Campground

πŸ“Œ Eastern Coeur d'Alene Lake Area πŸ“ 47.4744810,-116.8418010 β›° 2,350 ft
Bells Bay Campground
Bells Bay Campground is situated on a slope above Coeur d'Alene Lake. It is about half way down on the east side of the lake. Keep in mind that even though it is only 35 miles from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, it is an hour drive on the windy roads. There are many deer in these forests and we almost hit one in the middle of the day so be careful driving. There are beautiful rolling hills covered with forest and spotted with lakes. The lakes offer recreational opportunities as do the many trails. Biking the old railroad paths is very popular.

Amenities

Campsites
There are 16 campsites in Bells Bay Campground. Each is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit with attached grate. Campsites 6, 7, 8, and I believe 11 are tent only camping.
Water
Water is on a pressurized system and was clear and cool.
Restroom
There is a vault style outhouse in the campground which was clean and well stocked. There is another on the docks in the swimming area and two more older ones in the group campground.
Electricity
No.
Firewood
Firewood is available through the camp host for $7.00 per bundle.
Pets
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Picnic Area
There is a picnic area by the lake and swimming dock. However, there are only 3 tables.
Handicap Access
The outhouse in the campground is handicap accessible but nothing else would be considered handicap accessible.
RV Dump Site
There is an RV dump station at Harrison.
Host On-Site
Yes there is a host on site and he was very helpful.
Phone Service
There is a pay phone at Harrison just a short drive to the south and we had reception off and on throughout this area.
Garbage Services
Yes, there is garbage service.

Recreation

Fishing
Fishing is available in Coeur d'Alene Lake. Check the seasons and regulations from our Idaho Fishing Review page.
Boating
Boating is available on Coeur d'Alene Lake. However there is no boat access facilities here. Check out Mineral Ridge Public Boat Launch to the north and Harrison Marina and RV Park to the south.
Swimming
There is a swimming area with picnic tables, swimming dock and outhouse on the lake below Bells Bay Campground. There is no lifeguard so swimming is "at your risk".
Hiking
Since I love hiking I'm sure I would enjoy the Bell Bay Trail, a foot path that runs for a mile around the lake shore.
Recreation
Recreational activities include camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, photography and biking. Many of the old railroads have been converted to biking paths. I don't have good info on these paths but there is info at Harrison Chamber of Commerce and Outdoor Idaho did a show about them.
Wildlife
Deer are common. Elk, moose, fox, bear and smaller woodland animals can be found in the surrounding area. Birds are abundant.

Fees & Reservations

Fee Schedule
As of April 2017 the sites are $18.00 per day, your extra vehicle is another $8.00 and the Day Use area is $5.00. If you are camping here there is no fee for the day use area. The group site fee is $85.
Reservations
Campsites 2, 4, 9, 11 and 16 plus the "Group Campground" are reserveable at recreation.gov.
Fees & Res.
For the current fees and to reserve a campsite go to recreation.gov.

Getting There

From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho follow this GoogleMap.

7-Day Forecast

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This information is accurate as of the date of the review.