Benewah Lake Campground

For Idahoans, the allure of a peaceful lakeside retreat, surrounded by lush greenery and the promise of outdoor adventure, is undeniable. If you're a local seeking a genuine connection with nature without straying too far from essential comforts, Benewah Lake Campground, nestled within the historic Heyburn State Park in St. Maries, Idaho, offers a compelling option. This campground provides a serene setting ideal for quick getaways, immersing you in the beauty of one of Idaho's cherished state parks.

Benewah Lake Campground is well-regarded for its quiet atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, particularly during the vibrant spring and early summer months when the landscape is "nice and green" and the weather is "perfect." It's a place where you can truly appreciate the sounds of nature, with the benefit of well-maintained facilities and helpful information signs. While it caters to both tent and RV campers, it holds a special charm for those looking for a concise, impactful outdoor experience—perhaps a "quick 1 or 2 nighter just to be outdoors and appreciate nature."

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our fellow Idaho residents, with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Benewah Lake Campground. We'll delve into its beautiful location within Heyburn State Park, detail the services it offers (including important notes on pest control), and highlight its unique features that make it a suitable choice for your next Idaho adventure. Prepare to discover a campground that, despite minor challenges, remains a beloved spot for connecting with Idaho’s natural splendor.

Benewah Lake Campground is gracefully located within Heyburn State Park, with its address linked to St. Maries, ID 83861, USA. Heyburn State Park, established in 1908, holds the distinction of being the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest. It encompasses a vast area, including three lakes—Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes—and portions of the St. Joe River, making it a rich recreational destination.

The campground specifically sits on the shoreline of Benewah Lake, on the eastern side of Heyburn State Park. Access to the campground is straightforward, typically via well-maintained roads within the park. St. Maries, a nearby town, provides essential services, including gas, food, and other supplies, making it convenient for campers to resupply. While the park maintains its natural charm, the road access ensures that visitors can reach the campground with relative ease, whether in a car, tent, or RV.

The proximity to Benewah Lake itself is a key advantage, offering direct lake access with a boat launch area. While the boat ramp is noted as not being large, accommodating "only room for 1 boat to launch at a time," it provides essential access for fishing and enjoying the "no wake" waters of Benewah Lake, which are ideal for slower-moving fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes. The park also provides access to the renowned Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 72-mile paved trail perfect for biking, enhancing the overall accessibility and recreational opportunities.

Benewah Lake Campground, as part of Heyburn State Park, offers a range of services designed for a comfortable camping experience, though some specific details should be noted based on visitor feedback and general park information:

• Campsites (Tent and RV): The campground features a total of 37 campsites, including 21 tent-only sites and 16 sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers. There are both newly remodeled sites (15 of them) that offer water and electricity, with some even providing sewer hookups, and older, smaller sites, some very close to each other. All sites typically include a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Restrooms and Showers: A "big bathroom facility" is present, and reviews indicate that restrooms are "pretty clean." Showers are also available; while one review noted they "weren't the worst but also weren't the best," their presence is a significant amenity for campers. These facilities are often new or recently remodeled and are handicap accessible in the newer sections.
• Potable Water: Pressurized water is available at the newer sites and generally accessible throughout the older parts of the campground.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available within Heyburn State Park, usually near the visitors' center, providing a convenient facility for waste disposal.
• Self-Pay System: The campground operates on a "self-pay with envelopes you drop in the green box" system, allowing for flexible check-in.
• Information Signs: "Info signs were posted and are very helpful," providing important details about the campground and park rules.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on site, available to provide assistance and sell firewood.
• Garbage Services: Garbage disposal services are available, helping campers keep their sites clean.

Benewah Lake Campground boasts several appealing features that contribute to its charm and popularity among Idaho locals:

• Beautiful Scenery and Natural Environment: The campground is described as "super beautiful," especially in "early spring" when the "scenery is nice and green." Its location on the shore of Benewah Lake, surrounded by a mature forest with undergrowth, creates a picturesque and immersive natural setting.
• Lake Access and Boat Launch: Direct lake access and a small boat launch are key highlights, allowing for fishing and enjoyment of Benewah Lake, which is designated as a "no wake" lake, ideal for kayaks, canoes, and slow-moving fishing boats.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors generally find the campground "quiet," making it a suitable place for relaxation and appreciating nature without excessive noise.
• Proximity to Train Tracks and Bridge: A unique feature is the "short hike down to the train tracks" and a "beautiful bridge," offering interesting scenic views and photo opportunities, especially at sunset. (Caution regarding active trains is advised.)
• Thoughtful Amenities for RVs and Tents: The availability of both newly remodeled RV sites with hookups and quaint tent sites with grill pits caters to diverse camping preferences.
• Clean Facilities (Generally): The restrooms are noted for being "pretty clean," which is a significant positive for public campgrounds.
• Early Spring Benefits: Visiting in early spring offers the advantage of "perfect" weather—"not too cold but not too hot either"—and a notable absence of mosquitoes or wasps, as experienced by one reviewer.
• Cell Service Map: A very practical highlight is that "Someone was kind enough to draw and post a map of the nearest cell service in the area," which is "useful for emergency situations" in an area where connectivity might otherwise be sporadic.

Benewah Lake Campground is managed by Heyburn State Park. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, fees, specific site details, or current park conditions, it is best to contact Heyburn State Park directly.

Address: St Maries, ID 83861, USA (located within Heyburn State Park)

Phone: (208) 686-1308 (Heyburn State Park information/visitor center)

Reservations for sites within Heyburn State Park, including Benewah Campground, can often be made up to 9 months in advance through the statewide reservation system or via relevant state park websites. Note that some sites at Benewah Campground may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's advisable to check current policies when planning your trip.

Benewah Lake Campground in Heyburn State Park is an appealing destination for Idaho locals, offering a balanced outdoor experience that caters to a desire for natural beauty and accessible amenities. For those of us who call Idaho home, this campground provides a convenient and charming escape, perfect for appreciating the simpler joys of outdoor life.

One of its key strengths for locals is its ability to offer a quick yet immersive natural experience. Described as ideal for a "quick 1 or 2 nighter," it’s perfect for impromptu weekend getaways or short breaks without requiring extensive planning or travel. The "nice and green" scenery and "perfect" weather in early spring, coupled with the surprising absence of mosquitoes and wasps during that time, make it an especially attractive option for shaking off winter blues and enjoying the burgeoning outdoors.

While the proximity of campsites and the potential for summer bugs (especially mosquitoes) are noted, these are often part and parcel of experiencing Idaho's wild beauty. Resourceful Idahoans come prepared with bug spray and enjoy the social aspect of close-knit camping or choose the quieter, cooler shoulder seasons. The beautiful views, clean restrooms (despite shower nuances), and accessible lake with a boat launch offer compelling reasons to visit. Furthermore, the availability of a hand-drawn map for cell service reflects a genuine understanding of camper needs in our more remote areas, a thoughtful touch appreciated by locals.

Benewah Lake Campground allows Idahoans to easily access the rich recreational opportunities of Heyburn State Park, including the popular Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes for biking and hiking. It’s a place to "throw a pole in and enjoy some sun," unwind by the lake, and create simple, yet cherished, outdoor memories. Its blend of convenience, natural charm, and essential facilities makes it a highly suitable and enjoyable choice for our community seeking authentic Idaho outdoor experiences.

Benewah Lake Campground

St Maries, ID 83861, USA