Big Eddy Campground

For Idahoans seeking a tranquil escape into the pristine wilderness, sometimes the perfect spot is just a stone's throw over the border. Big Eddy Campground, nestled within the sprawling Kootenai National Forest, offers a uniquely quiet and intimate camping experience that resonates with those who appreciate unspoiled nature. While its address might hint at Sandpoint, Idaho, and its phone number carries a Montana area code, this charming, rustic campground is, in fact, located just east of the Idaho border, making it an easily accessible and highly desirable destination for many Gem State residents. If you're looking to truly disconnect, enjoy some riverside peace, and embrace a more primitive camping style, Big Eddy is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Big Eddy Campground is celebrated by local visitors for its serene atmosphere and intimate scale. Unlike larger, bustling campgrounds, Big Eddy features only about five well-spaced sites, ensuring a sense of privacy and seclusion. As one camper noted, it's a "small spot but very nice," emphasizing its appeal for those who prefer a less crowded environment. Many of these limited spots boast "nice shady spots with short trails to the water," providing immediate access to the calming presence of the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, where the Clark Fork River widens. This direct connection to the water is a significant draw, allowing campers to easily enjoy the sights and sounds of the river.

Recent years have seen some changes at Big Eddy, particularly concerning logging operations in the vicinity. While one past review mentioned the area being in a "terrible state" due to ruts and lack of shade post-logging, indicating a temporary impact on some sites, the overall sentiment remains positive for those who value its quiet charm. The mention of "bear box had gifts which was a big plus" highlights an important amenity for wilderness camping, underscoring the area's wild character and the need for proper food storage. Despite the rustic nature and a past isolated incident with a mouse, campers express a strong desire to "stay again for sure," attesting to the enduring appeal of Big Eddy's peaceful environment and access to outdoor activities. It truly offers a quintessential, no-frills wilderness experience for Idahoans ready to embrace the simplicity of nature.

Big Eddy Campground is strategically situated in the Kootenai National Forest, approximately 6 miles east of the Idaho/Montana border on Highway 200. While its address might be associated with Sandpoint, ID, for administrative purposes, physically, it lies just across into Montana. This proximity makes it an incredibly convenient and attractive option for Idaho locals, particularly those residing in the northern Panhandle region, including areas like Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, or Coeur d'Alene.

Access to Big Eddy Campground is straightforward, primarily via Montana Highway 200. From Sandpoint, Idaho, you would take Highway 200 East towards Noxon, Montana. The campground will be found on your right side a short distance after crossing the state line. The road leading into the campground is generally accessible, although some past reviews have noted it can be "rough" or have "HUGE potholes," which might be a consideration for vehicles with low clearance or larger RVs. However, for most standard vehicles and RVs up to 30 feet, it is traversable.

Its location on Highway 200 also provides a balance of being remote enough for a true wilderness feel, yet still connected to a main thoroughfare. This makes it a practical choice for a weekend trip without an overly complicated drive. The campground's position on the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, an impoundment of the Clark Fork River, ensures easy access to water-based activities directly from the site. Despite being just across the state line, Big Eddy Campground embodies the rugged beauty and quiet solitude that many Idahoans seek in their outdoor adventures, making it a perfectly situated escape from the everyday.

Big Eddy Campground offers fundamental services and amenities designed for a rustic and self-sufficient camping experience, typical of smaller forest service campgrounds:

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 5 single-family campsites.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, providing basic necessities for outdoor living and cooking.
• Long Parking Pads: Sites are noted to have long parking pads, capable of accommodating RVs up to 30 feet, which is convenient for trailers and campers.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available within the campground, offering basic, non-flush restroom facilities.
• Bear Boxes: Critically, bear boxes are provided at the campsites. This is a significant amenity for storing food and scented items safely in bear country, as noted by a satisfied camper.
• Boat Ramp and Dock: A fully developed boat ramp with a dock is located right next to the campground, offering easy access to the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir for boating and fishing.
• Day Use Sites: There are also two day-use sites nearby, one with a covered shelter, two picnic tables, and fire grills.
• No Potable Water: It is important to note that there is no drinking water available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supply.
• No Electric Hookups: Big Eddy Campground does not offer electric hookups.
• No Cell Service: As a remote location, there is typically no reliable cell phone service, offering a true opportunity to disconnect.
• No Pets Allowed: It's crucial to be aware that pets are not allowed at Big Eddy Campground. This policy helps maintain the peaceful environment and protect local wildlife.

These services cater to campers who are prepared for a more primitive experience and are seeking a quiet, self-reliant outdoor adventure.

Big Eddy Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for those seeking a rustic, nature-focused camping experience:

• Small, Quiet, and Intimate Setting: With only a handful of campsites, Big Eddy offers a unique sense of peace and seclusion, providing a true escape from crowded areas.
• Direct Water Access: Many sites have "short trails to the water," allowing immediate enjoyment of the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir for fishing, cooling off, or simply savoring the scenery.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The location on Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, part of the Clark Fork River, provides good opportunities for fishing directly from the shore or via boat.
• Shady Campsites: Several "nice shady spots" offer welcome relief, particularly during warmer months, enhancing comfort for campers.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: The provision of bear boxes is a significant highlight, offering peace of mind and promoting safe camping practices in an active wildlife area.
• Convenient Boat Launch: A dedicated boat ramp and dock right next to the campground simplify the process of getting watercraft onto the reservoir.
• Forested Environment: The campground is set within a "nice forested" area, providing a natural backdrop and a sense of immersion in the Kootenai National Forest.
• Accessible from Idaho: Despite being in Montana, its close proximity to the Idaho border makes it a practical and desirable option for Idaho residents.
• Opportunity to Unplug: The general lack of cell service allows for a genuine digital detox, encouraging campers to fully engage with their natural surroundings.
• Wildlife Viewing: As part of a national forest, the area offers opportunities for wildlife observation, including potential sightings of various species native to the region.

These highlights collectively contribute to a memorable and authentic wilderness camping experience for those who appreciate simplicity and direct access to nature's offerings.

For inquiries, current conditions, or to learn more about Big Eddy Campground, please use the following contact information. As a campground within the Kootenai National Forest, general information is often handled by the forest's main office.

Address: MT-200, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA (Note: While this is the listed address, the campground is physically located just over the Idaho border into Montana on Highway 200)

Phone: (406) 293-6211 (Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-293-6211 (Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office)

It is highly recommended to call the Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office during business hours for the most up-to-date information on the campground's status, potential closures, fire restrictions, and any changes to amenities. While the provided reviews mention helpful hosts, direct contact with the Forest Service is crucial for planning your trip, especially given the rustic nature of the campground and the absence of services like potable water. Additionally, since sites are often first-come, first-served, calling ahead to inquire about typical occupancy during your planned visit can be beneficial. Always remember to check weather conditions for the area as well, as they can impact your experience.

Big Eddy Campground is an ideal choice for Idaho locals, particularly those in the northern part of the state, seeking a genuine and peaceful outdoor experience just a short drive away. Its location, though technically in Montana, is mere miles from the Idaho border, making it a highly accessible and convenient retreat for residents looking to escape the daily grind without an extensive journey. This geographical proximity allows for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned multi-day getaways into a true wilderness setting.

What truly makes Big Eddy suitable for Idahoans is its emphasis on a quiet, intimate, and authentic camping style. For those who cherish the solitude of the forest and the calming presence of water, Big Eddy's small number of sites and direct access to the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir are unparalleled. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, offering a rare opportunity for a true digital detox, free from the constant distractions of cell service. This allows for deeper connection with loved ones and the natural environment, a value highly cherished by many Idaho outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of bear boxes and the general readiness for a more primitive setup align perfectly with the expectations of experienced Idaho campers who are self-sufficient and appreciate raw, unspoiled nature.

Despite past challenges with logging impacts, the core appeal of Big Eddy remains its beautiful forested setting, its riverside access for fishing and relaxation, and its welcoming, albeit rustic, atmosphere. It offers a no-frills, back-to-basics camping experience that many Idahoans actively seek out – a quiet spot to fish, unwind by a campfire, and truly immerse themselves in the wild beauty that surrounds them. It's a reminder that some of the best outdoor adventures are often found in the simplest, most serene places, making Big Eddy Campground a highly recommended and cherished spot for any local looking for a genuine Idaho (or just-over-the-border) wilderness escape.

Big Eddy Campground

MT-200, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA