Camp Swan Lake

For Idahoans, the ideal camping trip often involves pristine natural settings, a sense of privacy, and the refreshing waters of a beautiful lake. If you’re a local seeking an "amazing spot" that ticks all these boxes, Camp Swan Lake in St. Maries, Idaho, emerges as a highly recommended destination. This campground offers a remarkable blend of a secluded feel with surprisingly clean facilities, making it a standout choice for those looking to truly unwind and connect with Idaho's stunning landscapes.

Camp Swan Lake has garnered enthusiastic reviews, with visitors consistently praising its cleanliness and the privacy afforded by its spacious sites amidst tall trees and thick vegetation. Unlike some larger, more exposed campgrounds, you'll find a genuine sense of being "away from it all," even if other campers are nearby. What truly sets this location apart is its proximity to a "gorgeous lake" with remarkably warm water, an inviting feature for swimmers and water enthusiasts, especially for a lake in our region.

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our fellow Idaho residents, with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Camp Swan Lake. We'll explore its picturesque location near St. Maries, detail the services and amenities that contribute to its high praise, and highlight the features that make it a truly exceptional place for your next outdoor adventure. Get ready to discover why so many visitors are already planning their return trips to this Idaho gem!

Camp Swan Lake is beautifully situated at 35551 State Hwy 3, St. Maries, ID 83861, USA. St. Maries is a charming city in Benewah County, located in the Idaho Panhandle, where the St. Maries River flows into the St. Joe River, which then empties into Lake Coeur d'Alene. This geographic setting places Camp Swan Lake amidst some of Idaho's most picturesque natural environments, characterized by dense forests, scenic rivers, and beautiful lakes.

The campground's location on State Highway 3 suggests good road access, making it relatively easy to reach by vehicle from various parts of Idaho. St. Maries itself is a hub for outdoor activities, and Camp Swan Lake's position near a prominent highway ensures that visitors can conveniently arrive and then explore the surrounding areas. The drive to the campground is likely scenic, winding through the lush landscapes typical of Northern Idaho.

Being close to St. Maries means that campers at Swan Lake are not entirely cut off from amenities. The town offers basic services, including dining, shopping, and fuel, should you need to resupply during your stay. This blend of accessibility and a truly natural setting makes Camp Swan Lake a highly practical yet immersive choice for Idahoans seeking a retreat that doesn't require an arduous journey.

Camp Swan Lake is praised for its thoughtful amenities that enhance the camping experience. Based on valuable customer feedback and available information, here’s a detailed look at the services you can expect:

• Private Showers and Bathrooms: A highly commended feature is the availability of private showers and bathrooms. These facilities are noted for being "very clean" and "within walking distance of the campsites," a level of cleanliness and convenience that often surpasses expectations for a campground. Complimentary shampoo, body wash, and conditioner are provided in some facilities, indicating a high standard of care.
• Well-Maintained Campsites: The campsites are consistently described as "well maintained." This includes level tent pads that are designed to prevent water pooling, even during rain, ensuring a comfortable setup for tent campers.
• RV Hookups (Power, Water, Sewer): Camp Swan Lake offers full hook-up RV sites, including 20/30/50 amp electric, on-site sewer, and water access. These sites are designed to accommodate RVs of various sizes, from small teardrops to large Class A motorhomes, making it a highly convenient option for RV travelers.
• Recreational Equipment and Facilities: The campground provides a wide array of recreational equipment and facilities for guest use. This includes kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, a log roller, a swim raft, a sandy beach, and a water slide. On land, there’s a playground, hiking trails, a game room with billiards, ping pong, and foosball, as well as various lawn games like disc golf, spikeball, slackline, hammocks, volleyball, and bean bags.
• Camp Store: A camp store is available on-site, typically selling essentials like bait, firewood, ice, apparel, and ice cream, adding to the convenience for campers.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry facilities are available, which is a significant amenity for longer stays.
• Seasonal and Multi-Week Stays: The campground caters to both short-term and extended stays, with options for multi-week and seasonal sites (though seasonal sites often fill up quickly).
• Private Boat Launch and Dock Slips: For those with boats, there's a private boat launch on the property, and dock slips can be reserved for the season. Premium, non-ethanol gasoline is also sold on-site.

Camp Swan Lake truly shines with several exceptional features that contribute to its reputation as an "amazing spot" for camping in Idaho:

• Gorgeous Lake and Warm Water: The proximity to a "gorgeous lake" (Swan Lake) is a major highlight. Crucially, the water in this lake is noted as being "the warmest lake water I've been in," making it incredibly inviting for swimming and other water activities. This warm water feature is a significant draw, setting it apart from many other colder mountain lakes in Idaho.
• High Level of Privacy: Despite being a large campground with numerous sites, Camp Swan Lake offers "a lot of privacy." This is achieved through its natural design, featuring "many tall trees and thick vegetation," which effectively screen individual campsites. Campers can "rarely see the other people from my campsite," creating a sense of seclusion that is highly valued.
• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: The consistently clean "private showers and bathrooms" are a standout feature. This level of meticulous upkeep in communal facilities is often a pleasant surprise for campers and greatly enhances the overall comfort of the stay.
• Abundance of Recreational Activities: The sheer variety of on-site recreational activities, from water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding to land-based games and hiking trails, ensures that there’s always something to do for all ages and interests. This makes it an ideal destination for families and active individuals.
• Well-Maintained Campsites: The attention to detail in maintaining the campsites, including level tent pads, contributes to a hassle-free setup and a more enjoyable experience, especially during inclement weather.
• Full RV Hookups: For RV enthusiasts, the availability of full hookups (electric, water, sewer) provides maximum convenience, allowing for extended and comfortable stays.
• Friendly and Accommodating Environment: While specific hosts weren't mentioned in the provided reviews, the overall positive tone suggests a well-managed and welcoming environment, typical of highly-rated private campgrounds.
• Seasonal Events and Social Calendar: The campground organizes scheduled events on major holiday weekends, like lawn game tournaments, arts & crafts, and group potlucks, fostering a sense of community.

For more information, to inquire about availability, or to make reservations at Camp Swan Lake, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 35551 State Hwy 3, St Maries, ID 83861, USA

Phone: (986) 207-0303

Mobile Phone: +1 986-207-0303

It is highly recommended to call ahead or visit their official website (if available, based on the URL in search results, it might be swanlake.camp) to confirm current operating hours, specific site availability (especially for seasonal or multi-week stays), and any details regarding water conditions or other amenities. Given its popularity, booking in advance, especially during peak seasons, is advisable.

Camp Swan Lake in St. Maries is an outstanding choice for Idaho locals, perfectly aligning with our state's appreciation for natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a high standard of comfort in our adventures. For those of us who call Idaho home, this campground offers a truly exceptional experience that caters to a wide range of preferences, making it a highly desirable destination.

Firstly, the ability to find "a lot of privacy for such a large campground" is a significant draw for Idahoans who value their personal space and the tranquility of nature. Despite its amenities and popularity, the thoughtful layout with "tall trees and thick vegetation" ensures that each campsite feels like a private retreat. This provides the perfect setting for relaxation, whether you're reading a book by the campfire or simply enjoying the peaceful sounds of the forest, away from the hustle and bustle.

Secondly, the unique combination of a "gorgeous lake nearby" with "the warmest lake water I've been in" is an undeniable highlight. For Idahoans who love spending time on or in the water, this offers a refreshing and comfortable experience, a rare treat in our often-chilly mountain lakes. The abundance of included recreational equipment, from kayaks to paddleboards, further enhances the water-based fun, making it incredibly convenient for families and active individuals to enjoy the lake to its fullest.

Finally, the "very clean" private showers and bathrooms, along with full RV hookups, elevate Camp Swan Lake beyond a typical rustic campground. This commitment to cleanliness and convenience ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay, appealing to those who appreciate modern amenities while still being immersed in the natural environment. These features, combined with the diverse array of activities and the general "amazing spot" vibe, solidify Camp Swan Lake as a premier camping destination in Idaho, a place where locals can consistently create cherished memories and truly enjoy the best of what our beautiful state has to offer.

Camp Swan Lake

35551 State Hwy 3, St Maries, ID 83861, USA