Mica Bay Boater Park

Hello, Idaho outdoor enthusiasts! Are you dreaming of a unique camping experience that truly gets you away from the hustle and bustle, deep into the heart of North Idaho's pristine beauty? Mica Bay Boater Park, nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, offers just that. This distinctive campground is primarily accessible by boat, providing an unparalleled sense of seclusion and a true connection with the water. For those who love boating, fishing, swimming, or simply soaking in breathtaking lake views, Mica Bay Boater Park is a cherished gem that promises an unforgettable escape.

What sets Mica Bay Boater Park apart is its focus on a boat-in or walk-in camping experience, making it a true escape for those seeking tranquility. Imagine pulling up to one of the two docks, finding your perfectly maintained camping spot, and enjoying a direct view of Lake Coeur d'Alene, complete with eagles soaring overhead and geese gracefully gliding by with their goslings. Reviewers consistently praise its well-cared-for environment and the friendly camp host, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a destination designed for those who appreciate the peace and unique access that comes with a lakeside retreat.

While it offers a secluded feel, Mica Bay Boater Park still provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, balancing rustic charm with necessary conveniences. Whether you're a seasoned boater, a family looking for a unique adventure, or someone who simply wants to find a less crowded spot to enjoy the beauty of Lake Coeur d'Alene, this park offers a compelling option. As you continue reading, we'll delve into the specifics of this remarkable campground, giving you all the details you need to plan your next memorable Idaho camping trip.

Mica Bay Boater Park is located at 8866 S Loffs Bay Rd, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA. This places it directly on Mica Bay, an arm of the magnificent Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho. While the address points to a land-based access point, it's crucial to understand that the campground itself is primarily a "boat-in" location. There is no public vehicle access directly to the campsites.

For Idaho locals, this unique accessibility is a defining characteristic. The primary way to reach the camping spots is by boat, utilizing one of the two mooring docks available. This makes it an ideal destination for those who own a boat or plan to rent one for their trip on Lake Coeur d'Alene. For those without a boat, it is also accessible by a "short pedestrian roadway" or by hiking in, offering a more secluded experience than many drive-up campgrounds. This walk-in access provides a great option for hikers seeking a peaceful tent camping spot. The fact that it's just "7 miles south of Coeur d'Alene by boat" means it’s conveniently close to the city for supplies and other amenities, yet feels worlds away once you arrive. This blend of remote tranquility with relative proximity to urban conveniences makes Mica Bay Boater Park a truly unique and desirable destination for Idaho residents looking for a distinctive lakeside camping adventure.

• Tent Camping Units: The campground offers 16 designated tent camping units, providing ample space for campers.
• Mooring Docks: Two mooring docks are available for boaters, allowing for convenient access and parking of boats. Guests can "park on one of two docs."
• Camp Host: A friendly and helpful "Camp host" (named Mike in one review) is on-site to manage spots and assist visitors, providing a welcoming presence and local knowledge.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at a reasonable price of "three dollars per bundle," ensuring campers can enjoy a campfire (check for any local burn bans).
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are provided, offering essential restroom facilities.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, a significant convenience for a boat-in site.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach allows for safe and enjoyable swimming in Lake Coeur d'Alene.
• Picnic Units: Three picnic units are available for day use or for campers to enjoy meals.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A group picnic shelter is on-site and can be reserved for events.
• Playground Equipment: Playground equipment is available, making it suitable for families with children.
• Self-Pay Fee System: This is a first-come, first-serve, self-pay fee campsite, with fees for overnight camping and mooring docks. The camp host can assist with the self-pay kiosk.

• Boat-In/Walk-In Accessibility: Its primary access by boat or a short walk provides a unique and secluded camping experience, distinguishing it from drive-in campgrounds.
• Stunning Lake Views: Campers enjoy a "great view of the lake" directly from their sites, offering picturesque scenery throughout their stay.
• Well-Maintained Campground: Reviews consistently highlight that the "Campground is very well taken care of," ensuring a clean and pleasant environment.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see local wildlife are plentiful, with reviewers spotting "geese and their babies" and "a couple of eagles in the bay," enhancing the natural experience.
• Secluded Swimming: The designated "swimming beach" is noted as "secluded" and "normally isn't super crowded," offering a peaceful spot for a dip in the lake.
• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a "very friendly guy" as a camp host who "helped us get a lay for the land" significantly enhances the visitor experience.
• No Bug or Bear Issues (as reported by one guest): One reviewer specifically mentioned "No bug issues or bears," which can be a welcome relief for campers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With a swimming beach, playground equipment, and picnic areas, the park caters well to families.
• Fishing Opportunities: The docks likely provide opportunities for fishing, and Lake Coeur d'Alene is known for its diverse fish species.

Address: 8866 S Loffs Bay Rd, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA

Phone: (208) 446-3018

Mobile Phone: +1 208-446-3018

Additional Contact (Bureau of Land Management, managing agency): (208) 769-5000 (Coeur d'Alene Field Office)

Mica Bay Boater Park is an exceptional and highly recommended destination for Idaho locals seeking a truly unique and immersive lakeside camping experience. Its distinct feature of being primarily a "boat-in" campground means it offers a level of seclusion and tranquility rarely found at easily accessible drive-in sites. For Idahoans who own a boat or love to explore our vast waterways, this park provides the perfect opportunity to combine their passion for boating with a peaceful camping retreat on the stunning Lake Coeur d'Alene. Even for those without a boat, the option to hike in makes it an adventurous and rewarding choice.

What truly resonates with local Idahoans is the park's commitment to preserving a pristine natural environment while still offering essential comforts. The "very well taken care of" grounds, "spotless" facilities (vault toilets), and the availability of drinking water are crucial for a comfortable rustic stay. The presence of a friendly and helpful camp host, like Mike, who assists with getting a "lay for the land," adds a personal touch that enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making it easier for first-time visitors to navigate the unique aspects of a boat-in campground.

For families, the designated swimming beach and playground equipment offer excellent recreational opportunities, ensuring that children have plenty of space to play and enjoy the outdoors. Wildlife viewing is another major draw, with sightings of eagles and geese common, providing an authentic connection to Idaho's rich natural heritage. The ability to simply "park on one of two docs" and have a "great view of the lake" from your campsite encapsulates the serene beauty that many Idahoans seek in their outdoor adventures.

In essence, Mica Bay Boater Park offers a quintessential North Idaho experience. It combines the peace and quiet of a secluded natural setting with the convenience of being on one of Idaho's most beloved lakes. For any Idaho local looking for a distinctive, refreshing, and genuinely memorable camping trip that truly takes advantage of our state's incredible lakeshores, Mica Bay Boater Park is an outstanding choice that promises relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Mica Bay Boater Park

8866 S Loffs Bay Rd, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814, USA