A new 26-site tent campground near Smelterville is now welcoming visitors along one of North Idaho’s most popular recreational corridors. South Fork Campground, located just half a mile from the Smelterville trailhead of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, opened its gates recently and began accepting reservations for overnight stays.
The facility represents a partnership between the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. The campground sits north of Shoshone County Airport and caters specifically to cyclists, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts exploring the 73-mile trail corridor that spans from Mullan to Plummer across Kootenai County and beyond.
Amenities and Site Remediation
South Fork Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping and includes modern conveniences aimed at trail users. The facility offers secure bike parking, a shower house, potable water access, and e-bike charging stations—amenities recognizing the growing popularity of electric bikes on the trail. Hammock posts provide additional accommodation options for visitors seeking lighter-weight camping experiences.
The development process included environmental remediation. Contaminated soil was removed from the site and replaced with clean fill, addressing legacy issues before construction. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation now manages the campground through its Old Mission State Park division.
Trail Recognition and Outdoor Recreation Growth
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes has earned significant national attention for its recreational value. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, recognized the corridor as one of the top 25 trails in the United States—a distinction reflecting its appeal to cyclists and outdoor travelers from across the country.
Officials framed the new campground as a response to rising demand along the trail. Will Armbruster noted that the facility was “designed to meet the growing demand for overnight accommodation along the 73-mile trail, the new campground will provide a comfortable and convenient stopping point for bike packers, touring cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.”
Susan Buxton added that the project underscores a broader commitment to recreation. “This new campground reflects our commitment to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the incredible places that make Idaho special,” she said.
Impact on Kootenai County Tourism and Development
The opening of South Fork Campground adds to a wave of development activity in the Coeur d’Alene area and surrounding Kootenai County communities. The campground joins other recent infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and supporting outdoor tourism. Hagadone Corp.’s Sherman Tower hotel development in downtown Coeur d’Alene and other residential and commercial projects approved by local planning commissions reflect ongoing investment in the region’s recreational and hospitality sectors.
For North Idaho residents and visitors, the new facility offers an accessible entry point to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes without requiring long-distance travel back to Mullan or Plummer for overnight stays. The location near Smelterville positions the campground as a mid-route option for multi-day cycling tours and backcountry experiences.
Reservations and Next Steps
South Fork Campground is now accepting reservations through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Tent-only policies ensure the facility maintains its lightweight, trail-oriented character while protecting the surrounding landscape near Kootenai County’s border with Shoshone County.