Bumblebee Campground

Idaho, a state celebrated for its rugged wilderness, clear rivers, and vast national forests, offers an authentic outdoor experience that beckons adventurers. For locals seeking a truly immersive escape from the everyday, where the sounds of nature replace urban noise and privacy is paramount, Bumblebee Campground near Wallace, Idaho, presents a compelling option. This rustic yet inviting campground is a hidden gem within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, offering a serene base for exploring the region's abundant natural wonders.

Bumblebee Campground is distinguished by its charmingly "rustic and a bit overgrown" character, which many campers find enhances its appeal by providing a sense of wild seclusion. One of the most frequently praised aspects is the thoughtful spacing of sites: "the spots are spaced well with lots of plants as a buffer between spaces for privacy." This natural buffer creates a more intimate camping experience, ensuring that "neighbors not right on top of you," a common desire for those truly looking to unwind in nature.

Situated in a beautiful meadow near the Little North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, Bumblebee Campground is a haven for those who love the outdoors. It’s described as a "Nice small quiet park," perfect for escaping the crowds. While recent changes have impacted water access, with "water spigots have been removed" and the group site gate sometimes locked, campers appreciate the "Nice clean pit toilets." For nature enthusiasts, it's "Birder heaven!!" with ample opportunities for "Great walking (and mountain biking) on the endless NF roads."

It’s important for campers to come prepared, especially regarding water, as conditions can vary. However, the allure of the Coeur d'Alene River for "swimming and floating," and the "trout fishing...in the Little North Fork" make any minor inconveniences well worth it. Bumblebee Campground truly caters to those who value a genuine, unpretentious connection with Idaho's magnificent wilderness, providing a perfect backdrop for "Awesome times" spent camping, biking, hiking, and simply lounging in nature.

Bumblebee Campground is located at 26290 Coeur D'Alene River Rd, Wallace, ID 83873, USA. This places it within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, specifically near the Little North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. While the address lists Wallace, the campground is actually situated about 38 miles east of the city of Coeur d'Alene, offering a convenient yet secluded location within the scenic Silver Valley region of Idaho.

To reach Bumblebee Campground, visitors typically take the Kingston Exit off Interstate 90. From there, you'll take Forest Road 9 North for approximately 5.4 miles. A left turn onto Bumblebee Cutoff leads you about 3 miles to the campground sign at the junction with Forest Road 796. A final right turn onto Forest Road 796 for about 0.1 miles brings you directly to the campground. The single-family sites are generally located on the loop to the right, while the group site is on the loop to the left.

The roads leading to and within Bumblebee Campground are paved, and campsite parking spurs are sealed gravel, making it generally accessible for both RVs and trailers, with some sites accommodating lengths between 35 and 80 feet. While the campground offers a rustic feel, its accessibility from I-90 makes it a manageable journey for local campers across Idaho and neighboring states. However, it's always wise to check current road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons, as forest roads can be affected by weather.

• Campsites: Bumblebee Campground offers 13 individual campsites and one large group site capable of accommodating up to 100 people. Sites are typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. The sites are known for being well-spaced with natural buffers for privacy.

• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides vault toilets (pit toilets), which are noted by reviewers as being "Nice clean pit toilets." This is a key amenity for a rustic forest campground.

• Water Access: While individual site water spigots have been removed, there is a hand-pump for drinking water available at the group site. This spigot is shared by both single-site campers and group campers. Campers should be aware of this and potentially bring their own water or purification methods as a backup.

• Garbage Disposal: Garbage cans are provided within the campground for waste disposal, though campers are always encouraged to minimize waste and practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Campground Host: Reviews mention that the camp host may be "MIA the whole time," suggesting that while a host is designated, their on-site presence might vary. Campers should be prepared for a more independent experience.

• Reservations: All sites at Bumblebee Campground are reservable. Single sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, and the group site can be reserved up to one year prior to the camping stay, primarily through Recreation.gov.

• No Hook-ups: Bumblebee Campground is a primitive forest campground and does not offer electrical, water (at individual sites), or sewer hook-ups. Campers should be fully self-sufficient.

• Rustic and Private Setting: A significant highlight is the campground's "rustic and a bit overgrown" nature, combined with "spacious" and "well spaced" sites that offer excellent privacy due to natural plant buffers. This creates a true wilderness feel.

• Coeur d'Alene River Access: Located near the Little North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, Bumblebee offers direct access for various water activities. "Swimming and floating the river are popular activities," making it ideal for those who love to cool off in the clear mountain waters. Fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout is also available about a half-mile from the campground.

• Birding Paradise: Described as "Birder heaven!!", the diverse ecosystem around Bumblebee Creek and the Coeur d'Alene River attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a prime spot for bird watching and nature photography.

• Extensive Trail System: The campground is a great base for "Great walking (and mountain biking) on the endless NF roads." Additionally, about 15 miles away is the 803 Motorized Trail System, which provides dedicated off-road trails and open roads for ATV/UTV enthusiasts in the Steamboat Creek area.

• Secluded Meadow Setting: The campground is situated in a beautiful meadow, with no standing trees in the immediate camping loops due to a past wind event and subsequent logging. While this provides open conditions, the surrounding forest is dense.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe it as a "Nice small quiet park," ideal for those seeking tranquility and a respite from urban noise.

• Proximity to Wallace: Despite its secluded feel, Bumblebee Campground is within reasonable driving distance of Wallace, a historic mining town. Wallace offers museums, restaurants, breweries, and is home to the famous "Center of the Universe" designation, providing options for day trips and supplies.

Address: 26290 Coeur D'Alene River Rd, Wallace, ID 83873, USA

Phone: (208) 664-2318

Mobile Phone: +1 208-664-2318

Please note that the phone numbers provided are associated with general inquiries for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, specifically the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, which manages Bumblebee Campground. For specific reservations, current conditions, or detailed information, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Bumblebee Campground or contact the Idaho Panhandle National Forests directly.

For Idahoans, Bumblebee Campground offers an authentic and accessible slice of their state's renowned wilderness. It's a place where the concept of "getting away from it all" truly comes to life, providing a rustic and private camping experience that resonates with the adventurous spirit of locals. Its location within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, just a stone's throw from the Coeur d'Alene River, means boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation without venturing too far from home.

The "spacious" and naturally buffered sites are a significant draw for locals who value privacy and a genuine connection with nature over crowded, amenity-heavy campgrounds. Despite its rustic nature, the presence of clean vault toilets adds a touch of comfort, while the overall quiet atmosphere allows for deep relaxation and appreciation of the natural surroundings. For avid "Birders," mountain bikers, hikers, and those who love to "float the river," Bumblebee serves as an ideal basecamp, offering "endless NF roads" and a pristine river to explore.

While the limited water access requires some preparation, this only enhances the sense of self-reliance and true outdoor adventure that many Idahoans seek. Bumblebee Campground embodies the rugged beauty and peaceful solitude that define the Idaho Panhandle, making it an excellent choice for locals looking to create lasting memories in their spectacular home state, whether it's for a weekend fishing trip, a family outdoor adventure, or simply a tranquil escape into the wild.