Gilmore Campground

Idaho, with its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and vast forests, beckons outdoor enthusiasts from all corners. For Idahoans seeking a fantastic blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and endless recreational opportunities, Gilmore Campground, nestled within the expansive Farragut State Park in Athol, stands out as a top-tier destination. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a vibrant hub for exploring the best of what North Idaho has to offer, making it an ideal choice for locals looking for both adventure and relaxation.

Gilmore Campground is consistently praised for its thoughtful design and comprehensive amenities, catering to a wide range of camping styles. As one camper highlighted, "Gilmore was great we stayed in the older section next to the bathrooms. Only a few campers out, starting next week you will only be able to get in with reservations or cancellations." This points to its popularity and the need for planning, especially during peak seasons. What truly makes Gilmore a favorite among many, as another review states, is the "spacious feel you get with neighbors not right on top of you." This emphasis on privacy, even in a developed campground, is a significant draw for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

The campground offers a versatile experience with both older and newer sections. The "newer side has full hookups," a premium amenity that RV travelers particularly appreciate, while the older section still provides water and power. The common thread across both is the presence of ample tree cover: "Most of the campground is filled with trees, which is nice." This natural shading adds to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the sites, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.

Beyond the campsites themselves, Gilmore's location within Farragut State Park means immediate access to a wealth of activities. Campers can dive into "camping, biking, hiking, swimming, walks, beach combing, kayaking, skiing, or lounging." The sentiment that camping is "literally the last thing you do and most people are sleeping when the sun goes down and the fires burn low" perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, activity-filled atmosphere here. For Idahoans, Gilmore Campground is not just a place to stay, but a basecamp for endless exploration and awesome times in their spectacular home state.

Gilmore Campground is strategically located within Farragut State Park at Athol, ID 83801, USA. Farragut State Park itself is a massive recreational area covering over 4,000 acres on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest and deepest lake. This prime location places Gilmore Campground approximately 30 miles north of the bustling city of Coeur d'Alene, a major population center in North Idaho, and just a short drive from the small town of Athol, providing convenient access to essential services and supplies.

Accessing Gilmore Campground is straightforward, as Farragut State Park is well-connected by paved state highways, primarily State Highway 54. Once inside the park, the internal roads leading to Gilmore Campground are also paved, as noted by visitors, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to large RVs and trailers (up to 75 feet in length for some sites). The clear signage within the park makes navigating to the campground easy and stress-free.

The campground's design, with its "paved sites" and "spacious" layout, facilitates easy maneuvering and setup for campers. Given its popularity, especially during peak season, reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to nine months in advance through the Idaho State Parks reservation system. This excellent accessibility, combined with the park's vast recreational offerings, makes Gilmore Campground a highly desirable and convenient destination for locals seeking an outdoor adventure.

• Campsites: Gilmore Campground boasts over 90 campsites, catering to both RVs and tents. A significant advantage is that all sites have at least water and electric hookups. Furthermore, 48 of these sites offer full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), providing ultimate convenience for RV travelers. Sites feature parking pads ranging from 18 to 60 feet in length, each equipped with a picnic table and a campfire grill. There are also companion-style sites suitable for multi-family camping.

• Restrooms and Showers: Centrally located restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are available, and their cleanliness is consistently praised by campers. This amenity significantly enhances the comfort of your stay.

• Dump Station: A free dump station is conveniently located within the campground, offering easy waste disposal for RVs.

• Potable Water: Water hookups at individual sites ensure easy access to drinking water.

• Campground Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are on-site during the camping season, providing assistance, information, and maintaining the campground's high standards.

• Pet-Friendly: Gilmore Campground welcomes pets, provided they are properly restrained (on a leash) and attended to at all times, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry friends.

• Reservations: All sites at Gilmore Campground are reservable, and due to its popularity, advance reservations (up to 9 months ahead) are highly recommended, especially for peak periods.

• Gray Water Disposal Sites: Several gray water disposal sites are available throughout the campground.

• Full and Partial Hookups: A significant highlight is the availability of both full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and partial hookups (water, electric) at nearly all sites, making it incredibly convenient for RVs and trailers. This is a premium feature often sought by campers.

• Spacious and Shaded Sites: Reviewers frequently mention the "spacious" sites with ample room between neighbors, offering privacy and a less crowded feel. The campground is also "filled with trees," providing natural shade and a pleasant forest ambiance.

• Paved Roads and Bike Paths: The presence of "paved sites" and paved roads within the campground makes it easy to navigate and ideal for biking. These internal paths connect seamlessly with the extensive network of bike paths throughout Farragut State Park, encouraging active exploration.

• Access to Lake Pend Oreille: Gilmore Campground's location within Farragut State Park provides unparalleled access to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest and deepest lake. This opens up a world of water-based activities including swimming (especially at Beaver Bay, a popular swimming area), boating, fishing (known for record-breaking trout), paddleboarding, and kayaking.

• Farragut State Park Attractions: The campground is a gateway to the vast array of recreational opportunities within Farragut State Park itself. These include miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, multiple disc golf courses, an orienteering course, a radio-controlled airplane field, equestrian facilities, and the fascinating Museum at the Brig, which chronicles the park's history as a WWII naval training station. The park's Visitor Center is also easily accessible.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With its wide range of activities, clean facilities, and welcoming environment, Gilmore Campground is exceptionally "kid friendly," making it perfect for family vacations and creating lasting memories.

• Proximity to Silverwood Theme Park: For those seeking additional thrills, Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Northwest, is just a short drive away, offering a fantastic day trip option.

Address: Athol, ID 83801, USA (located within Farragut State Park)

Phone: (208) 683-2425

Mobile Phone: +1 208-683-2425

For reservations and the most current information regarding rates, availability, and specific park rules, it is highly recommended to visit the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website or use their online reservation system. The phone numbers provided are for Farragut State Park, which oversees Gilmore Campground.

For Idaho residents, Gilmore Campground within Farragut State Park offers an outstanding and well-rounded camping experience that perfectly embodies the spirit of North Idaho. Its convenient location in Athol, just a short drive from major population centers like Coeur d'Alene, makes it an accessible escape for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without the need for extensive travel.

What truly sets Gilmore apart for locals is its combination of natural beauty with practical, modern conveniences. The availability of full hookups on many sites, alongside clean restrooms and showers, means campers can enjoy the great outdoors with comfort. The "spacious feel" and treed sites provide the privacy and natural ambiance that Idahoans cherish in their outdoor pursuits, without feeling isolated.

The wealth of activities available directly from the campground – from biking on paved paths to hiking, swimming, and boating on Lake Pend Oreille – caters to active lifestyles and ensures there's always something to do for every age and interest. This makes it an ideal spot for families to create cherished memories, for friends to embark on outdoor adventures, or for individuals to simply relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful Idaho wilderness.

Gilmore Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a community hub within a beloved state park, offering a quintessential Idaho experience that combines comfort, convenience, and boundless opportunities for outdoor fun. It truly allows locals to make the most of their extraordinary home state.