Gilmore Campground

For us Idahoans, the call of the wild is never far from our hearts. We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from towering mountains to pristine lakes, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. When it comes to finding that perfect spot to set up camp, immerse ourselves in nature, and create lasting memories, Gilmore Campground consistently rises to the top of the list. Located within the beloved Farragut State Park, Gilmore Campground provides a fantastic blend of modern conveniences and raw wilderness, making it an ideal choice for any local looking for an exceptional camping experience.

Gilmore Campground isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to exploring the expansive and historically rich Farragut State Park and the breathtaking Lake Pend Oreille. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a peaceful retreat, or an action-packed outdoor excursion, Gilmore Campground offers a welcoming environment tailored to various camping styles. We'll delve into what makes this particular campground a standout choice for Idaho residents, covering its strategic location, the comprehensive services it provides, and the unique features and highlights that ensure every visit is memorable. Get ready to discover why Gilmore Campground is considered a premier camping destination in our beautiful state.

Gilmore Campground is strategically situated within Farragut State Park, with its address noted as Gilmore Campground, Idaho 83801, USA. While the specific street address within Athol, ID, isn't always listed as a traditional street number, its placement within Farragut State Park is key. This prime location places it near the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest and deepest lake, and conveniently accessible from major routes in North Idaho. For residents coming from population centers like Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, or even the greater Spokane area in Washington, Gilmore Campground is an easily reachable destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Access to Gilmore Campground is straightforward, as it's part of the well-maintained road network within Farragut State Park. Paved roads lead directly to the campground, and the individual campsites often feature paved parking spurs, making it highly accessible for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and trailers. This ease of access means less time navigating tricky back roads and more time enjoying the beautiful scenery and activities the park has to offer. Its position at the entrance of Farragut State Park also means quick access to the park's Visitor Center and other amenities, enhancing convenience for all campers. For Idahoans who appreciate convenience without compromising on the wilderness experience, Gilmore Campground’s location is a significant advantage.

Gilmore Campground is lauded for its extensive range of services and well-maintained facilities, designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers. These amenities truly set it apart and cater to various camping preferences, from rustic tent camping to luxurious RV experiences.

• Full Hookup Campsites: A major highlight of Gilmore Campground is the availability of numerous campsites offering full hookups. This includes electrical (30 and 50 amp), water, and sewer connections. With 46 sites offering full hookups and an additional 41 with electric-only hookups, it caters exceptionally well to RVs and trailers, providing the ultimate convenience for extended stays.

• Spacious and Well-Equipped Sites: The campground boasts 87 single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate. Many sites are notably spacious, offering good privacy between neighbors, and some even feature double hookups to accommodate multiple campers or vehicles. Paved parking spurs further enhance convenience.

• Modern Restrooms and Hot Showers: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground's restroom facilities. Gilmore Campground provides flush toilets and, crucially, hot showers (some sources indicate a small fee for showers, while others suggest they are free in Farragut State Park). This amenity significantly improves comfort, especially after a day of outdoor activities.

• RV Dump Station: For RV users, an easily accessible and well-maintained RV dump station is available within Farragut State Park, making waste disposal convenient before departure.

• Camp Hosts: During peak seasons, camp hosts are typically on-site. These friendly and helpful individuals are invaluable resources, providing local information, assistance with site issues, and ensuring a pleasant and safe environment for all visitors.

• Accessibility Features (ADA Sites): Gilmore Campground offers ADA-compliant campsites, ensuring that the joys of camping are accessible to everyone.

Beyond its excellent services, Gilmore Campground's true allure lies in its integration within Farragut State Park and the myriad of unique features and recreational opportunities it presents to its visitors.

• Farragut State Park Activities: Gilmore Campground serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the vast Farragut State Park. This former WWII naval training station offers an incredible array of activities:

  • Lake Pend Oreille Access: Direct access to Idaho's largest lake means endless possibilities for water recreation including boating, fishing, swimming (Beaver Bay is a popular spot), kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.

  • Extensive Trail Network: The park features hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, catering to all skill levels. Popular trails like Squirrel Cache Nature Trail offer interpretive experiences, while High Point Trail provides stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille.

  • Unique Recreational Facilities: Farragut is renowned for its world-class disc golf courses, an archery range, and a dedicated field for model airplane enthusiasts. The Tree to Tree Adventure Park, with its zip lines, obstacle courses, and Tarzan swings, is a major draw for families and adventure seekers.

  • Historical Significance: The Museum at the Brig offers a fascinating look into the park's history as a naval training station, providing an enriching cultural experience amidst the natural beauty.

• Year-Round Appeal: While particularly popular in summer, Farragut State Park, and by extension Gilmore Campground, offers activities year-round, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding in winter.

• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The campground is set amidst a lush forest, providing ample shade and a serene ambiance. The opportunity for wildlife viewing, from deer and elk to various bird species, is abundant, offering a true immersion in Idaho's natural ecosystems.

• Family-Friendly Environment: With diverse activities, spacious sites, and clean facilities, Gilmore Campground is exceptionally well-suited for families, offering something for every age and interest.

For those ready to plan their adventure or seeking more details about Gilmore Campground within Farragut State Park, here’s the essential contact information:

Address: Gilmore Campground, Idaho 83801, USA (located within Farragut State Park in Athol, ID)

For direct inquiries regarding the park, current conditions, or specific amenities at Gilmore Campground, it is best to contact Farragut State Park directly:

Farragut State Park Visitor Center Phone: (208) 683-2425

For reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons due to the campground's popularity, Idaho State Parks use a central reservation system. You can typically make reservations up to nine months in advance:

Idaho State Parks Reservations Line: 1-888-9-CAMPID (1-888-922-6743)

It’s always a good practice to visit the official Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website for the most current information, including fees, operating schedules, and any advisories before your trip.

For Idahoans, Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park isn't just a place to camp; it's a cherished local treasure that perfectly embodies the outdoor lifestyle we hold dear. Its remarkable suitability for locals stems from a combination of factors that resonate deeply with our appreciation for convenience, comfort, and boundless outdoor opportunities. The easy accessibility from various parts of North Idaho means that a refreshing escape to nature is always within reach, whether it's for a spontaneous weekend or a planned family vacation. This eliminates the hassle of long, arduous journeys, allowing us to spend more quality time enjoying the natural beauty.

The comprehensive services, particularly the abundance of full hookup sites and the consistently clean and modern restrooms with hot showers, provide a level of comfort that makes camping enjoyable for everyone, from seasoned RVers to families with young children. This attention to detail ensures that a trip to Gilmore Campground feels like a true getaway, not a strenuous endeavor. Furthermore, the sheer breadth of activities available within Farragut State Park – from the expansive Lake Pend Oreille offering every water sport imaginable, to the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, and unique attractions like the Tree to Tree Adventure Park and the Disc Golf courses – means there's never a dull moment.

The positive reviews from countless campers, praising the "great camping experience," "fabulous" full hookups, and "very roomy" sites, underscore its consistent quality. For Idahoans, who are deeply connected to our state's natural landscapes and outdoor recreation, Gilmore Campground represents the ideal local retreat. It's a place where we can effortlessly reconnect with nature, create cherished memories with loved ones, and experience the very best of what our stunning state has to offer, making it an undeniable gem in Idaho's outdoor crown.