Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Idaho Panhandle/Big Hank
Overview
Big Hank Campground offers a tranquil escape within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Situated along the banks of the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, this destination provides a classic National Forest camping experience that prioritizes natural beauty over modern luxuries. Visitors are greeted by a lush canopy of evergreens and the constant, soothing sound of the river flow, making it a premier choice for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rugged Idaho wilderness. It is a place where the pace of life slows down significantly.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 20 miles north of Enaville near Kingston, ID, the campground is tucked away along Forest Service Road 208. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense stands of cedar and hemlock, with the crystal-clear water of the river serving as the central focal point. The remote location ensures dark night skies perfect for stargazing and frequent wildlife sightings, including elk and moose, while remaining accessible enough for most standard-sized RVs navigating the paved forest roads that lead to the entrance.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service site, Big Hank features paved parking pads and vault toilets, providing a clean and organized environment for dry camping. While there are no hookups available at this location, the park offers essential amenities like potable water from hand pumps and sturdy picnic tables at every site. Each spot includes a heavy-duty campfire ring, perfect for evening gatherings. The well-spaced site layouts ensure a sense of privacy, allowing travelers to enjoy the forested backdrop without feeling crowded by their neighbors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, as the area is world-renowned for blue-ribbon fly fishing and gentle river tubing. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes or venture toward the rugged Bitterroot Mountains for hiking and mountain biking. The nearby Bumblebee Bridge area and various OHV trails provide additional recreation options, while the river itself remains the primary draw for swimming, kayaking, and nature photography throughout the warm summer months.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who appreciate a rustic, off-grid atmosphere. It appeals most to anglers, photographers, and families who enjoy traditional outdoor living without the noise or amenities of a commercial resort. If you value a riverside location and the opportunity to spot wildlife from your campsite window, Big Hank serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the scenic wonders and quiet solitude of the Idaho Panhandle.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Taylor Trautvetter
Vault toilets were nearly unusable, filled with bees nests and smelled terrible. Ground squirrels everywhere which normally wouldn’t be an issue but we couldn’t walk away from our campsite without them invading in search of food to get into. Quite overgrown. We did have nice access to the river. Our site also had the stand up bbq broken off so there was just a rusted jagged pole that wasn’t very safe. There was no where level to put a tent so we ended up putting it on the concrete pad, was fine for us because we had cots but might not be ideal for others. There was a good amount of space between campsites so that was nice. Overall I wouldn’t stay here again, you can tell this campground gets neglected compared to others within 15 minutes of it.
DL M
Overgrown. Close to Creek. $25/ nite/ vehicle. Fire pit, bbq, picnic table, pit toilet, garbage, paved double parking sites, most reservation sites, 3 first come first served.
Jason Cleveland
This campground has been neglected for sure, but it’s still great for camping. I go camping to get out in nature and Big Hank delivers. On the week of July 22 I was the only there for 3 straight days. Sites are well spaced, most with trees and privacy. Bathrooms ok for camping. It was very buggy, pushing the tolerable limits. The drinking water was suspect. The river is right behind the camp. I awoke to a herd of elk in my site one morning. Slightly better than boondocking but far from glamping.
Derringer Dan
24 bucks a night for what’s probably the worse looking campground I’ve seen in my life. Sites were destroyed, cut logs lying all over the place, half rusted BBQs, everything’s tore up, terrible vault toilets and still they want 24+ bucks a night. This place should be first come first serve, not reserved by folks months out. Also, don’t drink the pump water.
Francisco Santos
We went at the end of the camping season (last week before it closes) and found it to be a good closer. Little traffic, only one other camper the entire time we there. The camp hosts came to check up on us and made us feel welcomed. We were told they were going to get renovations in the foreseeable future so people complaining will get satisfied. Overall, great campground with river access. No light pollution to there is amazing star gazing.