Sam Owen
FSU.S. Forest Service — Idaho · Idaho Panhandle National Forests
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Idaho Panhandle National Forests |
| Location | Idaho · Idaho Panhandle National Forests · 48.21667, -116.28306 · Map |
| Sites | 80 public sites counted from the federal listing — 78 standard nonelectric; 1 group shelter electric; 1 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 80 sites Water hookups at 0 of 80 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 80 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 80 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 60 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 76 sites · 30 ft: 71 sites · 35 ft: 45 sites · 40 ft: 31 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 82 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 435-245-6521 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-08-20.
From the official listing
Overview Sam Owen Campground is nestled on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille in a densely wooded forest of pine and cedar. Popular activities include hiking, canoeing, swimming and boating in summer, and skiing in winter. Recreation A beach draws crowds of sunbathers and swimmers. Visitors also like to hike the half-mile, accessible Sam Owen Trail #4. The trail reaches a beautiful vista of Owens Bay, where hikers can rest on benches and take in the astonishing view.
Anglers take pleasure in catching kamloops, Dolly Varden, northern pike, trout and catfish. A boat ramp and dock are located on-site.
Facilities Amenities include a picnic area, paved overflow parking areas and an amphitheater for educational programs. Campsites do not have electric hookups but a group picnic shelter has electricity and lights. Accessible flush toilets, drinking water and a dump station are provided. Natural Features Sam Owen Campground is situated on a peninsula on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, at an elevation of 2,000 feet. The lake spans 82,088 acres and has 125 miles of shoreline.
The well-loved campground shares a peninsula with the Sam Owen Game Preserve, which provides plenty of opportunities to see wildlife up close. Deer are very easy to spot, and watching for unique birds is a rewarding activity. Nearby Attractions The Pend Oreille Scenic Byway is well worth exploring.
Directions, from the listing
From Sandpoint, take State Highway 200 east 21 miles. Turn right on Peninsula Road (County Road 1028) and continue 1 mile to the recreation area.
Nearest federal campgrounds
11 mi straight-line · SANDPOINT IdahoUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersSpringy Point
14 mi straight-line · OLDTOWN IdahoUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRiley Creek
23 mi straight-line · OLDTOWN IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceMagee Rangers Cabin
26 mi straight-line · COEUR D'ALENE IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpyglass Ground House
26 mi straight-line · SMELTERVILLE Idaho
Trip Card — Sam Owen
Idaho · Idaho Panhandle National Forests
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Idaho · Idaho Panhandle National Forests |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 60 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 80 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232202 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.