Clark Fork Drift Yard

This was a backup plan if we didn’t reach another location. We drove through two nearby camping locations, one a state run park, another was free we also drove through the drift yard (first). we returned to the drift yard out of concerns for our cats safety. It’s wide open so she could explore while we kept an eye on her. It was a slightly cloudy day with a fairly good breeze off the water which made for a very comfortable stay in a place with no shade. There were other people camping there also, but everyone kept well to themselves and kept considerable distances from each other. A minimum of 100’ was the closest neighbor, and we didn’t hear them come or go ! There where also 10 to 20 boats that launched while we were there, but the same feel... respect for others privacy. The only negative (no big deal) is if someone is at the entrance to the yard (leaving) you may need to wait for them before entering - it’s a tight narrow entrance at 90 degrees.
Bottom line, I’d be happy to go there again !

Easy location to find. Drive 1/2 mile down the dirt road to the big parking lot. You can do the small loop from there if you want to go to the camp spot right on the water with your own launch.
We just camped at the parking lot and it was perfectly fine. People will leave their trucks with boat trailer parked overnight here. it does feel safe and secluded out here. The parking lot is gravel but very level.
There is one port a potty but that’s the only amenity. No shade but it’s great for solar!
The train does pass thru every hour or so but we barely noticed it since it doesn’t blow the horn. We didn’t hear any traffic noise either at night.
I also highly recommend driving 5 miles down the road to Davis Grocery for coffee and pastries. It’s the best!

This area isn’t much more than a parking lot with a boat ramp. You can camp in the parking lot, the small area before the parking lot, or along the large circle drive.

The really awesome site in the circle right next to the water the other reviewers are talking about was taken when we got there and the morning we left someone had put a porta-potty in the middle of the site and there was a sign saying the area was reserved for the Clark Fork Kayaking Club so I’m not sure if you can even camp in that spot anymore or maybe it’s just a seasonal thing.

Even though there aren’t any official campsites we enjoyed camping there. The driftwood yard is fun to explore, there’s some good hiking not far away, and the water by the boat dock is clean and nice to swim in.

It was mostly quiet at night, except for the train that passes by once or twice but it wasn't so noisy that it woke us up.

There’s a 3 day camping limit, there’s a porta-potty by the boat ramp, it’s big rig friendly, and easy to get in an out of.

The area is closed from April 1-May 15 to allow the waterfowl to nest. The gate they use to shut the area off isn’t in a good location and if you are towing a trailer it’s going to be really hard to get out of there so make sure you don’t try and drive down to it during the closed season.

Great internet, right on the water, and views for days. Couldn’t ask for better.

Beautiful spot. Kayak, fishing, room for kids and dogs to run

Great spot room for big rigs as well.
Close to the water with fantasy views

Plenty of spots with several that have close access to water. Kayaking seems to be a popular activity in the area with many day-visitors. Verizon cell coverage was fantastic and the camping is far enough off the road to not be bothered by traffic noise (outside of the occasional train).

This was the first spot we took our new trailer to. The 1/4 mile dirt road off the highway to get to the site was a bit narrow with several average sized pot holes but passable in a couple spots for rigs going opposite directions.
There were several locals parked along the road collecting driftwood. We arrived early afternoon and there was plenty of space in the big gravel lot to park and setup. We were disappointed to find the gate was locked preventing us from setting up right by the water. The water level was extremely low which allowed for lots of beach to walk the pups on and explore. There was 1 other camper in the lot and a couple tents setup in the distance. Plenty of space to spread out. Looking forward to going back and spending the weekend when it gets warmer to do some kayaking and paddle boarding.

Easy access on gravel road to this large, level gravel parking lot for water users which allows free camping for three days. There’s also a dirt road loop from one side of the parking lot to the other, that goes to a kayak access to the lake and more camping away from the parking lot. Quiet other than the noise of distant traffic and occasional train. No services except a porta-john, boat launch and dock. Pack it in, and pack it out. There are some dirt roads to walk a dog, please pick up dog waste, it seems a lot of people aren’t. Excellent Verizon signal. Beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains.

We found this spot through research, great spot. There were others here while we stayed , we were lucky to get a spot. Looks like during high season it probably fills up quick. Easy access to the water and great views. Cell service is great! There is a port oh john toilet if needed.