Benewah Lake Campground

Are you a local resident in search of a picturesque camping destination in the "camping near me" category, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor exploration? Benewah Lake Campground, situated near St. Maries, Idaho, presents itself as a potentially stunning location. Reviews from campers highlight its natural beauty, particularly the lake views and a recommended short hike to a train bridge offering scenic vistas, especially at sunset. This campground seems to promise an immersive experience in nature, with opportunities for short hikes and enjoying the surrounding landscape.

The environment surrounding Benewah Lake Campground is clearly a major draw for visitors. The descriptions emphasize the "super beautiful" setting and the allure of Benewah Lake itself, although direct details about lake access for activities like swimming or boating are not provided. The presence of a train track accessible via a short hike adds a unique element to the location, offering the chance to witness trains traversing a bridge, potentially providing memorable photo opportunities and sunset views. The natural terrain likely features a mix of woodland and lakeside areas, contributing to the overall scenic appeal that campers have noted.

In terms of services and facilities, the available information is somewhat limited and mixed. One review mentions that the restrooms were "pretty clean," which is a positive aspect for campers who value hygiene. However, the same review describes the showers as being neither the best nor the worst, suggesting they are functional but perhaps not a highlight. The second review touches upon a significant infrastructure issue: the "dam well went dry," resulting in the nearest water source being five miles away. While campers were reportedly informed of this, the difficulty of relocating a large (40-foot) camper to access water is a serious consideration for RV travelers. This suggests potential limitations in on-site water availability during certain times, which prospective visitors should be aware of and inquire about before their visit.

A significant feature of Benewah Lake Campground, based on the enthusiastic recommendation in one review, is the short hike to the train tracks and the associated bridge. This is presented as a must-do activity, offering beautiful views and the chance to experience the sunset in a unique setting. However, the reviewer also wisely advises caution regarding passing trains, underscoring the need for safety awareness while exploring this feature. The combination of natural beauty and the novelty of the train bridge seems to be a key attraction of this campground.

Despite the positive comments regarding the scenery and some of the facilities, a major drawback consistently highlighted in both reviews is the severe issue with bugs, specifically wasps and, most notably, mosquitoes. One camper described the wasps as "a little annoying" during mealtimes but noted they would mostly disappear once food was put away. However, the consensus on the mosquitoes is overwhelmingly negative. One reviewer stated that the mosquitoes "ate you alive, no mercy," emphasizing their relentless and pervasive presence. This individual, who identifies as typically being a mosquito magnet, reported that everyone in their group suffered numerous bites, indicating the problem was not isolated. The second review echoed this sentiment, describing the mosquitoes as "so so BAD that it was impossible to go outside for anything." This camper expressed bewilderment at the apparent lack of pest control measures by the park, especially given the severity of the issue during their June visit.

The timing of visits appears to significantly impact the overall experience at Benewah Lake Campground. The second reviewer specifically mentioned that "June was not a good time to go" due to the overwhelming mosquito problem. This suggests that insect activity may be highly seasonal and potentially severe during the late spring and early summer months. Local users considering a visit should inquire about the typical periods of high mosquito and wasp activity and come prepared with strong insect repellent, protective clothing, and possibly even mosquito netting for their campsites.

The first reviewer, despite the significant mosquito issue, still rated the campground four stars, citing the beautiful views and decent restrooms as redeeming qualities. This indicates that the natural beauty of the location holds considerable appeal and that, for some, the stunning environment might outweigh the discomfort caused by the insects. However, the second review paints a more negative picture, heavily influenced by the water shortage and the inability to enjoy the outdoors due to the mosquitoes. This highlights the importance of considering both the positive and negative aspects reported by fellow campers.

Currently, there is no promotional information available in the provided text. Therefore, local users interested in Benewah Lake Campground should seek out official websites or contact the relevant authorities (likely the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department or the managing entity of the campground) for any potential discounts, seasonal offers, or information regarding long-term stays. It would also be prudent to inquire specifically about the current status of water availability and any pest control measures in place or planned for the season.

In conclusion, Benewah Lake Campground near St. Maries, Idaho, offers undeniably beautiful scenery, including lake views and a unique train bridge attraction. For local users searching within the "camping near me" category and prioritizing natural beauty, this campground might seem appealing. However, potential visitors must be aware of the significant and consistently reported issues with mosquitoes and wasps, particularly during the late spring and early summer. Additionally, the past issue with the water supply being distant from the campground is a serious consideration, especially for RV campers. While the views and some facilities receive positive feedback, the severe insect problem appears to be a major deterrent for many. Prospective campers should weigh these factors carefully, inquire about current conditions and pest control efforts, and come fully prepared to mitigate the insect issues to potentially enjoy the inherent beauty of Benewah Lake Campground.

Benewah Lake Campground

St Maries, ID 83861, USA