Motorhome and trailer friendly campgrounds, plus suggested destinations for your 2-nation vacation itinerary
From six-week pop-up camping adventures to driving a Class C RV cross-country from Washington State to Florida, our family of four is no stranger to epic road trips. Of all the highways we’ve wandered, the International Selkirk Loop in Idaho, British Columbia, and Washington stands out for its beauty, drivability, friendly people, and especially the number of RV parks and campgrounds that made it easy to travel with a motorhome or trailer. As you plan your trip, check out these International Selkirk Loop RV parks for where to stay on the ISL.
Where to camp on the International Selkirk Loop in your RV, motorhome, trailer, or fifth wheel
When traveling the ISL, it’s not uncommon for folks to overnight in Spokane, WA, then drive over to Newport, ID, to enter the International Selkirk Loop itself. As you approach Newport, you’ll pass a sign that welcomes you to the ISL.
Often people drive the loop counter-clockwise, and so did we. We drove through northern Idaho to Canada. Our road turned west across southern British Columbia, then through northeastern Washington State. Our International Selkirk Loop family travel article gives more details about the ISL and our experience too.
Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, USA
Twin Cedars Campground on Lake Pend Oreille
67 Singing Pines Dr., Sandpoint, ID
208-920-1910
Let’s start with a spot that can be a little tricky to map, but worth it. We’ll walk you through the details, or keep going and come back to it later when you’re ready.
Technically, there are two Twin Cedars Campgrounds. One is more inland from the lake, and that’s the one that typically comes up on a Google Maps search. Instead, search the address itself: 67 Singing Pines Dr., Sandpoint, ID.
As you go, odds are your nav will direct you to Sunnyside Road at mile marker 35. However, this road’s railroad underpass has a clearance too short for most motorhomes and trailers. Instead, continue on Highway 200 east toward Hope/Clark Fork. Pass by the Sunnyside Road turnoff. Turn right onto nearby Sunnyside Cutoff Road at mile marker 36. Follow Sunnyside Cutoff Road for a mile and a half, then turn left onto Sunnyside Road. Now you’re good to go. Drive 4.5 miles to Singing Pines Drive, just down from the Hawkins Point Public Boat Launch. After sharp left, stay to the right, and go up the right-side driveway.
On Billie’s private land along the northern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Billie’s RV sites offer full hookups and free Wi-Fi. Your site overlooks the lake’s blue waters and surrounding hills. Walk down the driveway and cross the gravel road to a private lakeside area that’s just for guests. A public boat launch and beach area is just up the road a bit too.
Suggested activities
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort: zip lines, bungee bounce, hiking, and more
- Lake Pend Oreille Cruises: scenic and history tours of one of America’s deepest lakes
Creston, British Columbia, Canada
You’ll cross the border from the USA into Canada at Rykerts border crossing, which typically opens at 7 a.m.. All people crossing will need a passport, including children. Check border crossing requirements so you’re prepared.
Scottie’s RV Park & Campground
1409 Erickson Rd, Creston, BC V0B 1G3, Canada
250-428-4256
In the town of Creston, Scottie’s clean, comfortable sites felt like a village made for RVs. Across the street is the Columbia Brewery, makers of Kokanee Beer. The grounds at Scottie’s feel welcoming and relaxed, with trees, small ornamental gardens, and little nooks with benches.
Suggested activities
- Eagle spotting at Kootenai National Wildlife Area in Bonners Ferry, Idaho
- Kootenay Meadows self-guided farm tours and cheese shop near Creston
- Guided wetland canoe tour, boardwalk hikes, and education center exploring at Kootenay Columbia Discovery Centre
Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada
Kaslo Village Campground
250-353-2662
Talk about in-town camping. Mountains surround the lakeside village of Kaslo. The SS Moyie, a retired paddlewheel ferry that now serves as a historical attraction, awaits at the lake’s edge. The campground offered hookups and easy access to paths and nearby downtown attractions.
Suggested activities
- Artisans of Crawford Bay: Explore shops where craftspeople make everything from metalworks to brooms
- Free ferry from Kootenay Bay to Balfour Terminal
- Tour the SS Moyie (and make sure your kids take a turn blowing the ship’s whistle)
- Hike the River Walk Trail, Railroad Ave, Kaslo, BC
Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
Syringa Provincial Park
5570 Broadwater Rd., Robson, BC V0G 1X0, Canada
250-365-6945
West of the small town of Castlegar, Syringa Provincial Park offers boating and lakeside recreation, amid tall trees and serene hills. Drinking water stations are available, but hookups are electric only. The campground has nice bathrooms and free showers, and we especially loved how easy it was to get from camp to the lake. It’s also a short drive back to Castlegar for in-town activities.
Suggested activities
- Doukhobor Discovery Centre: Insights into a Russian immigrant community who made their home in BC
- Cross the suspension bridge or land causeway and wander Zuckerberg Island
- Experience and discuss outdoor down at downtown’s rotating Castlegar Sculpturewalk
Ione/Metaline Falls, Washington, USA
A drive through the rolling hills and wooded mountains of southern BC takes you to the Metaline Canada-USA border crossing, which typically opens at 8 a.m. You return to the USA via a forested corner of northeastern Washington, full of water recreation and more.
Cedar RV Park
509-442-2144
Under new ownership, Cedar RV Park is just off the main highway, but it’s a quiet spot nestled among the tall trees. Kids can romp on the grassy field, and the owners are working on new family friendly enhancements, such as a playground. Sites are close, but this also makes it easy to chat with neighbors. Level concrete pads and full hookups make setup easy. The park has an on-site store, and our RV especially appreciated the wash bay.
Suggested activities
- Vista House: Overhead views of the dam at Boundary Waters and the recreational area beyond (suggested route)
- Peewee Falls: Reachable only by boat via Boundary Dam Campground
- Tour Gardner Cave: Family-focused, 45-minute group tours also available
- Hike Sweet Creek Falls: Broad, level, mostly paved trail is only about a quarter mile to this lovely waterfall
Set your motorhome’s course to a 2-nation scenic drive of a lifetime
From the Blue Ridge Parkway on the East Coast or California’s Highway 1, our family loves road trips on beautiful scenic drives. The International Selkirk Loop is one of the most beautiful routes we’ve even taken, and International Selkirk Loop RV parks helped us enjoy every mile in our RV. RVing this 278-mile loop in the USA and Canada is now one of our fondest motorhome memories, and we hope it soon will be one of yours too.
