Sam Owen
Campground · Idaho · 80 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Kaniksu National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 80
- Bookable sites
- 60 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 50
- People per site
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 2,080 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- Season: Mid May – Late September — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 80 bookable sites
- 82 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 2 sites for day use only
- 2 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 60 ft
- Up to 50 people per site
- Loops: DANC, GROU, GRPA, LEAF, REDS, STON
Site types
- 78 Standard Nonelectric
- 2 Management
- 1 Group Picnic Area
- 1 Group Shelter Electric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, picnic tables, grills.
82 campsites at Sam Owen
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 045 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 046 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 047 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 048 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 049 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 050 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 051 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 42 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 052 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 053 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 054 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 055 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 50 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 056 | DANC | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 55 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| PICA | GROU | Group Picnic Area | — | Paved | Lakefront | — | 50 | 🐾 |
| PAV | GRPA | Group Shelter Electric | — | Paved | Lakefront | — | 50 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 057 | LEAF | Management | Back In | Paved | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 058 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 059 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 060 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 061 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 062 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 063 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 064 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 065 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 066 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 067 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 068 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 069 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 070 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 071 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 072 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 073 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 074 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 075 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 076 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 077 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 078 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 079 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 080 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 081 | LEAF | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 001 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 27 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 002 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 003 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 004 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 006 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 007 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 008 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 009 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 25 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 010 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 25 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 011 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 55 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 012 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 013 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 014 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 015 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 016 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 25 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 017 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 018 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 019 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 020 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 021 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 022 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 023 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 33 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 024 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 025 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 026 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 027 | REDS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 028 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 029 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 030 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 031 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 032 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 033 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 034 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 035 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 036 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 037 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 038 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 25 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 039 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 040 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 041 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 23 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 042 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 043 | STON | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 044 | STON | Management | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
48.21667, -116.28306 · 48°13'0.0"N 116°16'59.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 8.4 | 5.7 | 6.9 | 4.5 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 4.9 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Sam Owen
- Can you reserve a site at Sam Owen?
- Yes, Sam Owen is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Sam Owen have?
- 82 sites in total, of which 80 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Sam Owen?
- 60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Sam Owen?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Sam Owen.
- Are campfires allowed at Sam Owen?
- Campfires are allowed at Sam Owen. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Sam Owen also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Sam Owen's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
Accessibility:
- Accessible flush toilets and accessible picnic shelters
Camping near Sam Owen
- Lunch Peak Lookout 11.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Springy Point 13.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Gamlin Lake 4.8 mi · Facility
- Green Bay Campground 6.4 mi · Campground
- Pend Oreille Lake Area 10.6 mi · Facility
- Lunch Peak Lookout 11.7 mi · Campground
- Maiden Rock Campground 13.2 mi · Campground
- Whiskey Rock Bay Campground 13.9 mi · Campground
- Spar Lake Campground 15.6 mi · Campground
- Ross Creek Cedars 17 mi · Facility
- #999 Historic Big Eddy 19.4 mi · Facility
- Clark Fork River Area 19.5 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 435-245-6521
- Email comments@AmericanLL.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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