A Family-Friendly RV Adventure Guide

to Idaho Panhandle National Forest
A wooded forest and river in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
Rob and Ashley Peeples family - Keystone Avalanche fifth wheel - White Mountain National Forest
Rob and Ashley Peeples family - Keystone Avalanche fifth wheel - White Mountain National Forest

Ashley Peeples

We are a family of 5 who enjoy spending quality time together, chasing 75-degree weather, and on a mission to see all 50 states. We have been traveling in our RV for the last 3 years and love our 2021 Keystone Fuzion 429 Toyhauler! Follow our journey as we redefine the American dream, prioritizing cherished memories over things!

Our family’s recent adventure took us to the stunning Idaho Panhandle National Forest, a hidden gem that offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. As a traveling RV family, we have partnered with THOR Industries and the National Forest Foundation to bring you an unforgettable vacation experience. Here's a glimpse into our journey and why the Idaho Panhandle National Forest should be your next family RV vacation destination. 

Our Campground: Waldron Campground 

Our adventure began at the Waldron Campground, nestled within Farragut State Park. This campground kisses the Forest's western border and serves as the perfect home base for our explorations, offering spacious sites, modern amenities, and breathtaking views. 

The Waldron Campground sign in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

Free Activities in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Area

  1. Paddleboarding and Kayaking

    The pristine waters of Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake offer excellent opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. We spent countless hours gliding over the crystal-clear waters, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Both lakes have public access points, making it easy to launch your own gear or rent from local outfitters.

    Ashley Peeples paddleboarding on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

  2. Hiking

    The forest is crisscrossed with miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. One standout is the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 73-mile path perfect for both hiking and biking. The beauty of the forest, with its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, makes every hike a new adventure. 

  3. Wildlife Watching

    The Idaho Panhandle National Forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife. We were fortunate enough to spot deer, squirrels, and bald eagles! Early morning

  4. Movie Night Under the Stars

    Enjoy a family movie night under the stars with a campfire! We brought our projector and popped some popcorn after a fun and busy day of exploring the National Forest and it was a fun way to bond with our daughters and make beautiful memories!

    A family sits around a movie screen outside of a Keystone Avalanche fifth wheel.

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Two people hiking along Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
Hiking along Lake Pend Oreille within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
A bald eagle sits in a tree in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
A bald eagle spotted at Lake Pend Oreille.

Thrilling Adventures for the Adrenaline Junkies 

For families seeking a bit more excitement, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest area does not disappoint.  

Ziplining with Timberline Adventures

Timberline Adventures offers an exhilarating zipline tour that takes you soaring through the treetops of the Forest. This adventure provides a unique perspective of the forest’s canopy and offers an adrenaline rush that the entire family will enjoy.

Ashley Peeples and her family after ziplining in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
We enjoyed the S’More’s Treehouse Tour with the Full Zipline Tour with our daughters! This was voted the #1 Outdoor Activity in Coeur d’Alene! Kids ages 7 years old and up can go on the ziplines, too!  

Silverwood Theme Park and Water Park

Just a short drive from the Forest is Silverwood, the Northwest’s largest theme park. With over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, Silverwood is a must-visit for families. Our kids couldn’t get enough of the roller coasters and water slides, and we loved the variety of entertainment options available. It reminded us of a smaller version of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, with cute banjo country music, adorable buildings with fine detail, and delicious food and great rides and shows. 

A vintage car at Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho.

Exploring Coeur d'Alene 

A visit to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Coeur d'Alene. Located about 30 minutes from Waldron Campground, this charming city is a popular vacation spot known for its beautiful lake, vibrant downtown, and outdoor activities. 

Lake Coeur d'Alene: We spent a delightful day at Lake Coeur d'Alene, enjoying a picnic by the water and renting a boat from CDA Pontoons to explore the lake, which is veteran-owned. The area is also great for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding.  

Downtown Coeur d'Alene: The downtown area is bustling with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious eateries. We loved strolling through the streets, soaking up the lively atmosphere, and indulging in some local cuisine. Some of our favorite eats were: Crafted Tap House, Fire Artisan Pizza, Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen, and grab a cookie at Bear Paw Cookies! , We also fell in love so much, that we decided to extend our stay and enjoy the incredible downtown parade and fireworks on the 4th of July. If you ever get a chance to do this, you should! It was one of the most patriotic 4th of July’s we have experienced yet and we have been to Mt. Rushmore, and Boston for the 4th in the past!  

The business district in Downtown Couer d’Alene.

Tubbs Hill: For a quick and scenic hike, Tubbs Hill offers trails with panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This natural area is conveniently located near downtown, making it an easy addition to your day’s itinerary.

Our family’s RV trip to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest was nothing short of magical. The combination of stunning natural beauty, a wide range of free and thrilling activities, and the charming nearby city of Coeur d'Alene made for a perfect nature lover's getaway. Whether you’re looking to relax in serene surroundings or seek out adventure, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest has something for everyone. 

Pack up your RV, gather your loved ones, and set out for an unforgettable family vacation in one of the most beautiful corners of the country. We’re already planning our next trip back! 

As part of our partnership with THOR Industries and the National Forest, we aim to inspire families to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Safe travels and happy adventuring! Give us a follow at Peeples.and.Places on Instagram or check out our website! 

A Shoreline Trail sign in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
Ashley Peeples and her family cruise on a boat
Ashley Peeples' daughters ride on an inner tube.

Toy Haulers

Many people think of toy haulers as the wild-child of the RV world.  Sometimes that’s true. While the toy hauler originated as a mobile man-cave complete with diamond plate walls, this popular RV type has evolved into much more. Today you might want to think of toy haulers as open-concept living spaces with multi-purpose utility.

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