OLDTOWN — Overnight camping is now prohibited at Freeman Lake, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game has announced.

The site, located about five miles north of town, will remain open for day use, as will the boat launch for vessels with electric motors.

Excessive garbage, long-term camping and illegal activity was affecting the quality of users’ experience at the lake and creating unsustainable maintenance and enforcement needs, according to Fish & Game.

“Our priority is to provide a clean and safe place for folks to enjoy fishing and boating,” said regional fisheries manager Andy Dux.

Located off Freeman Lake Road, the state site on the west side of the lake offers a dock, boat launch and a vault toilet. Over 800 catchable-sized rainbow trout were stocked this spring. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake.

Alternative campgrounds nearby include Pioneer Park, which is just across the border in Washington, and Albeni Cove on the Pend Oreille River. Both are less than 10 miles from the Freeman Lake Access Site.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.