SMELTERVILLE – The long-awaited South Fork Campground near the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is now open and accepting reservations.

In a recent media release, Will Armbruster, public information officer for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, announced the completion of the 26-site, tent-only campground located just north of the Shoshone County Airport in Smelterville.

The campground, which sits roughly half a mile from the Smelterville Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes trailhead, was developed through a partnership with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, which helped develop the land, including removing contaminated soil from the site and replacing it with clean soil for the new campsites.

"Designed to meet the growing demand for overnight accommodation along the 73-mile trail, the new campground will provide a comfortable and convenient stopping point for bike packers, touring cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts," Armbruster said.

Built with an emphasis on sustainability, the campground features secure bike parking, a shower house, potable water, e-bike charging stations, hammock posts and tent sites.

"This new campground reflects our commitment to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the incredible places that make Idaho special," Susan Buxton, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, said previously. "As more people discover the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, we're investing in facilities that support safe, comfortable, and sustainable adventures for visitors from across Idaho and beyond. Whether someone is bikepacking across the state or simply looking for a peaceful night under the stars, this campground will enhance one of Idaho's most iconic recreation experiences."

Winding 73 miles through the heart of North Idaho, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes stretches from Mullan to Plummer and has earned national recognition from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as one of the top 25 trails in the United States. Renowned for its sweeping scenery, accessibility, and year-round recreational opportunities, the paved pathway attracts cyclists, walkers, runners, wildlife enthusiasts, and Nordic skiers from across the region and beyond.

The addition of the new campground further enhances the trail experience, offering travelers a new overnight option while supporting the communities and natural landscapes that have helped make the route a destination for outdoor recreation.

The campground is managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation through Old Mission State Park. To reserve a tent site, call (208) 682-3814 or visit www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.