Johnson/Lakeview (FR 278) in ID -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Idaho

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Johnson/Lakeview (FR 278) in ID

Idaho Panhandle NFs, Sandpoint Ranger District
2,668 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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An 82.0-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Bonner County, ID. The road is open seasonally, November 5 to September 18.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

29.4 of the 82 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 67 of the 82 miles in are dirt. Climbs 15,400 ft over 82 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 22%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~200 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 62 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A gate 17.8 miles in. A water crossing 37.8 miles in.

Jackknife Peak stands 2,577 ft above the site, 3.2 miles south. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. A body of water lies 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Spirit Lake, is 20 mi off.

September normals 4371°F, 1.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

Set by Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Sandpoint Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?