Construction has begun on a new 26-site tent-only campground along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Smelterville, Idaho, according to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR).
The project, developed in partnership with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, aims to expand overnight access and support sustainable outdoor recreation.
Designed specifically for bikepackers, touring cyclists, and other travelers seeking a quiet camping option, the campground is located directly along the popular trail and near a regional airport.
Visitors will have access to cyclist-focused amenities, including secure bike parking, a shower house, potable water, E-bike charging stations, and hammock posts.
“This project is a great example of how we’re creating more opportunities for Idahoans and visitors to connect with our state parks through unique camping experiences and ensuring these experiences are here for future generations,” Susan Buxton, director of IDPR, said, as reported by Shoshone News-Press on June 13.
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes was also developed through a partnership among the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Union Pacific Railroad, the State of Idaho, and the U.S. Government.
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes stretches 73 miles across the Idaho panhandle from Mullan to Plummer and was named one of the nation’s top 25 trails by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
The route draws cyclists, walkers, Nordic skiers, and wildlife enthusiasts year-round.
Here’s a polished, neutral, AP Style–aligned rewrite of that passage:
The 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes connects visitors to a variety of recreational opportunities across northern Idaho.
Nearby destinations include Heyburn State Park, Coeur d’Alenes Old Mission State Park, and the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Harrison, Kellogg and Wallace.
Travelers can also visit Silver Mountain Resort, home to North America’s longest gondola ride and an indoor waterpark. For a scenic ride, the Route of the Hiawatha offers another popular cycling experience.
The new campground is positioned to benefit both visitors and nearby communities. It is within close reach of three towns that provide supplies, dining options, and opportunities for exploration, further supporting local economies.