Big Hank Campground is a pawpular campground in the Idaho Panhandle. It rests beside the Coeur d’Alene River and offers visitors top-notch riverside camping. Surrounded by scenic woodlands and meadows, the campground has a truly picturesque setting that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. You’ll enjoy the campground’s convenient amenities and easy access to nearby recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting.
Big Hank Campground has 30 sites, and each of these sites has campfire rings and picnic tables. Other amenities include drinking water, vault restrooms, and trash collection. Visitors note that the vault restrooms are kept clean and stocked. The campground also sits beside Big Hank Meadow, a large and scenic grassland expanse from which the campground gets its name.
The main draw for campers is the two gorgeous waterfalls located just a bone's throw away from the campground. The trail to Fern Falls is steep but short, making it a great option for an excursion with the whole family. Hikers note that the trail can be hard to find -- you should pay close attention to signage. You'll also need to watch your step, as the rocks leading up to the falls are covered in moss and can be slippery. (If your canine companion is tagging along, we advise against walking along the rocks for their safety.)
You can't see Fern Falls without also stopping by Shadow Falls, the more impressive of the two. Frequent visitors say early morning is one of the best times to visit, pawticularly if you plan on snapping some cute doggie pics! (But you'll have to wait to upload them to social media, as there's no cell phone service in this area.)
There are a couple of things to remember when you’re staying at Big Hank. You should keep your dog leashed at all times and clean up their messes. This is especially important since the area is home to potentially dangerous wildlife. Be bear-aware and store all your food and scented items safely.