Mica Bay Boater Park
A serene, boat-in or walk-in park on Lake Coeur d'Alene, perfect for watersports, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for activities
Mica Bay Boater Park
Best Time
Calm waters for activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, boat-in or walk-in park on Lake Coeur d'Alene, perfect for watersports, camping, and wildlife viewing.
"A beloved spot for learning to water ski, offering calm waters and beautiful lake views."
Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash facilities here! Bring everything you need and take all your trash with you. :recycle:
Boat-In Convenience
Access is primarily by boat or a short walk. Perfect for boaters looking for a secluded spot. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Bay Views
Mica Bay
Enjoy serene lake views and the peaceful atmosphere of this secluded bay, perfect for relaxation.
Water Skiing Haven
Mica Bay
A beloved spot for learning to water ski, offering calm waters ideal for watersports.
Wildlife Spotting
Mica Bay
Keep an eye out for abundant geese, their goslings, and majestic eagles soaring above the bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat-In Access & Amenities
Camping & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash facilities here! Bring everything you need and take all your trash with you. :recycle:
Boat-In Convenience
Access is primarily by boat or a short walk. Perfect for boaters looking for a secluded spot. :boat:
Tent Camping Ready
Camping spots are available for $10/night. Vault toilets are on-site. :tent:
Watch for Geese!
Lots of geese and their babies, so be mindful of them during your visit. :bird:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack It In, Pack It Out
No trash facilities here! Bring everything you need and take all your trash with you. :recycle:
Boat-In Convenience
Access is primarily by boat or a short walk. Perfect for boaters looking for a secluded spot. :boat:
Tent Camping Ready
Camping spots are available for $10/night. Vault toilets are on-site. :tent:
Watch for Geese!
Lots of geese and their babies, so be mindful of them during your visit. :bird:
Host Interaction
Volunteer hosts manage the park; their helpfulness can vary. :wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mica Bay Boater Park is cherished for its beautiful, secluded bay and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and watersports like water skiing. Visitors appreciate the affordable camping fees and the opportunity to see local wildlife. However, some reviews mention issues with the volunteer hosts' demeanor, and the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy requires thorough preparation.
"We voted in. Plenty of space to park on one of two docs. Camping spots are managed by Camp host. At the time his name is Mike. Very friendly guy. Helped us get a lay for the land. Camp firewood is available for three dollars per bundle. Paid for an overnight camping spot. Had a great view of the lake. Lots of geese and their babies. Campground is very well taken care of. No bug issues or bears. Saw a couple of eagles in the bay."
Travis Gylling
"This is a good place to go swimming. It is secluded and you may have a walk a little to get here but it normally isn't super crowded. There is sometimes Goose poop that may need to be cleaned up. There is a boat dock so if you have a boat, you can park it to load or unload."
Jason Colgrove
"Hello, my wife and I (Tim and Jan) are the current volunteer hosts (2020). We have been here 3 weeks and have been trying to get the place nice and tidy for visitors.
This is a Bureau of Land Management fee park. This is boat-in or walk-in only... NO VEHICULAR ACCESS. $10.00 per night includes a tent site and/or boat parking at the dock.
There is 2 vault toilets that we strive to keep clean. You can help odor control by keeping toilet lids and doors closed... it really does help!
Also, there is NO trash facilities here. Pack it in, pack it out! Please do not leave your trash behind.
Come on by and check it out. We look forward to seeing you!"
tim k
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mica Bay Boater Park is primarily accessible by boat or a walk-in. There is no direct vehicular access to the park itself. Boaters can utilize the dock for loading and unloading.
No, there is no vehicular access or parking directly at Mica Bay Boater Park. You'll need to arrive by boat or walk in.
While there is a boat dock for parking and loading/unloading, the park itself is not a boat launch. You'll need to launch your boat elsewhere and then navigate to the park.
If you don't have a boat, you can walk into the park. Be prepared for a short walk to reach the main bay area.
Mica Bay is located on Lake Coeur d'Alene, near the city of Coeur d'Alene, which offers various marinas and amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mica Bay Boater Park is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) fee park. The fee is $10.00 per night, which covers a tent site and/or boat parking at the dock.
Camping spots are managed by a volunteer host. While not explicitly stated that advance booking is required, it's advisable to check with the host if possible, especially during peak season.
As a BLM fee park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific operating hours are not typically listed, but camping is available overnight.
The primary restriction is the lack of vehicular access. The park is designed for boaters and those willing to walk in.
Information on online payment is not readily available. It's best to be prepared to pay the fee in person to the volunteer host.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
The park offers two vault toilets that are maintained by volunteer hosts. There are no trash facilities, so visitors must pack out all their waste.
Yes, camp firewood is typically available for purchase from the host for $3 per bundle. However, availability can vary.
Yes, Mica Bay is a good place for swimming. It's often less crowded than other areas, offering a more secluded experience.
Reports suggest no significant bug issues. While there are geese and eagles, bear sightings are not commonly reported.
Keeping the toilet lids and doors closed helps with odor control.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning lake reflections, wildlife like geese and eagles, and the serene bay scenery. The golden hour light in the late summer afternoons can be particularly beautiful.
The entire bay offers picturesque views. From the water, you get a unique perspective of the shoreline and surrounding nature.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
Yes, the boats docked at the park can add to the scenic, nautical feel of your photos.
While not explicitly mentioned for Mica Bay, sunsets over Lake Coeur d'Alene are generally spectacular, offering beautiful colors and reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
If you're looking for a place to anchor and relax, or a convenient spot to load and unload gear, the dock at Mica Bay is ideal. The park's secluded nature means you can often find a peaceful spot to enjoy your aquatic adventures without the hustle and bustle of larger marinas.
Campers Seeking Serenity
While amenities are basic (vault toilets), the tranquility and beautiful lake views make it a worthwhile escape. It’s a place to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Boating and Water Activities
Beyond water skiing, the tranquil nature of the bay makes it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and leisurely boat rides. The lack of heavy boat traffic, especially during weekdays, contributes to a peaceful atmosphere. Remember that while there's a dock for parking, the park itself is not a boat launch, so you'll need to arrange for launching your vessel elsewhere before heading to Mica Bay.
For those without a boat, the park is still accessible via a walk-in, allowing you to enjoy the lakeside setting and partake in swimming or simply relaxing by the water. The presence of the dock also means you can coordinate with friends who are arriving by boat for a shared experience.
Camping and Park Management
The park features two vault toilets, and visitors are encouraged to help with odor control by keeping the lids and doors closed.
Despite the rustic nature and the need for self-sufficiency, many visitors cherish Mica Bay for its beauty and the sense of peace it offers. It's a place where you can disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings, with the added bonus of potential wildlife sightings like eagles and geese.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit