Carl Chidiac is a seasoned elk guide with over 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry. The past few years, as retirement inched closer, Carl wanted a camper that would allow him and his wife, Lisa, to escape to a lakeshore with their fishing boat or horse trailer for several days of uninterrupted enjoyment. The camper also needed to be well-built and insulated to handle those frigid Idaho mornings during elk season. After thorough research and visiting us at an RV show in Idaho, Carl placed his order last August, and by early spring, he was rolling in his 8.5’ Alaskan Camper—a perfect fit for his Chevy 3500 Duramax without compromising towing capabilities.
On their inaugural journey, Carl and his wife Lisa embarked from their home near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Henderson, Nevada, covering a round trip of over 2,400 miles. Their route took them through varying weather conditions and stunning national parks, including Bryce Canyon, culminating in a picturesque stay at Valley of Fire State Park. Despite facing rain, snow, and high winds, Carl reports that their camper performed flawlessly, which only reinforced his decision as they passed swaying RVs and fifth-wheels in the mountains. Honestly, after hearing about their journey, we should consider hiring them to star in a commercial for us.
Anyways, along the way, Carl and Lisa opted to avoid crowded campgrounds, choosing instead to set up camp on quieter BLM-managed lands near water sources or trailheads. When near friends and relatives, Carl and Lisa saved on hotel expenses by camping in driveways or on private property, enjoying both the convenience and the personal connections throughout their journey.
“I don’t like campgrounds. To me, it’s not really getting away. It’s more like people getting in your way.”
Carl and Lisa Chidiac have found several favorite spots throughout northern Idaho, perfect for exploring with their nimble Alaskan Camper. While they’re keeping a couple of gems to themselves, they’ve shared insights into a few places that are especially meaningful to them. Before we dig into some of the highlights from their travels close to home a general tip when exploring and dispersed camping. This is not an ad, but we’ve uncovered some incredible hunting spots and trails using the onX app. It puts nationwide land ownership data and detailed, offline maps right in your hand so you can feel confident heading off-the-beaten-path. Especially when hunting and camping on public lands, it’s nice to know exactly where you stand.
This 4.2-mile trail from the trailhead crosses creeks and passes beneath old railroad trestles, taking you through dense cedar forests and areas rich with trillium blooms in season.
Stretching 5 miles, this loop offers panoramic views over local lakes and is lined with vibrant wildflowers beneath towering Ponderosa pines—perfect for horses.
These challenging 7.4-mile loops wind through diverse terrains, from moist cedar slopes to sunlit ridges, offering stunning lake views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
The Sundance Mountain Trail in Idaho provides an exhilarating ascent to a peak at 6,279 feet, where a historic fire lookout tower from 1935 awaits. Suitable for dirt bikes, horses, or high-clearance 4×4 vehicles, this challenging 7.9-mile route features steep, rocky stretches with an average gradient of 8.94%. Due to its minimal maintenance and the natural obstacles frequently encountered, it’s best traveled during the summer months.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Lion’s Head Creek Trail is a great choice. This 3-mile out-and-back trail meanders along Lion Creek isn’t necessarily a secret. Expect some company, especially at the natural rock slide but don’t stop there—go further to discover magnificent views of tumbling waterfalls and a breathtaking catch basin. While the access road may be longer than anticipated and riddled with significant ruts, the route is well-marked, making it hard to miss. Be prepared for some minor water crossings to reach the rock slides and waterfalls.
Big Eddy Marina is a good location to know especially if you’re planning on being on the water. Featuring 101 boat slips, easy launches, and the only fueling station at the reservoir, it’s also a good spot to restock supplies and ice. If you’re not feeling the crowds and just need to put in, there are seven boat launches up and down the reservoir.
Mini Camps on the reservoir provide a rustic retreat, featuring over 70 sites that offer a delightful alternative to traditional campgrounds. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring, and outhouse. Whether you’re enjoying a brief picnic or gathering for a group camp at Cold Springs or Damascus, keep in mind that these camps lack amenities like water, electricity, and dumpsters. Please ensure you pack out all your trash to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
As we wrap up our Idaho exploration, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Carl for sharing his experiences and inspiring us to write about the panhandle. For those inspired to create their adventure in Idaho’s vast landscapes, we recommend checking out BLM resources to find your perfect spot—all sorted by activity. Looking for a new Kokanee spot on the Clearwater, for example? Start there.
If you have stories from your travels with an Alaskan Camper, we’d love to hear them! Please contact [email protected] to be featured in Alaskan Life. We enjoy hearing how our customers are making the most of their campers and exploring new places.