This Idaho RV Park Offers A Scenic Stay In Nature Beside An Iconic Amusement Park

Athol, Idaho, might not exactly be a common bucket list destination, but it's well worth a stop, especially if you're RV road-tripping across the Northwest. With a population of just over 700 people, the tiny town is located less than an hour from Spokane, Washington, and within a stone's throw of multiple national forests.

However, Athol is arguably best known for the Silverwood Theme Park. The tourist site spans 413 square acres and offers over 70 attractions — with more to come as it plans to expand Boulder Beach, its family-friendly waterpark. Think classics like a Ferris wheel and carousel, as well as high-intensity rides such as the 104-foot Spincycle or the high-speed Velocity Peak water slide.

During its regular season between May and September, Silverwood Theme Park offers a wide range of attractions, including convenient RV parking right next to the rides and rollercoasters. Sounds like the perfect family-friendly getaway, right?

Silverwood Theme Park's on-site RV park is perfect for RV road trippers, van lifers, and traditional campers. Silverwood RV Park offers 123 vehicle hook-up sites (including water, electricity, and sewer hook-ups) and 41 tent campsites.

Amenities range from the practical to the entertaining. As a guest, you have access to laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and showers, so you don't have to worry about roughing it during your stay. Campers can also enjoy time at the playground, volleyball court, and, of course, Silverwood Theme Park itself. Note that a stay at the RV park gives you a discount on admission tickets to both Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park. And, in case you forgot your sunblock or need to load up on snacks, the RV park has a handy general store stocked with all the essentials.

To stay at the park, simply book your dates — available from spring to fall — and bring a tent (follow our tips to help you choose the right tent for your camping adventure) or your camping vehicle.

Despite being just steps from Silverwood Theme Park, guests at its RV park are treated to stunning views of nature that make it easy to forget an entire amusement park is just around the corner. The grounds are green and surrounded by trees, with a glimpse of the mountains in the distance.

To get even closer to nature, consider visiting one of the area's beautiful protected parks and forests. Farragut State Park is just a 12-minute drive east of the RV campsite and boasts 4,000 acres of forests and sparkling waters. Spend your outing hiking, swimming in the lake, or competing to see who can catch the biggest fish. Within the park, you'll also find Tree to Tree Idaho Adventure Park, where you can climb and zip-line through the trees.

The expansive Idaho Panhandle National Forests are also within driving distance of the RV park, though some regions can take a couple of hours to get to. Still, the lakes, rivers, and wildlife are easily worth a day trip. For some nature mixed with urban life, head west to Spokane, one of the best cities for outdoor enthusiasts in the United States.