A firsthand, big-rig RV park review
Tamarack RV Park Coeur d’Alene Review
After multiple stays—including visits of two to three weeks—Tamarack became our favorite overall RV-park balance inside Coeur d’Alene. Here is what worked with our Brinkley, what did not, and who should book it.
Our verdict
Best overall balance in Coeur d’Alene
Best for
Big rigs and convenient longer stays
Standout feature
Level pavement beneath mature pines
Plan around
Spotty Wi-Fi and no dog run
Why this review is personal
The park where our Brinkley story began
During our first year in Coeur d’Alene, we saw a Brinkley RV at Tamarack and stopped to take a closer look. That first glimpse stayed with us. Later, after buying our own Brinkley, we returned to the same park—this time pulling the rig that had started as an idea beneath these trees.
We have now stayed at Tamarack with both of our RVs, including visits lasting two to three weeks and stays in both pull-through and back-in sites. Our current rig is a 35-foot Brinkley Model Z3100. That gives us a more useful view than a quick overnight stop: arrival and setup, daily errands, noise, shade, hookups, laundry, dog routines and the small irritations that only become obvious after several days.
Tamarack is not the closest park to downtown. It is the Coeur d’Alene park where paved sites, mature trees and everyday convenience come together best for us.
Read the review
- Verdict
- Our story
- Sites
- Amenities
- Location
- Dogs
- Need to know
- FAQ
The honest review
Our best overall Coeur d’Alene choice
Tamarack earns that recommendation by getting the fundamentals right. It is comfortable enough for a multi-week stay, easy to use with a larger rig and close to the errands that make daily RV life simpler.
Would we stay again?
Yes. Tamarack gave us the most complete mix of level paved sites, mature ponderosa pines, a quieter-than-expected atmosphere and access to shopping. We would choose it when comfort and convenience matter more than walking to downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Our answer: yes
What we liked
- Paved, notably level sites
- Pull-through sites are especially easy
- Mature trees and a woodsy feel
- Very clean laundry and shower facilities
- Costco, groceries and restaurants close by
Plan around
- Wi-Fi was spotty with low data throughput
- Turns near the back of the park can feel tight
- No designated pet-relief area
- Farther from downtown than River Walk
- Rates can be higher than nearby options
A full-circle RV moment
Returning in our own Brinkley
Seeing that first Brinkley at Tamarack helped turn casual curiosity into a real shopping decision. Returning with our own rig made this more than another campground review—it connected the beginning of the idea with the way we travel now.
The second stay also confirmed something practical: Tamarack works well for our setup. The paved surface was easy to level, the roadways gave us room to maneuver and the trees delivered atmosphere without making the park feel like a rough forest campground.
That combination is what makes Tamarack memorable. It feels settled and green, yet it still supports the routines of traveling with a modern fifth wheel.
Brinkley tested
Paved, level and easier to settle into
The sites are the strongest reason to choose Tamarack over a more rustic alternative. Our setup felt manageable, stable and appropriate for a longer stay.
Our paved site beneath the pines
Surface
Level pavement
Our pull-through and back-in sites were simpler and cleaner to set up on than gravel, with less correction needed once the Brinkley was in position.
Hookups
Well-placed full service
Hookup placement worked well for our rig, water pressure was good, and the park advertises water, sewer and 20/30/50-amp electrical service at every site.
Access
35-foot Brinkley workable
Our Z3100 was manageable in both site types, and a pull-through is the easiest choice. Maneuvering was easier than at River Walk overall, although turns toward the back of the park can be a little tight.
Atmosphere
Trees without roughing it
Mature ponderosa pines add shade and character while the paved roadways keep the park practical.
Noise
Quieter than expected
Road noise was less noticeable than the map suggested, and the back of the park was quieter still.
Longer stays
Daily life works
Nearby shopping, laundry and full hookups make a two- or three-week visit easier than a scenic but isolated park.
What is on site
Useful facilities with a few thoughtful extras
Tamarack covers the basics for a longer stay and adds shared outdoor spaces that make the property feel more like a small neighborhood than a parking lot.
Shared gathering space
Barbecue and firepit patio
A landscaped common area gives campers a comfortable place to sit outside the RV. Wood fires are not allowed; check current propane-firepit options with the office.
Free • Best in the morning
Very clean laundry and showers
Both the laundry facilities and showers were very clean during our stays, helping Tamarack function well for more than an overnight stop.
Free • Sunset favorite
Landscaped water feature
Greenery and a small pond soften the practical campground setting and reinforce the park-like feel.
The convenience tradeoff
Excellent for errands, less ideal for walking downtown
Costco is next door, and Safeway, restaurants, shopping and big-box stores are close enough to make restocking painless. That matters more than it sounds during a multi-week RV stay.
The tradeoff is downtown access. Tamarack is not the park we would choose if our top priority were walking to the lakefront, restaurants and city-center attractions. For that trip style, River Walk deserves comparison. Although Tamarack can cost more, we consider the better site experience worth the difference for a shorter stay.
Choose Tamarack for
Shopping access, level sites, trees and a quieter base.
Compare River Walk for
Closer downtown access and potentially lower pricing.
Callie tested
Dog-friendly, but without a designated dog area
We stayed at Tamarack with Callie and found the shaded, tree-lined setting pleasant for routine walks. There is a large grass area in front of the office, but it is not a dedicated or fenced pet area. Dog owners should plan their daily routine rather than expecting an on-site dog park.
Grass near the office
A large lawn provides a practical option, but it is shared space.
Keep dogs leashed
Follow current park rules throughout the property.
Carry waste bags
Do not depend on a dedicated pet station being nearby.
Mind the pavement
On hot days, use shaded routes and check surface temperature.
Before you arrive
The practical details
These details make planning easier, but campground policies and rates change. Confirm the current information directly with Tamarack before booking.
Check-in / check-out
1:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m.
Quiet hours
10:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
Hookups
Full hookups with 20/30/50-amp service
Open season
The park currently advertises year-round operation
Speed limit
10 mph inside the park
Fires
No wood fires; ask about propane firepits
After-hours arrival
Look for your packet at the check-in kiosk
Internet
Free Wi-Fi advertised; we use Starlink and Verizon worked well
Official details checked in August 2026. Our Wi-Fi assessment is based on personal experience, not the park’s guarantee. The park Wi-Fi was spotty with low data; Verizon worked well during our stay, and we travel with Starlink. Confirm rates, site dimensions, cancellation terms and current policies for your dates.
Match the trip
Who should book Tamarack?
Tamarack is strongest as a practical, comfortable Coeur d’Alene base—especially for travelers who care more about the site than resort-style recreation.
It is a strong fit if you want…
- A paved, level full-hookup site
- An easy pull-through or a quieter site toward the back
- A workable base for a larger fifth wheel
- Costco, groceries and restaurants close by
- A higher-quality site that justifies a little more cost on a shorter stay
Compare alternatives if you need…
- A campground within easy walking distance of downtown
- A dedicated fenced dog run
- Reliable campground Wi-Fi for remote work
- The lowest available nightly rate
- A destination resort with a pool or programmed activities
Quick answers
Tamarack RV Park FAQ
The questions we would want answered before pulling a large RV into an unfamiliar city park.
Is Tamarack RV Park good for big rigs?
It worked well for our 35-foot Brinkley Model Z3100 in both pull-through and back-in sites. The paved roads and level sites made setup easier than at River Walk, although turns near the back of the park can be a little tight. Confirm your total length and preferred site type when booking.
Are the sites paved and level?
Our pull-through and back-in sites were paved and impressively level. Hookup placement worked well for our rig and the water pressure was good. Those were major reasons we would return.
Is the campground Wi-Fi reliable?
Free Wi-Fi is advertised, but our connection was spotty and delivered low data throughput. We travel with Starlink, and Verizon service worked well at the park. Remote workers should still arrive with their own tested backup plan.
Is Tamarack RV Park dog-friendly?
We stayed with Callie and found the shaded setting pleasant for walks. A large grass area sits in front of the office, but it is not a dedicated or fenced dog run. Campers should verify the current pet rules.
Which site type would we choose?
A pull-through is the easiest option for our 35-foot Brinkley. The back of the park is quieter, although the turns getting there can be a little tight.
Can you walk from Tamarack to downtown Coeur d’Alene?
Tamarack is convenient for shopping, but it is not our first choice for a walk-to-downtown trip. Plan to drive or compare a campground closer to the lakefront and city center.
Can you have a campfire?
The current rules do not allow wood fires. Ask the office about the current propane-firepit policy and rental availability.
Low-cost, high-reward
Our final verdict: Tamarack is the best all-around city base for us
It combines the reliability of a paved full-hookup park with enough trees and quiet to feel removed from the shopping corridor outside. We would return—especially for another extended Coeur d’Alene stay.
Planning more of your trip? Start with our firsthand guide to the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene.