Koocanusa Dirt Biking & Camping?

[sledhead5000]

Heard the area around Lake Koocanusa was good for dirt biking and camping. I'm probably heading down that way for the long weekend. Any info on random camping places, dirt bike trails, trail maps, stuff to watch out for, where not to go etc would be appreciated. If you don't want that info in the public domain, just PM me.

Also, lake levels, heard the lake is dry sometimes, anyone know if it's got water right now?

And yes, I leave my random campsite cleaner than when I arrived and the fire is thoroughly drowned (based on other threads, those are problems down there).

Thanks!

 

[250mark1]

There is lots of good single track on the east side of the lake put on over 220 km in 2 days of ridding a couple years agaged camped in the campground on dore road
( south on 93 towards the border first right after the river valley) in the second and third campground sites they allow dirtbikes
did not see anybody random camping when we were there but it was also not a long weekend

 

[sc800]

Not sure about biking and camping, but was on the lake Thursday and Saturday and lots of water! Level had dropped a bit since weekend before but still tonnes till mid October generally!

 

[doorfx]

Sw end turn right just after the bridge. Lots of random camping right on the beach. Quite a few roads will take you down there. You have to get there early.
Lots of cool sand climbs and lots of trails. You can also follow forestry roads for miles and there are a bunch of small lakes. Ask at the campground/ boat launch

 

[tater]

Koocanusa sucks big time. You won't like it at all. Lake is dirty. No good for boating or swimming. Lol. Kidding. Awesome place. Go there every weekend. Beauty place!

 

[sledhead11]

If anyone has any specific areas close to the water for random camping it would be greatly appreciated? Been going there for years and staying at sandy shores which has been awesome but most people know the owner/operator is a bit of a ..... Nice guy, lol. Trying to find a little privacy for me and my 3 young boys. Always clean, never rowdy. Always safe but just want a little freedom. Any help would be awesome? Thx

 

[moyiesledhead]

Random camping and privacy don't belong in the same question when you ask about Koocanusa. Wayyyyy too popular for privacy.

 

[sledhead11]

I hear ya on that one! I guess what im asking is where are decent spots a guy can get access to water for da boat? And really by saying privacy i mean getting away from some guys abuse of a tiny bit of authority. Just looking to get away from all the complainers at the campground. Looking for fun freedom! Ive seen campers in both sides of the lake etc... Just dont want to tresspass or upset anyone with private land, native reserve etc... Any help is greatly appreciated?
Ps. We are nature loving enthusiasts. Clean, friendly outdoors people. Not yuppies! Cheers

 

[tater]

Go across bridge and keep going till turns to gravel. You will see 2 kinda main trails off to right.. Take 2nd one and follow to lake. Anywhere in there you are good to camp as you will see! Have fun! I have spot directly across lake from there. Beauty area. Weather is stellar!

 

[sledhead11]

Do you know of any areas on the east side of the lake further south, closer to the border? I often see people down there with trailers etc... Curious if this is native reserve land as people have said it is? Also is this area at the north end where you speak of, is a decent beach area, can you beach a boat/seadoo? Thanks for the help!

 

[armascott]

Old thread I know but has any been out riding in Koocanusa lately? I heard a lot of the riding area is closed now, we were planning a trip out there in a couple weeks but not sure if it's worth the drive. Any info we be appreciated

 

[FernieHawk]

Old thread I know but has any been out riding in Koocanusa lately? I heard a lot of the riding area is closed now, we were planning a trip out there in a couple weeks but not sure if it's worth the drive. Any info we be appreciated

I can't say for sure what is going on, but I was out at Dorr Road last weekend and there are signs all over the North side of the road that say 'No Camping' and 'No motorized use'.

People were still camping and riding on the North side of Dorr and when I stopped and chatted with the Forest Resource Officer about the new signage, she stated they didn't really know what was going on. I heard a rumor that they were giving a small grace period but were going to crack down at some point.

Sad state really...the only people out there were family's enjoying the weekend, lots of kids on mini bikes.

 

[moyiesledhead]

This might explain it.

https://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/n...Z5qZ1iVY4Ptt1luc_DX3Y_Jd9knR2dIkjC3BDQeiznfTk

 

[FernieHawk]

This might explain it.

https://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/n...Z5qZ1iVY4Ptt1luc_DX3Y_Jd9knR2dIkjC3BDQeiznfTk

On Dorr Road they had/have temporary signs and manned road blocks for the two week closure of the official recreation area (West end of Dorr Road). In addition to that, there are dozens of permanent closure signs all along the North side of Dorr road...looks like it is permanently closed to motorized traffic and random camping. Looks like the South side of Dorr is still open for now, but my guess is its all going to be shut down to motorized traffic and random camping.

 

[06 Dragon]

Have never been to Koocanusa, is it open for camping and riding now?

 

[LUCKY 7]

Certain area's are closed off but some are open. I have seen the co's out there a few times this year

Have never been to Koocanusa, is it open for camping and riding now?