New in 2021, replacing the tipi, is a fabulous bell tent on Lake Pend Oreille at Hawkins Point! A dream come true for glamping lake lovers! It's situated on a private beach on shoreline facing south over Idaho's largest lake, just minutes from Sandpoint. Includes access to the beach and dock, beach shelter, a fire pit and campwood, outdoor shower and sink, and other amenities, plus access to an outdoor hot tub. For the 2023 season, the beach debuted a brand-new Fernweh model bell tent from Life inTents.
Imagine a private beach on Idaho's largest lake with spectacular views of water, islands and mountains, where you can sleep in a LiT Fernweh bell tent next to the water and watch the day unfold. The bell tent is waterproof and bugproof, a big improvement over the tipi! The tent is glammed up with luxurious bedding and fun furnishings in a Boho style with lots of color and panache!
Stay right on the water and have access to all the amenities of a family-owned beach: a dock, fire pit, barbecue grill, horseshoe pit, concrete boat ramp suitable for paddlecraft, a table that converts to two benches, beach shelter, hammock, outdoor shower and sink, and more. We even supply wood for the fire pit!
Down at the beach, guests are provided with a small fridge, a clean, well-kept porta-potty, and outdoor shower and sink with an on-demand propane water heater. The large wooden fence blocks off the beach from Sunnyside Road, adding to the privacy. The lake is at your doorstep in this special spot on Lake Pend Oreille!
Hawkins Point is the farthest point on the Sunnyside Peninsula, named for the fact that it faces south; it's a gateway to the northern end of the lake and the Pack River Delta. Equipped with a queen-sized bed and two fold-up, roll-away beds, electric lamps and tables, and even a propane heater in the colder parts of the season, to give guests a wonderful experience camping on the lake with style. Bell tents are magical spaces that allow you to sleep under the stars and imagine living in simpler times.
A double hammock is hung in the shade for guests to enjoy some lazy time lounging near the water on the east side of the boathouse. And maybe best of all, a fabulous outdoor hot tub is available for soaking under the stars overlooking the lake! The hot tub is found behind the home across the road and is only a two-minute walk from the beach. Be prepared to cross Sunnyside Road to reach the hot tub.
The spectacular bell tent accommodates up to four guests. We cannot accommodate large, multi-family groups on the beach. For larger groups, consider renting the house, the camping cabin, a second bell tent (Gypsy) and/or RV sites. Extra vehicles may be parked across the road on the host's property.
The beach may also be accessed by other guests and family members outside quiet hours. Please be welcoming and friendly!
We love meeting our guests and having personal interaction. You won't find friendlier hosts or a more unique space in Sandpoint!
Sunnyside is a rural Sandpoint neighborhood on the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille, where there's a mix of farmland and family homes. This is a popular recreation area with Sunnyside Access, Hawkins Point Public Boat Dock and Oden Wildlife Management Area. Many families have been here for decades, including the family that owns the property at Hawkins Point. People come here to fish, swim, ride bicycles, paddle, go boating and more.
Sandpoint is home to the only Amtrak depot in Idaho and Sandpoint Airport. The closest public bus transportation is found in town, where the SPOT bus operates in Sandpoint, Dover, Kootenai and Ponderay. The site is about 10 minutes away from Highway 200, and another five minutes to Ponderay or 10 minutes to downtown Sandpoint.
Bell tent guests don't have exclusive use of the beach; they may see family members or other guests outside of quiet hours. During quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., you will have the beach all to yourselves. Be friendly and welcoming if you see us or other guests. To have more full use of the beach, consider renting other accommodations on the property: the house, Gypsy bell tent and/or RV sites.
The house is a vacation rental in summer; be mindful of quiet hours and that the hot tub may be used by other guests, so plan to alternate usage.
Follow the host's directions! Do not trust your GPS out here in the country.
A porta-potty and outdoor shower are on-site at the beach as well as access to well water and lake water at the hydrants. Luxurious beds and bedding are provided. There's a picnic table that converts to two benches and a few camp chairs, but if you want more comfortable seating, please bring your own.
Please dispose of normal household garbage only in the can provided on the beach. Take large, unwanted items with you to dispose of at home.
Up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed, but you must tell me about them and agree to follow our rules for pets. Please note, if you plan to bring dogs, you have to understand that they can't be allowed loose inside the tent. When they're in the tent, they must be kept in a Vari kennel, which I provide. This rule is necessary to protect the integrity of the tent. Please don't reserve this tent if you're not willing to crate your dogs while inside the tent. The bell tents are completely screened inside, and dogs tend to scratch at the screens or even bust through the screens. We've already had two tents damaged by dogs who were allowed to be loose inside the tents. Dogs must be leashed on the beach and be friendly with other dogs and people. Thanks for understanding.