RV Itinerary in Brig - Routes and Stops 2026

Best Brig RV Itinerary for rv rental — Overview

The best Brig-themed RV itinerary centers on North Idaho's Farragut State Park, home to a historic WWII naval site nicknamed "The Brig," and requires a minimum of 7 days to cover the 350-700 km round trip comfortably. This journey offers a remarkable blend of military history, breathtaking natural beauty around Lake Pend Oreille, and endless outdoor recreation. While many travelers seeking alpine views might consider an "RV Rental in Switzerland - Prices and Best Deals 2026", this unique American itinerary provides a compelling alternative steeped in fascinating Cold War lore and rugged mountain landscapes.

Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a rented motorhome, the scenic US-95 unfolding before you. You're not just on a vacation; you're on a journey back in time. The ideal duration for this trip is between one and two weeks, giving you the freedom to travel slowly and truly connect with the places you visit. We recommend planning your adventure for late spring to early fall (May through October), when the weather is perfect for hiking forested trails, kayaking on the crystal-clear lake, and enjoying long, sunny evenings at your campsite. This itinerary is less about rushing between points of interest and more about discovering the powerful stories and serene beauty of a place where history and nature converge.

7-Day Classic Route in Brig

Avi Bandana's classic 7-day RV itinerary through North Idaho maintains a relaxed pace, with daily drives kept well under 150 km (100 miles) to maximize your enjoyment of each stop. This route plan offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and small-town charm, starting from the vibrant city of Coeur d'Alene.

• Day 1: Coeur d'Alene to Farragut State Park (approx. 50 km / 30 miles): Your adventure begins! Pick up your rented campervan in Coeur d'Alene, stock up on essentials, and take a leisurely drive north. Settle into a spacious site at Whitetail or Beaver Bay campground within Farragut State Park.
• Day 2: Exploring Farragut State Park (0 km): Dive into history at The Brig museum, learning about the park's past as a massive naval training station. In the afternoon, hike one of the many trails, play a round on the world-class disc golf courses, or simply relax by the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.
• Day 3: Lake Pend Oreille Exploration (approx. 30 km / 20 miles round trip): Today is all about the water. Rent a boat, go for a swim, or try your luck fishing in Idaho's deepest lake. A short drive to the lakeside community of Bayview offers a charming spot for lunch with a view.
• Day 4: Sandpoint & Scenic Route (approx. 60 km / 40 miles): Head north along the stunning Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Your destination is Sandpoint, a vibrant town with a beautiful City Beach, eclectic shops, and fantastic eateries. Spend the night at nearby Round Lake State Park.
• Day 5: Sandpoint Area Nature (approx. 30 km / 20 miles round trip): Take the scenic drive up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for panoramic views and high-altitude hiking. Alternatively, bird watchers will love exploring the Pack River Delta. Stay another night in the Sandpoint area to soak it all in.
• Day 6: Return South / Silverwood (optional) (approx. 70 km / 45 miles): Journey south towards Coeur d'Alene. For a dose of adrenaline, spend the day at Silverwood Theme Park. If you prefer tranquility, find a peaceful spot by one of the many smaller lakes dotting the area before finding a campsite near the city.
• Day 7: Departure (0 km): Enjoy a final Idaho morning before returning your rented motorhome in Coeur d'Alene, filled with unforgettable memories of your journey.

14-Day Extended Journey in Brig

An extended 14-day journey allows for a much deeper immersion into the diverse landscapes and rich history of North Idaho, all while maintaining Avi Bandana's recommended slow-travel pace of under 150 km per day. This itinerary expands on the classic route, adding pristine lakes and historic silver mining towns to your adventure.

This longer trip truly allows you to feel the place, connect to the culture, and savor the scenery. For those interested in more trip ideas, you might find inspiration in our "RV Itinerary in Lugano - Routes and Stops 2026" guide, though the Idaho Panhandle offers a uniquely American wilderness experience.

• Days 1-3: Farragut & Lake Pend Oreille: Dedicate three full days to Farragut. Explore every corner of The Brig museum, hike multiple trails, and spend quality time boating or paddleboarding on the vast expanse of Lake Pend Oreille.
• Days 4-6: Sandpoint & Northern Lakeshore: Settle into Sandpoint. Explore its art galleries, enjoy the farmers' market (in season), and take on more challenging hikes around Schweitzer Mountain or along the northern shores of the lake.
• Days 7-9: Priest Lake & Selkirk Mountains (approx. 80 km / 50 miles): Drive north to what's known as Idaho's "Crown Jewel." Priest Lake offers stunningly clear water and sandy beaches. Camp at Priest Lake State Park and take scenic drives into the rugged Selkirk range.
• Days 10-11: Wallace - Silver Valley History (approx. 100 km / 60 miles): Head east into the Silver Valley to the historic town of Wallace. Every downtown building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take an underground mine tour and learn about the area's booming silver rush past.
• Days 12-13: Return to Coeur d'Alene (approx. 80 km / 50 miles): Make your way back to Lake City. Hike Tubbs Hill, enjoy the waterfront at McEuen Park, or take a sunset dinner cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
• Day 14: Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast with a lakeside view before returning your mobile home, concluding an epic two-week adventure through North Idaho.

Recommended RVPlan Trip for Brig

While a specific pre-planned trip for "The Brig" in Idaho is not yet available on RV PLANET, you can easily use their powerful tools to build your own custom route plan. We encourage you to explore the diverse range of expert-crafted itineraries on RV PLANET (rvplanet.com), our sister company, which cover thousands of routes across North America. Their trip-planning software simplifies the process, removing the headache of finding campgrounds and points of interest, so you can focus on the adventure. Plus, when you use rvplan.net to design your trip, you're rewarded with a 25% planning discount on your Bandana RV rental.

As true RV specialists, we understand that planning is half the fun for some, and a chore for others. That's why we created our Rent&Plan service. It combines the perfect motorhome rental with a professional route plan, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish. God is in the small details, and we take care of them. That's what makes the big difference.

Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)

Avi Bandana's personal must-see stops for this North Idaho itinerary focus on the unique blend of history, nature, and local flavor that makes this region so special. These are the experiences that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. Get inspired for your next trip!

• The Brig Museum at Farragut State Park: Don't just camp in the park; understand its soul. This museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the 300,000 sailors who trained here during WWII.
• A Boat Trip on Lake Pend Oreille: To truly appreciate its scale and beauty, you must get out on the water. Whether it's a kayak, a fishing boat, or a scenic cruise, experiencing this massive, deep lake is essential.
• Bayview Marina: This tiny, picturesque community built on the edge of the lake offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect spot to grab fresh fish for dinner and feel the local pulse.
• Driving the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway: This is a drive you'll want to take slowly. Every curve reveals a new, breathtaking vista of the lake and the Cabinet and Selkirk mountains.
• Sandpoint Farmers' Market: If you're traveling between May and October, a visit to this vibrant market is a must. It’s a wonderful way to taste local produce, find artisan crafts, and connect with the friendly community.

Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Brig

We always recommend a maximum average driving distance of 100-150 km (about 60-100 miles) per day when exploring the North Idaho region around "The Brig." This slow travel philosophy is key to a relaxing and immersive RV adventure, allowing you to avoid fatigue and embrace spontaneous discoveries along the way. The scenic, and sometimes mountainous, roads are best enjoyed without a hurry.

Driving slowly and carefully, you can take almost any size of rented motorhome on these routes without issue. There’s no need to stress; just use common sense and pay attention to the road. Here are some estimated drive times for key legs of the journey:

• Coeur d'Alene to Farragut State Park (approx. 50 km / 30 miles): A pleasant 30-45 minute drive, mostly along US-95, with beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene as you leave the city.
• Farragut State Park to Sandpoint (approx. 60 km / 40 miles): This scenic leg takes about 45-60 minutes, winding along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille.
• Sandpoint to Priest Lake (approx. 80 km / 50 miles): Plan for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for this journey, which takes you deeper into the beautiful Selkirk Mountains.

Always build extra time into your schedule for photo stops at viewpoints, browsing a roadside fruit stand, or simply pulling over to admire a herd of elk. The journey is the destination!

Best RV Class for This Itinerary — Couple & Family Picks

The right rented motorhome can make all the difference, and our fleet offers excellent choices for both couples and families exploring North Idaho. We help you compare final prices across over 50 leading suppliers, ensuring full transparency with no hidden fees or surprises.

For a Couple: Class B - Campervan

A Class B campervan is the perfect choice for a couple on this adventure. Averaging around 6 meters (20 feet), its compact size provides excellent maneuverability on the scenic byways and makes parking in town or at trailheads a breeze. It’s fuel-efficient, easy to drive, and offers a cozy, self-contained base for two people to explore from. Even in smaller campsites within Farragut State Park, a rented campervan fits right in.

For a Family: Class C - Alcove Motorhome

For families of four to six, a Class C motorhome is the ideal mobile headquarters. These models, typically 7-9 meters (23-30 feet) long, offer a fantastic balance of space and drivability. The signature over-cab alcove provides an extra sleeping or storage area, while the main living space includes a kitchen, bathroom, and dining area that converts to a bed. It's the classic family RV, providing all the comforts of home on the road, with plenty of room for kids and gear.

What is the best RV road trip?

The best RV road trip is one that matches your personal interests, and for travelers who love a unique mix of history, nature, and outdoor adventure, the "Brig" itinerary in North Idaho is an exceptional choice. This route offers a powerful narrative, allowing you to camp on the grounds of a former WWII naval base while enjoying the stunning beauty of one of America's deepest lakes. Unlike some of the more crowded national parks, North Idaho provides a sense of serene discovery.

What sets this trip apart is its thematic depth. You can spend your morning learning about Cold War submarine technology and your afternoon hiking to a secluded cove on Lake Pend Oreille. You can explore charming small towns like Sandpoint and Wallace one day and spot moose from your campsite the next. It’s this rich combination of activities that makes it a top-tier destination for an unforgettable rented motorhome journey.

How long does it take to RV across America?

A direct trip across America in a rented RV typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, covering a distance of roughly 6,400-8,000 km (4,000-5,000 miles), depending on the specific route. However, this faster pace focuses primarily on driving. To truly experience the country, many travelers dedicate several months or even a full year to explore different regions in depth.

The total time depends entirely on your travel style. At Bandana, we champion the "slow travel" philosophy. Just as we recommend short daily drives for the North Idaho itinerary, we encourage cross-country adventurers to take their time. Limiting daily travel allows for extended stays in national parks, spontaneous detours to interesting towns, and a much more relaxed and enriching experience of the diverse landscapes and cultures you'll encounter.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for camping?

The "2-2-2 rule" is a helpful guideline for relaxed RV travel that recommends you drive no more than 200 miles (about 320 km) in a day, arrive at your campground by 2 PM, and stay for at least 2 nights. This approach is designed to prevent driving fatigue and ensure you have plenty of stress-free time to enjoy your destination. Following this rule is a great way to embrace a slower pace of travel.

Arriving by 2 PM gives you the best chance at securing a good first-come-first-serve spot and allows for a leisurely setup in the daylight. Staying for two nights means you get a full, uninterrupted day for activities like hiking, fishing, or exploring a nearby town without the hassle of packing and unpacking your mobile home. This rhythm perfectly aligns with our philosophy of taking time to feel the place and truly connect with your surroundings.

What to see around Brig?

The area around "The Brig" historical site in Farragut State Park is packed with incredible sights and activities for RV travelers. Beyond the park's compelling naval history, the region offers a diverse mix of outdoor recreation and charming towns. For finding specific campsites and points of interest during your trip, we recommend using RV PLANET (rvplanet.com)—a great resource for locating available spots along your route.

• Farragut State Park: Explore miles of hiking and biking trails, four professional disc golf courses, and the fascinating Museum at the Brig to learn about its WWII and Cold War past.
• Lake Pend Oreille: As Idaho's largest and deepest lake, it's the main natural attraction. Enjoy boating, swimming, kayaking, and world-class fishing for Kamloops rainbow trout.
• Bayview: This tiny, scenic town is perched right on the lake, offering stunning views and a great spot to see the Navy's acoustic research operations.
• Sandpoint: A vibrant arts town to the north with a beautiful public beach, unique shops, and access to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for summer gondola rides and hiking.
• Silverwood Theme Park: Just a short drive south of the park, it's the largest theme and water park in the American Northwest, offering a fun-filled day for the whole family.

What is the RV-10 rule?

While "RV-10" isn't a standard term in the RV community (it's better known as an aircraft model), the question often points toward essential safety and operational guidelines that every renter should know. Instead of a specific rule, think of it as a checklist of fundamental best practices for a safe and smooth journey in your rented motorhome.

Focus on these key operational principles. First, always be mindful of your motorhome's weight and never overload it past the manufacturer's specifications. Second, perform regular tire pressure checks before you drive. Third, adhere to appropriate speeds, which are often lower for larger vehicles, especially on the winding roads you'll find in North Idaho. Finally, do a quick walk-around check before pulling out of a campsite to ensure everything is secure. These simple habits are the foundation of safe and confident RV travel.