Camping Around Priest Lake

Public camping at Priest Lake is handled by two different land management agencies.

Priest Lake State Parks of Idaho Parks and Recreation

Question? Call

Reservation By Phone

Reservations Online

Dickensheet Unit Campground

Indian Creek Unit Campground

Lionhead Unit Campground

Priest Lake Ranger District of the US Forest Service

Question? Call

Reservation By Phone

Reservations Online

recreation.org
(click each campsite below to view information)

West Side

Outlet Campground

Outlet campground is located on the southwest shore of Priest Lake at the headwaters of Priest River. Campers come to Outlet for sunshine, fishing, boating, kayaking, and the breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

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Osprey Campground

Campers come to Osprey for sunshine and boating at Priest Lake, and for breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Fishing is also a big draw, with trout just waiting to be caught. While here, watch for moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions and deer. Osprey, as inferred by the campground name, also inhabit the area.

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Luby Bay (upper & lower)

Luby Bay Campground is located near both Lamb Creek and Priest Lake. The campground is densely wooded with nicely secluded sites, and is within easy access to many great views of the Selkirk Mountains.

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Reeder Bay Campground

Reeder Bay Campground is a picturesque hideaway for nature immersion and relaxing water sports on Priest Lake. Campsites are shaded by a dense forest of cedar, fir and hemlock. Campers visit Reeder for its incredible beach that slopes down into the refreshing, clear lake.

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Beaver Creek Campground

Beaver Creek Campground sits in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, offering phenomenal views of the Selkirk Mountains across the reflective waters of Priest Lake.

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Ledgewood Picnic Area (Day Use)

Kalispell Boat Launch and Porta Potty Dump

Islands

Kalispell Island

Largest Priest Lake island located near west shore approximately seven miles from the south end of the lake. Receives heaviest use of all islands. 52 developed campsites scattered around the island at 12 separate locations first-come, first-served. Vault toilets at 8 sites; porta-potties required at other sites. All sites have tables, fire rings; no drinking water PACK-IT-IN PACK-IT-OUT. Large beach areas. Volunteer campground hosts in summer. Two day use areas (Sandy Point & Kalispell Vista). Groupsite: #29 Three Pines.

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Bartoo Island

Located mid-lake approximately six miles from the south end of the lake. 23 developed campsites at 8 locations; first-come, first-served. Vault toilets at Sunshine Campsite and Lone Pine day use area; porta-potties required at all other sites. All sites have tables, fire rings; no drinking water. PACK-IT-IN PACK-IT-OUT. Large beach areas. Volunteer campground hosts in summer. Groupsite: #22 Sunrise.

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Fourmile Island

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE – smaller island located along east shoreline about four miles from the south end of the lake. One developed campsite on the northwest point of the island. No toilet on site; porta-potty required. Site has table and fire ring; PACK-IT-IN PACK-IT-OUT. Smaller beach area; heavy boat traffic close-by during summer season.

Eightmile Island (Day Use)

Larger island located along east shoreline approximately eight miles from the south end of the lake. No developed campsites on the island; primarily a day use area. No facilities. PACK-IT-IN PACK-IT-OUT. Beach area; heavy boat traffic close-by during summer season. No fee area. Vinther-Nelson Cabin Historical Site located on Eightmile Island; day use activities are prohibited at this historical site.

Upper Priest Lake

All Upper Priest Lake campgrounds share the characteristics indicated below:

  • No drinking water.
  • Vault toilets; fire rings; PACK-IT-IN PACK-IT-OUT.
  • No fee; first-come, first-served.
  • Beach area.
  • Accessible only via watercraft or hiking.

Geisingers Campground

Two campsites at the mouth of Upper Priest Lake where it empties into the Thorofare – on east shore. Heavy close-in boat traffic during summer. 

Plowboy Campground

 Four campsites on the southwest shore of Upper Priest Lake.

Trapper Creek Campground

Five campsites on the northeast shore of Upper Priest Lake.

Navigation Campground

Four campsites on the northwest shore of Upper Priest Lake.