The best camping near Priest Lake State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Priest Lake State Park adventure.

86% (7 reviews)

Priest Lake State Park: A Gem Amid the Selkirk Mountains.

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Stay at a public campground in Priest Lake State Park

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Priest Lake Campground

157 sites · RVs, Tents In Priest Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Priest Lake State Park

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Paradise on Mirror Lake

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sagle, ID

>>> Voted #1 Campground in Idaho 2022, 2024 and #2 in 2023 (Hipcamp Awards) <<< Like a postcard photograph, Bigfoot Campout is perched up about 50 feet over Mirror Lake, sitting in a mountain bowl on one end of the lake. Campers will have gorgeous views and sunsets over the lake. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hiking and wildlife watching abound. The campsite is off-the-beaten path so you'll be away from the crowds, yet the site is still close to other area attractions like Lake Pend Oreille (10 min. drive), charming downtown Sandpoint (15 min. drive) and Silverwood Theme Park (30 min. drive). The beauty and allure of Mirror Lake led to it being featured in two Hollywood movies -- Dante's Peak (1997) and Mel (1998). The lake itself is excellent for fishing, and stocked with Kokanee, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout. The stocking is typically scheduled for the first week of June each year, so if you are an angler, it's best to come after June 7th for the best fishing. (Just before June, the fish stock will be at it's lowest point of the year, so keep that in mind.) Paying homage to the Bigfoot legend in northern Idaho, the theme of this campground is all things Sasquatch! Can you find all 9 Sasquatch hiding throughout the campground? Some are hard to find, while others are in plain sight! Swimming in nearby Talache Landing (a.k.a. Talache Beach) on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille is an absolute must-do. The views are absolutely stunning and the water is crystal clear -- and quite refreshing on a hot day. Fishing is best done in a canoe or small boat which can be put in at our campground dock (free) or at the nearby public boat ramp ($5 fee). Fishing off of the campground dock is also a possibility but beware that lily pads are prevalent. Please obey all of the camp rules which are listed in each campsite. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it, or better. This means smothering fires and packing out all trash to prevent wildlife from visiting our campground! A bit of history... In 2021, the campsites were graveled and graded, each with their own picnic table and fire pit. A mulch tent pad was added to Campsites C and D. An on-site Port-A-Potty was also installed at this time. In 2022, 50-30-20 Amp electric pedestals for camper and RV use were installed in campsites B and C/D. Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F and a Sasquatch Trail was added where you can search for many Bigfoot hiding in the woods! In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk and dock were installed on the lakefront. In campsite E, a mulch tent pad was installed. Also, an interactive "Enchanted Forest" was added to the campground, which lights up a night to reveal all of the woodland creatures that live there! (Kids love this!) In 2024, a lakefront tiny cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A, along with a grassy beach, hammocks and a grass tent pad. An Amenities Shed full of several camping games like horseshoes and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty area. Two additional Port-A-Potties were also added, bringing the total to three for the campground. In 2025, a water tower will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. In addition, Fern Trail will be completed where you can hike through a "fern forest" along the lakefront. In 2026, a concrete corn hole pit will be installed, as well as a "shower bag" showering area. Yurt construction will also begin in 2026, with likely completion in 2027. As the host for this campground, I do not live on-site. You may reach me anytime before, during, or after your stay via phone, text or Hipcamp messenger. I almost always respond within a few minutes. Detailed directions, and camp information will be sent to every booked guest 48 hours prior to their arrival. When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following: Best lake views: Campsite A, C and D. (Campsites E and F have partially obstructed lake views due to trees.) Easiest RV access: Campsite B. It's a pull-through site. Most private: Campsites A and B, or booking Campsites C/D or E/F together. (Do not book C/D or E/F for complete privacy unless you book them in pairs.) Most shade: Campsites A, E and F. Sunniest: Campsites B, C an D. Electric access: Campsites B, C and D. (C/D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsites A and E. Nearest to lake: Campsite A. Best for large parties: Booking Campsites C/D together (for larger RV camping parties) or booking Campsites E/F together (for moderate-sized tent camping parties). Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W

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Creekside On Trestle Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Hope, ID

Follow and tag us on Instagram @creeksideattrestle Creekside on Trestle Creek is located in Hope Idaho. Beautiful Trestle Creek runs directly through the property. Trestle creek is a protected Bull Trout spawning ground as well as other fish including the annual visit from the Kokanee Salmon each fall. Creekside tent Site #1 is located right at the edge of Trestle Creek, has ample space for two or three tents, a fire pit, picnic table, and parking space for two vehicles. Relaxing sounds of Trestle Creek 10 feet from your tent. Ample lake, hiking, and fishing opportunities in the summer, hunting in the Fall, and close to snowmobile trails and skiing in the Winter. One mile from Trestle Creek Rec. area with picnic, swimming, lake and boat launch. 4 miles from Snowmobile parking and miles of trails. Our working homestead has the occasional sound of animals(cats, chickens ,dogs), tractor, chainsaw and sometimes shooting.

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Under the Cedars

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Priest River, ID

There are mountains, wetlands, meadows and forest land right in our back yard with an abundance of wildlife that don't understand boundaries. At any time, one critter or another will stroll through and feast on whatever vegetation they desire. We don't have a view of the river but it's nearby and our meadows and mountains offer a peaceful scene all its own. Camp surrounded by Old Growth Cedars and towering Grand Fir, stargaze by night, enjoy a campfire, smores and time with your family, Our peace includes little to no cellular or wifi service. We still depend on our landline phone and don't offer internet or satellite tv. Feels like we're in the country but we live on a paved county road and only 4 miles from the city of Priest River. Bring your boat for a trip on the Pend Oreille River to Lake Pend Oreille. Launching is a short distance away at the Mud Hole, Priest River City Beach or Riley Creek Campground. Try your hand at fishing for bass, kokanee, perch, northern pike, and trout in the river or on the lake. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where elk, deer, the occasional moose and turkeys roam the property and are often seen in the meadow. Load up your ATV, side by side or motorcycle and head for Priest Lake right from here. It’s a 21 mile (40 minute ride) to Coolin, ID. Enjoy the back county and take some of the IDL roads along the way to explore scenic drainages and in July/August pick some luscious huckleberries (the state fruit of Idaho) for a pancake or milkshake treat. In the fall, a nice central location for hunting camp. Want to go skiing or enjoy the summer lift ride? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, about an hour drive away (38 miles/65 mins). The city of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho's largest lake) are a half hour away (26 miles/33 mins) and Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID less than an hour away (36 miles/52 min).

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Grumpy Chicken Farm Camp

2 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Learn more about this land: We are a You-Pick flower farm and Floral Company in beautiful Sandpoint Idaho, with a field of flowers for you to enjoy. The property is located in the Heart of the Selle Valley, an area rich in history. There is running water and a port o potty on the property.

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ALMOST TO CANADA - FAR NORTH IDAHO

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Bonners Ferry, ID

FALL / WINTER ALERT: About mid October we will have to deactivate our shower facility and on-site potable water at The River Cabin due to freezing night temperatures. That’s North Idaho 🥶🙂. Cabin water is available from a hydrant at our host cabin and we provide water containers and a wagon for your water fetching adventure. Finally, The River Cabin will close for the season around the end of December depending on snowfall conditions. If you book a December visit we reserve the right to ask you to arrive in a 4wheel drive vehicle or cancel your booking due to weather conditions. Thanks for your understanding. Note: We have a Bonners Ferry, ID mailing address but our physical location is approximately 30 miles North of Bonners Ferry and 1 mile South of Eastport, ID. We are a mile South of the Canadian Border just off US 95. Also, please note: Our tent campsite and RV campsite have separate booking sites but share the same shelter and toilet. If you book either site the "other" booking site is blocked during your stay. 2024 SEASON INFO - New for 2024 we will have a swing set down by the river below the campsite. It is a common use amenity open to River Cabin and Campsite guests. Adult supervision is required. Thank you. You are in a forest on land shaped by the last Ice Age, The forest has nurtured generations of of wildlife including majestic birds of prey. It sustained the Kootenai People before borders separated their lands. It saw determined miners pass this way seeking their fortune in gold from British Columbia. This forest supplied timber to build railroads and homes for families in the western migration. Our family is the current steward of this forest and it is our wish to respectfully share its beauty and observe its wildlife with your family and friends! Our Forest is surrounded by Kaniksu National Forest which is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) as part of the Idaho Panhandle. National Forest.. The Moyie River ( say Moy-yay) has headwaters at Moyie Lake in British Columbia and feeds into the Kootenai River (say Koo-ten-e) just East of Bonners Ferry. The Moyie River is 95 miles long. The area is private, so there is no view of the neighbors. You’ll have a broken view of the Host’s Cabin. Camp is situated on 15.4 acres of Certified Family Forest. If you hear the rumble of a train at night, it's because the Union Pacific passes along the opposite edge of the property from the campsites. There is no mobile phone service at the campsite . There is WiFi at the campsite shelter. We strongly suggest you activate the “Cell over WiFi “ function on your smartphone BEFORE you arrive/lose cell signal so you can access Emergency 911 Services. There is a fire pit (firewood provided), covered shelter, a USFS-style charcoal grill, (bring charcoal and starter), picnic table, benches, bear-proof food storage box and TEMPORARY trash bin. Please plan to "pack-out" all of your trash and recyclables. There are a lot of deer roaming the property, along with many birds and other wildlife . OUR NIGHTLY CHARGE Includes all the firewood you need and a 10% Hipcamp Service Fee. It does not include 6% Idaho Sales Tax and 2% Idaho Convention and Travel Tax. Be Bear Aware : From April 1 - November 1 all food, beverages and trash must never be left unattended and, all of the same, be stored properly. Our Bear Box is large and can accommodate your supplies and cooler.

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Lakeview Majesty

9 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Enjoy our beautiful peaceful, scenic property while tent camping or RV camping (full hookups). Gorgeous views of Idaho's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where deer and turkeys roam the property. Stargaze by night, while you enjoy every lake amenity available by the day, only half a mile away! Sandpoint Marina and beach are only 12 miles away! Want to go skiing? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, only a short 30 minute drive away. NOTE: All campers over 12 foot tall please take the Sunnyside Cut off Road. Do not go under railroad tracks it only has a 12 foot clearance.

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Maverick Mountain Home

2 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Hope, ID

Maverick Mountain Home is perched on a mountainside several hundred feet above picturesque Trestle Creek, a protected Kokanee Salmon and Bull Trout spawning habitat, two short but gorgeous miles up the road from Lake Pend Oreille. Our property is hidden within an epic cedar, fir and pine forest, bracketed by the Kaniksu National Forest to the east and conservation land to the west. SPRING/SUMMER/FALL: Spend the afternoon at the Trestle Creek Recreation Area on the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, only two miles down the road (just off Highway 200), where you can launch your boat, swim at the beach, or paddle along the shore in your kayak or SUP. Or, take an adventurous backcountry drive up Trestle Creek Road into the mountains of the Kaniksu National Forest where you can check out Lunch Peak Lookout, hike miles of pristine trails to one of the three nearby mountain lakes, explore several waterfalls, or drive the entire 35 mile backcountry loop down to the town of Clark Fork. If quiet rest is what you seek, stay here and find a secluded spot next to one of the creeks where you can hang a hammock and listen for that still small voice. Or read a book until the peaceful whispers of flowing water and breeze through the trees lulls you to sleep. WINTER: Bring your snow machines and take advantage of sled in/sled out access from your campsite to the Trestle Creek loop system, boasting spectacular backcountry terrain with 50+ miles of groomed trails and hundreds of thousands of off-trail acres to explore! On-site trailer parking adjacent to the road is available. If skiing is your thing, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is an easy (and gorgeous) 45 minute commute. Don't tell anyone, but Schweitzer Mountain is an absolute gem of a ski resort with 2,900 acres of gorgeous skiing terrain (and epic views) for all ages and skill levels. Our family spends a good bit of time skiing here. Winter Driveway Access: a 4-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle is required to climb our driveway during winter conditions. OUR STORY: We (Tim and Molly) spent 14 years raising our young family in the desert heat of north Phoenix. Every summer we went dispersed camping as many weekends as possible with our four (now five) children in the backcountry mountain ranges of northern Arizona. We watched our family grow stronger together and sibling relationships flourish as the mental and emotional grime of the city grind was slowly washed from our souls during idle morning hangouts, afternoon hiking adventures and evening stories and laughs around the campfire. We had a particularly amazing mountaintop experience in 2014 backcountry camping over Labor Day Weekend where we felt a strong calling to share with others the blessings we were experiencing. Our hearts were impressed with a desire to host a place in the "wilderness" where people and families could escape and unwind from the noise and pace of city life for a few days and maybe even have a mountaintop experience of their own. After several years of waiting for the right timing, we started exploring and found this place in January 2019. By April we had sold our home in Phoenix and moved our family 2,000 miles north to this 27 acre property on a mountain of Hope. We named it Maverick Mountain Home, which captures our love of the wilderness, our mission to care for the lost, and our desire to be unbranded by the world. Upon landing here we immediately got to work preparing. We've spent the last five years working on hundreds of different projects, including: rehabilitating our driveway, beginning a long-term whole-house remodel, building a chicken coop, maintaining our driveway, fencing in a new orchard, chicken yard, and pig yard, planting trees, replacing a spring house, maintaining our driveway, installing underground infrastructure for future guest facilities, clearing trails, milling lumber, and maintaining our driveway. In 2024 we dedicated a good portion of April and May to preparing our first HipCamp site, Living Water, which went live on our wedding anniversary at the end of May. We added our second site, Boondock Butte in July with plans for several more sites in coming years. Since the first booking on our opening weekend we've watched as that line from "Field of Dreams" came true in our "backyard" - we built it and they started coming. Welcome to Maverick Mountain Home, Intrepid Camper! It is a huge blessing for us to share this amazing place with you.

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Shaunna D.'s Heaven on Earth - Romance, Adventure and Relaxation Await!

3 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Priest River, ID

Meet your hosts at Cedar River, Shaunna and Jeremiah. Along with their children and extended family, this couple has realized a dream a lifetime in the making. Cedar River is the 'labor of love' child of veteran wedding photographer (Jeremiah Andrews) and sustainability entrepreneur (Shaunna Dahlberg). The home and property on Priest River was purchased as a family gathering place and dream retirement home. Shaunna and Jeremiah eagerly undertook the formidable task of updating and renovating their dream retreat from top to bottom. The home has been transformed into a warm and inviting place for family and friends to share amazing meals, good drink, and bountiful laughter. Beyond the main house, Jeremiah and Shaunna envision sharing the beauty of Priest River with the ones they cherish most. Cedar River was built (quite literally, stone by stone) as their own custom, forested riverside wedding setting. The two are ecstatic with the simple elegance and quirky bohemian vibe of the property as they share in the magical moments coming to life. Jeremiah and Shaunna look forward to the adventure that comes with growing as a family, a couple, and hosts to the Inland Northwest's newest premier waterfront wedding, event and camping venue.

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Triple M Camp

11 sites · Lodging15 acres · Rathdrum, ID

Triple M Camp is an 15-acre summer camp property located on Upper Twin Lake, ID. There are 6 cabins, situated conveniently between the cabins is the restroom with 6 showers, sinks and toilets, 3 per gender. The Pavilion, a large covered concrete area, is a short walk from the restrooms. Behind the cabins are two large grass fields. Between them is a firepit with raised benches and another firepit with a stage and seating. Next to the firepits and field is a large play structure. Past the fields are walking/snowshoeing trails. The camp is not directly on the lake, but above it for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are many activities nearby Twin Lakes. Just down the road is the Twin Lakes Village Golf Course. The popular tourist town Coeur d’ Alene, ID and Silverwood Theme Park are 30 minutes away. Not to mention several other lakes within 30 minutes.

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Arrowleaf Yurt

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Athol, ID

The yurt is a perfect getaway after a long day of exploring the PNW or for celebrating a special occasion! The pellet stove creates a cozy and warm atmosphere, perfect for snuggling up or enjoying a glass of wine nearby. Overall, the yurt offers a relaxed and indulgent experience, where you can unwind and recharge in style. Whether you're seeking tranquility in nature or the perfect setting for a romantic evening, our property offers it all.

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Lost Fainting Goat Ranch

1 site · Lodging21 acres · Sandpoint, ID

COME AND EXPERIENCE BEAUTIFUL NORTH IDAHO!!! We are located down a dead-end road, approximately 18 miles from downtown Sandpoint, with all it has to offer, yummy restaurants, Cedar Street Public Market, music concerts, the Bonner County Fair and don't miss City Beach no matter the weather, maybe even take a lake tour. We are 12 miles from The Idaho Club and just 22 miles from Schweitzer and some of the most breathtaking views around. There is always something to do and see on the mountain. Trestle Creek Park on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, is another of our favorite places and it's only a 16-mile drive through some of the most picturesque areas of the NW. After a fun filled day exploring North Idaho come and relax at The Lost Fainting Goat Ranch, an amusing name for a place we call home. There is a separate private driveway, and you will have the whole camp area to yourselves, yet we aren't far away should a need arise. You may occasionally hear us (4 busy kids, 1 fat cat, 2 friendly dogs, 1 noisy rooster and 11 happy hens yet still no fainting goats) but we want you to feel like you are in your own private sanctuary. We are offering a new furnished bell tent in a secluded area of our private property in the beautiful mountains of Sandpoint Idaho. Our camp area is along a quiet creek that is visited by deer, wild turkey, squirls and even the occasional moose. There are also those less desirable critters that live in nature like insects, and we do try and mitigate those troublemakers with screens, traps, Diatomaceous Earth and other natural means. This area of our property is off grid with a wonderful shower house built from wood milled from our own land, complete with hot water and a compost toilet. We even provide Starlink WiFi and a way to charge cell phones thanks to our solar charged batteries. There is a fire pit, comfy chairs, a beautiful picnic table, again, made from wood from our own land, and a screened in area with cooking supplies. Our family enjoys hosting guests and we enjoy meeting new people. The most common phrase we heard when we first moved here was "Welcome to Idaho!" We hope you love it here as much as we do.

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Beaver Bay

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Athol, ID

Looking for a quiet place to rest and recharge? We have the perfect spot for you! This property fronts Kelso Lake, which is a motorboat free 55 acre lake located half way between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, just a 15 minute drive to Silverwood Theme Park. This is the ideal spot to spend time kayaking, catching up around the campfire, fishing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. If you keep your eyes peeled you may see blue heron’s, bald eagles, and if your quiet the beaver may swim past and say hello! This property is a half acre at the edge of the Kelso Lake community. This property is ideally located less than a 20 min drive to Farragut State Park, Lake Pend Oreille, Bayview, and Silverwood Theme Park. If you are trailer camping you will have to back in from the public roadway up an incline to access the spot. If you aren't comfortable backing your trailer in this spot might not be for you. We also welcome tent and van campers! There is a fire ring, a picnic table, tiki bar, decks, chairs, and an outhouse. There is a trail down to the dock where you can launch kayaks, paddle boards or canoes. New this season, 4 kayaks included with your stay!! The property is situated on the end of the lake with lily pads and beaver dens…. its beautiful but not the best swimming spot! If you want to take a dip in the lake the public boat launch is less than a half mile down the road! If you have an electric boat motor you are more than welcome to use it but no motor boats are allowed on this lake. If this sounds like the perfect get away for you, we cannot wait to host!

The best camping near Priest Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

This wonderful state park is a mere 30 miles from the Canadian border, and has all of the beauty you’d expect this far north. The park is surrounded by lofty mountains, and sits along the shore of 19-mile long Priest Lake, where tons of water fun awaits. The lake is well-loved, partially due to it’s crazy clear waters (it is fed from mountain streams in the Selkirk Mountains). If you can wrangle yourself away from the lake, there’s also a dense forest to explore, and it’s overflowing with wildlife. Consider making a trip out here during the winter—the snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are tons of fun!

Notable campgrounds

Cabins at Priest Lake State Park - Cozy retreats offering a rustic yet comfortable stay in the heart of the wilderness.
Indian Creek Campground - A family-friendly spot with easy access to the lake and nature trails.
Lionhead Unit - Secluded campsites surrounded by towering trees and abundant wildlife.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your ideal spot, as reservations can fill up quickly during peak season.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for greater availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back often for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Priest Lake State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. Winter offers a tranquil, snowy landscape, ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some amenities may be closed.

Know before you go

Check the park's official website for the latest updates on construction, closures, and seasonal changes in amenities.
Day-use locations are open from 7am to 10pm, with hours subject to change at the park manager's discretion.
Remember to pack out all trash and respect the natural habitat of the park's wildlife.
For safety, always be prepared for encounters with local wildlife such as bears and moose.
Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.