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 adventure.

86% (7 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near Priest Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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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

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

*** Voted BEST Hipcamp in Idaho 2022 - 2024 *** Like a postcard photograph, our Hipcamp 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) & 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. 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 on the laminated brochure at the campground entrance. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it. This means 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 & D. An on-site portable toilet 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. (Electric fee may apply -- please ask Host.) Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F. In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk & 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 small lakefront cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A. An "Amenities Shed" full of several camping games like horseshoes, bocce, and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty. In 2025, a well & pump will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. Also, a new grass beach will be created by the dock, which will be great for picnicking. 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 & F have limited lake views) Easiest RV access: Campsite B. Most private: Campsite B or Campsites E & F when booked together. Most shade: Campsites E & F. Sunniest: Campsite B. Electric access: Campsites B, C & D. (C & D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsite E. Nearest to lake: Campsite A. Best for large parties: Book Campsites C & D together (for larger RV camping parties) or book Campsites E & F together (for larger tent camping parties). Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W

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The Knoll, LLC

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Priest Lake, ID

Phenomenal place to relax and rejuvenate from the hectic pace of life or a hard day of outdoor adventuring. Five acres located a short 7 minute drive (3 miles) from Luby Bay on Priest Lake, Idaho. Pine and Cedar trees surround a seasonal stream - peaceful and quiet site to set up a weekend get away. Easy access to all of the multiple outdoor activities in the Priest Lake area.

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Under the Cedars

7 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 limited cell and 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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Wildflowers

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Sandpoint, ID

My children and I moved from NY to Idaho to build a small cabin and live off the grid. Learn more about this land:Primitive camping on 20 acres. There is one outhouse that is shared. Quiet and private camping along the creek or within the trees and granite rocks. About two miles to the river and 7 miles to the lake where there is a beach, shopping and more!

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Lakeview Majesty

9 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Hope, 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.

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A Wee Place in the Woods

11 sites · Lodging5 acres · Priest River, ID

🌿 Hidden amongst towering evergreen trees lies this charming oasis that celebrates art, creativity and community. Five acres of old-growth forest, lush greenery and a rainbow-array of seasonal flowers awaits you. Stunning woodland views in every direction. Soothing sounds of a year-round creek. Active wildlife. 🌿 Accommodations vary from creekside camping to a quaint 1-room cabin with adjoining half-bath (sink + commode). All guests have access to camp amenities including fully-stocked outdoor communal kitchen, fire circle, dance floor, creek-side trails, craft supplies, solar shower, star-gazing area and labyrinth. 🌿 Whether you seek relaxation, spiritual renewal, or the perfect location for a family reunion or special event, you’ll find it here. Meet new friends. Make new memories. We warmly welcome you! 🌿 It is our pleasure to provide complimentary firewood, propane and charcoal, as well as soap and luxury shampoo during your stay at A Wee Place In The Woods. 🌿 ❣️PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN food, cooler, bedding, pillows, towels, and lanterns or flashlights.❣️

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Turnipseed Creek Campsites

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Our property is located on 7 forested acres a few miles from Sandpoint. We have a few different houses on the property where parts of my family live. There are 3 rental spots that are all creek side and next to each other. You can wade in the shallow creek, swim in the pond, enjoy a walk on the nature trail around the property and just enjoy your camp spot surrounded by the forest and creek. There are also many trails and adventures within a 15 min drive of the property.

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Blue Lake RV Resort

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Naples, ID

BLUE LAKE RV RESORT Your favorite North Idaho destination. Conveniently located in the heart of North Idaho, 22 miles north of Sandpoint and 5 miles south of Bonners Ferry. From our lake to nearby trails and waterfalls, outdoor activities abound. When entering the park, please watch for trains. There are no crossing arms. COMING FROM THE SOUTH? When you get here, go past our driveway, there is a semi-truck turnaround just 1/4 mile north of us. The approach from the north is much easier than trying to cross traffic coming from the south. AMENITIES •Our limited 36 sites on 21 acres make Blue Lake feel uncrowded and peaceful. •Fire pits and picnic tables at EVERY SITE! • Satellite-friendly sites available •We retained the charm of the wooded, old-fashion campground of our youth, but with the amenities of a modern RV facility: WiFi, radiant floor heat and on demand hot water in the bathrooms, and full-service laundry. •Big trees make lots of shade at the lakeside. The majority of the lake shore is shared space for all guests. •Feed the turtles and catfish and watch the trout jump like little orcas! Big trout and catfish to be caught, no license needed! •Summertime warms the surface water temps, so swim, kayak or float our awesome 3-acre lake. •Enjoy the wine deck every day from 6pm-9 pm •Free Showers Every Bathroom in our bathhouse includes a toilet, sink and shower for your convenience. Heated floors! •Coin Laundry $3.50 is needed to wash and dry 1 load. The laundry room also has a change machine for $1 bills. •Free Wifi Enjoy a free internet connection for checking emails and browsing the internet. Not suitable for streaming. •Sauna Book an all-day, private sauna for you and your friends Or book a single session on one of the open sauna days. Limited availability, you must book in advance •Boat Rentals Kayaks, Pedal Boats, and SUPs are available for rent by the hour. •Movie Rentals Action, Romance, Comedy, Cartoons. There’s something for everyone on our DVD rental shelf. •Free Games/Balls Giant Chess by the lake, horseshoes, Ladder Ball, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Ping Pong, Volley Ball, Croquet, Frisbee, footballs, checkers, Laddy Bug Tic-Tac-Toe. •Wine and Beer Bar Huckleberry Mimosas, Local Beers, Red and White Wine. We’ve got what you need to relax on our wine deck overlooking the lake. •Swimming and Fishing Swimming Dock, Fishing Dock. Cool off this summer with a dip in our lake. Or try your luck chasing trout, bass or catfish. (catch and release only, no license needed) •Firewood for Sale Please help reduce the spread of invasive bugs and wood disease by buying locally. $5.25 per bundle or $15 for 3 bundles.Don’t worry, you’ll get more than 4 pieces in our bundles. Unlike some places… •Ice for Sale Run out of Ice? No need to run to town, we’ve got it right here. •Community Fire Pits Come down to the fire pits and listen to someone share their adventures, or share a story of your own! •Dog Park After a long day on the road, your pooch will enjoy our off-leash, fenced dog park, as well as our off-leash walking trail. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS •Places to Visit -Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge -Kootenai River -Glacier National Park -Bonners Ferry Pelton Wheel -Boundary County Museum -Brush Lake -Mirror Lake Golf Course -International Selkirk Loop -9B Trails -Clifty Mountain & Katka Peak -Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge -Snow Creek Falls -Spruce Lake -Copper Falls -Myrtle Creek Falls -Roman Nose Lakes •Activities -Dining -Hiking -Fishing -Kayaking -Golfing -ATVs and Dirtbikes -Bird Watching -Bowling -Bonners Ferry Events

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Small Yurt in the Woods

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Sandpoint, ID

We have created this place and lived here for over 17 years. Our two boys who are 16 and 19 love to play and create their own piece of heaven. We desire to share it with others and allow them to see the magic of yurt living. We also live in a 30-ft yurt on the property that is our special place. Learn more about this land: This 14-foot yurt is a short walk of about 50 yards from the guest parking. You will pass our 30-ft family yurt going to your own private space. The property has a great remote feeling and has space to move around. There is a queen custom bed and room for a child or two on the floor if desired. There is a small gravity feed water system for the yurt and your own private outhouse. Plenty of wood for you to stay warm by the fire inside and an outdoor shower shared by our family. The kitchen comes with pots and pans, plates, etc. and a few extras. You will hear the sounds of nature and North Idaho at times out in your yurt as trains pass through the valley to Canada. We are 1.5 miles away from the tracks. If you are into being independent and open to new experiences then we would love to share our space with you. Please pull in the drive and pull up past the big garage and park to the left by the Yurt Parking Sign. Then walk towards the trail sign and follow the path. Recommended for you to bring a headlamp and outdoor slippers to walk to the outhouse or shower during your stay. We have towels at the yurt for your use. We can provide a Therm-a-rest bed for your child if needed. Please bring your own wood for outside fires at the fire pit.

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Triple M Camp

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rathdrum, ID

Triple M Camp is an 18-acre summer camp property with cabins, dining hall and commercial kitchen, 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 and rock-climbing wall. Past the fields are walking/snowshoeing trails and camp sites. The camp is not directly on the lake, but above it for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Across Twin Lakes Road and down an inclined dirt path is the 250ft sandy beach. Bring a kayak or boat to explore the shores on the opposite side of the upper lake or venture through the shallow canal to the lower lake for more boating opportunities. Apologetically, the docks are unavailable for mooring water toys. There are many other 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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Grumpy Chicken Tent

2 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Learn more about this land:We are located on a You-Pick flower farm, a field of flowers for you to enjoy. You will be staying in a 10x14 elevated deck canvas tent. There is a daybed with 2 twins beds and 2 twin blow up mattress. Linens are provided. There is also room for tents. There is running water and a port o potty on the property.

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Waterfront at Camp Peine

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dover, ID

Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days are discounted 10% Paddleboards and kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. 17' water bouncer, slide, and double blaster available for fun times playing in the water during the summer months. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family.

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.