Priest Lake State Park

4.35

52 reviews

314 Indian Creek Park Rd, Coolin, Idaho, 83821-9769, United States

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,556 ft

Price

$74 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Priest Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,556 ft

Price

$74 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Priest Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Priest Lake State Park

$74.00 - $78.00 / night

Campsite Fees

For non-residents, fees range from $74 to $78 per night. Idaho residents may pay lower fees, which vary based on residency discounts or passes....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

2084432200

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 52 reviews

354 Google reviews

Most mentioned

friendly

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews of Priest Lake State Park are generally positive, highlighting the beauty of the lake, the quality of the amenities, and the range of recreational opportunities. However, concerns about non-resident fees, crowded conditions, and infrastructure issues are also noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

314 Indian Creek Park Rd, Coolin, Idaho, 83821-9769, United States

Priest Lake State Park

314 Indian Creek Park Rd, Coolin, Idaho, 83821-9769, United States

Driving directionsTake Highway 57 North from Priest River. Follow Hwy 57 for 23 miles, turn right onto Dickensheet Rd towards Coolin. Dickensheet Unit is on the right just across the bridge over the river. Go 4 miles into the town of Coolin and turn right on the East Shore Rd., just past the Inn at Priest Lake. Follow the East Shore Rd. 12 miles to the Indian Creek Unit, and 24 miles to the Lionhead Unit.

Priest Lake State Park is accessible via Highway 57 and paved roads until the Indian Creek Unit. The final three miles leading to the Lionhead Unit are unpaved, creating accessibility challenges during certain weather conditions.

Nearby places

Coolin (4 miles, 10 minutes), Priest River (23 miles, 30 minutes), Sandpoint (40 miles, 60 minutes)

Nearby supplies

On-site store at Indian Creek Unit offers camping essentials, snacks, and souvenirs. For more extensive supplies, Coolin (4 miles away) has a small convenience store, and Priest River offers grocery stores and gas stations.

Best Time to Camp at Priest Lake State Park

Experience four distinct seasons at Priest Lake, each painting the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, golden days with temperatures hovering between 70-80°F under brilliantly clear skies—perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in amber and gold while crisp air hints at the coming change. Winter transforms the park into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dipping to around 20°F, creating ideal conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, though visitors should pack layers for the region's famously changeable weather during these transitional months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm clear days and best water activities, but crowded in summer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Distinct seasons; fall offers scenic color and fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder season with melting snow, good fishing and hiking starts, but variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round with some winter activities hinted, but seasonal restrictions and few details.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months (June-August) are the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; specific units may have seasonal availability restrictions.
Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Priest Lake State Park

Discover your perfect basecamp at Priest Lake State Park, where 93 thoughtfully designed campsites await across the scenic Indian Creek and Lionhead Units. Whether you're seeking a rustic retreat with no hookups or prefer the convenience of full-service sites with water, electricity, and sewer connections, you'll find your ideal spot here. Beyond camping, the park delights visitors with cozy cabins for rent, winding hiking trails through ancient forests, a pristine sandy beach perfect for summer days, an outdoor amphitheater hosting ranger programs under starlit skies, a children's playground, and a well-stocked general store for those forgotten essentials.

Priest Lake State Park caters to various camping preferences, offering RV sites, tent sites, group camping, and cabin rentals.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in centuries of human connection, where ancient Native American tribes first discovered the lake's abundant resources and spiritual significance. The area gained its name from Jesuit priests who ventured into these remote mountains, drawn by tales of the lake's pristine beauty. For generations, this sacred water has served as a gathering place, a source of sustenance, and a recreational paradise that continues to captivate visitors with the same timeless allure that has beckoned travelers for hundreds of years.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Priest Lake, each painting the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, golden days with temperatures hovering between 70-80°F under brilliantly clear skies—perfect for swimming and water sports. As autumn arrives, the forest erupts in amber and gold while crisp air hints at the coming change. Winter transforms the park into a snow-dusted wonderland, with temperatures dipping to around 20°F, creating ideal conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, though visitors should pack layers for the region's famously changeable weather during these transitional months.

ElevationNestled in the protective embrace of the towering Selkirk Mountains, Priest Lake State Park occupies a unique ecological niche below the range's dramatic crest. This sheltered position creates a remarkable microclimate where diverse plant communities thrive, from sun-dappled meadows to shadowy old-growth groves. The park's varied elevation supports an intricate tapestry of life, making every hike an opportunity to explore different natural zones within this mountain sanctuary.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine wilderness where mile-high peaks of the Selkirk Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for adventure. The park's crown jewel, Priest Lake, stretches for 19 miles of crystal-clear water so pure you can see to remarkable depths. Fed by countless high mountain streams tumbling down from snow-capped peaks, the lake mirrors the surrounding forests of towering cedar, Douglas fir, and golden tamarack. This untamed landscape serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife—watch for majestic moose browsing in marshy shallows, black bears foraging for huckleberries, whitetail deer stepping delicately through morning mist, and ospreys diving for trout in the sparkling waters.

Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers and shaped by millennia of natural forces, Priest Lake State Park showcases the raw beauty of Northern Idaho's Selkirk Mountain region. This 19-mile-long glacial lake sits like a sapphire jewel below the mountain crest, its exceptionally clear waters maintained by a constant flow of pure mountain streams. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story written in granite peaks and verdant valleys, where dense forests of cedar, fir, and tamarack create a living cathedral. This diverse ecosystem supports an abundance of wildlife, from the smallest forest songbirds to impressive megafauna like whitetail deer, black bears, and moose, while ospreys patrol the skies above, completing this portrait of untouched Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group campsites are available, but specific capacities were not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIndian Creek Unit features 93 campsites with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Lionhead Unit is smaller and more secluded.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Idaho State Parks' official site or by phone at 2084432200.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability during peak times; advance booking is highly recommended due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are subject to Idaho State Parks guidelines. Fees may apply for changes or cancellations close to the reservation dates.

AccessibilityThe park includes ADA-accessible yurts, cabins, and picnic shelters. Walkways and roads are paved, making them suitable for strollers and bicycles. Additionally, some picnic areas are handicap accessible.

Site SizeCampsites include both large and standard sizes. One reviewer mentioned a 50-foot-long, shaded site.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited. User reviews frequently mention the crowded nature of the campground, with some sites being more open to neighbors, while others offer slightly more seclusion.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesLionhead Unit is quieter and more rustic. Sites at Indian Creek near the beach and playground are family-friendly.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Priest Lake State Park offers a wide array of activities for visitors, including fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and kids' activities such as disc golf and amphitheater shows. Many reviewers highlight the park's outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly the pristine lake and its suitability for water-based activities.

HikingThe park features hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Trails start directly from the campsite, and some lead to natural attractions such as rock slides, which a reviewer described as 'crazy fun' for kids.

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with species such as trout and smallmouth bass commonly caught. One reviewer noted success fishing directly off the docks.

SwimmingSwimming areas are available, and the lake is noted for its crystal-clear waters. One reviewer described the water as 'perfect temperature for a swim.' Beaches are kid-friendly but can be rocky, so water sandals are recommended.

BikingPaved roads make the campground suitable for biking. The terrain is described as accessible for family rides.

BoatingBoating is highly recommended, with facilities including boat launches and mooring docks. The lake's clear waters and expansive size make it ideal for various boating activities.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife such as whitetail deer, black bears, moose, and ospreys. The natural surroundings enhance the wildlife viewing experience.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and moose pose potential risks. Food must be stored securely to avoid attracting animals.

Active AlertsNo current alerts.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at campsites for secure food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated areas only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, ID (approximately 40 miles away). Police services are available in Priest River, ID. Ranger station contact: 2084432200.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out their own trash due to the absence of garbage service, which some reviewers found inconvenient.

Water FeaturesLocated along the shores of a 19-mile-long, 300-foot-deep Priest Lake with access to Upper Priest Lake via boat or foot.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available on-site and assist with various needs. Contact number: 2084432200.

Weather at Priest Lake State Park

Reviews

4.4

52 reviews

Recommended

Priest Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Priest Lake State Park are generally positive, highlighting the beauty of the lake, the quality of the amenities, and the range of recreational opportunities. However, concerns about non-resident fees, crowded conditions, and infrastructure issues are also noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the park's natural beauty, describing it as 'heaven on Earth' and 'an absolute gem.' Others appreciated the range of activities, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include high fees for non-residents, crowded conditions, and issues with infrastructure such as showers and WiFi. One reviewer mentioned that the campground's reservation system is...

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several reviewers recommend booking campsites early due to high demand. Others suggest bringing water sandals for the rocky beaches and caution about food storage due to prairie dogs and chipmunks.

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with warm weather and opportunities for water-based activities. However, user reviews indicate that the park can become crowded during this time. Winter activities...

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water is so clean and clear, and the perfect temperature for a swim." "If lake areas and activities are a desire, then Priest Lake is a little slice of heaven." "At night there were a billion...

Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Indian Creek Campground is frequently mentioned in reviews. One user noted that it has 'a beach, fishing docks, a disc golf course, and a store.' Another described it as 'a very big and thus very...

Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews from users were mentioned.

Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as dog-friendly, with one reviewer noting, 'We love the fact that they are dog-friendly.' Pets are required to be on a leash and are not allowed on beaches except in...

Based on 52 reviews

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