How much does camping cost at Geisinger Campground?

Camping fees at Geisinger Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Geisinger Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Geisinger Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Geisinger Campground?

Geisinger Campground is open May - September. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Geisinger Campground?

Geisinger Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Geisinger Campground have?

Geisinger Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Geisinger Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Geisinger Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Geisinger Campground?

Geisinger Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Geisinger Campground?

Popular activities at Geisinger Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Geisinger Campground

3.75

8 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Idaho Spring Camping Idaho Mountain Camping Idaho +6 more

Quick Facts

2,513 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May - September

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,513 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May - September

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Geisinger Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use Single Site: $15 per night

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

Priest Lake Ranger District 208-443-2512

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Geisinger Campground

48.7701, -116.8633

Weather at Geisinger Campground

Best Time to Camp at Geisinger Campground

Summer brings the most reliable access, with daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights dropping to the 40s–50s. May through September is the practical window for visits. Winter snow makes the area inaccessible. With only three sites, summer weekends fill quickly. Plan midweek trips or reserve early if you want solitude.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (May–Sept) offers best access and reliable daytime temps of 65–80°F.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: May - September

About Geisinger Campground

Geisinger Campground sits where The Thorofare meets Upper Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The campground has three primitive sites at 2,513 feet elevation, each with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. It operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out system with vault toilets as the only facilities.

Geisinger Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. Tent camping is possible at the three designated sites. RV camping, group camping, cabin lodging, and glamping options are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access, with daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights dropping to the 40s–50s. May through September is the practical window for visits. Winter snow makes the area inaccessible. With only three sites, summer weekends fill quickly. Plan midweek trips or reserve early if you want solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a unique spot at the junction of The Thorofare and Upper Priest Lake, surrounded by old-growth forest. Dense evergreen canopy frames the waterway, and the lake itself supports populations of trout and char. The confluence creates a natural aquatic crossroads where paddlers transition between the main lake and the narrow channel leading north. Morning fog often sits on the water until midday sun burns it off.

Geological RegionTucked within the majestic Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Geisinger Campground guards the entrance to Upper Priest Lake like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This remarkable location marks where 'The Thorofare' joins the main waterway, creating a unique aquatic crossroads surrounded by dense forest canopy. The area showcases the raw beauty of the inland Northwest - where pristine lake ecosystems thrive amid old-growth forests, offering visitors a glimpse into one of Idaho's last truly wild places.

Scenic ViewsThe campground is noted for its scenic views of Upper Priest Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can enjoy clear vistas of the water and forested environments.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information provided about lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information provided regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days camping limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree sites sit at the confluence with The Thorofare, spaced along the shoreline under forest cover.

Site SizeNo specific details provided about campsite sizes.

PrivacyNo information provided about campsite privacy.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Amenities available

Geisinger Campground, located at the entrance to Upper Priest Lake, offers three sites at the confluence with The Throughfare. All sites are furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes, ensuring campers have basic facilities for cooking and storage. The campground operates a Pack it In, Pack It Out policy for garbage, emphasizing environmental responsibility.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Geisinger Campground offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and water activities, including motorized and non-motorized boating. It is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying the serene environment of Upper Priest Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe site is in bear country, and the presence of bear-proof lockers indicates potential wildlife encounters. Visitors should exercise caution and utilize provided storage for food and scented items.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage boxes to ensure secure storage of food and scented items.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Geisinger Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the campground's suitability for fishing and hiking. The natural beauty and primitive camping experience are highlighted positively.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the opportunities for fishing and hiking, and the serene location at Upper Priest Lake. "Great campsite for fishing and hiking," as noted by Terry Dickerson.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints mentioned in user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping is open from May to September, suggesting that reviews during this period may focus on favorable weather conditions.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campsite for fishing and hiking," Terry Dickerson, July 2019.

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features available.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed with a leash no longer than 6 feet. No specific reviews addressing pet experiences were found.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Paddlers and fly fishers who want a launching point between Upper Priest Lake and The Thorofare channel. Pack light: no potable water, pack-in/pack-out rules, and summer weekends at only three sites fill fast, so midweek arrival is the move.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a real planning requirement, and with just three first-come sites there's no fallback if you arrive Friday evening and find them taken. Car campers expecting facilities beyond a vault toilet will feel the gap.

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Campgrounds

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Geisinger Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Geisinger Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Geisinger Campground is located at the entrance to Upper Priest Lake. It has three sites at the confluence with The Thorofare, all furnished with fire ring, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes. Please note that this campground has a Pack it In, Pack It Out policy on all garbage.</p>

Open Season: May – September