How much does camping cost at Priest River?

Camping fees at Priest River range from $10-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Priest River first-come first-served or reservation?

Priest River accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Priest River before I book?

Yes! Priest River has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Priest River?

Priest River is open May 16 to September 12. 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 Priest River?

Yes, Priest River has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Priest River have?

Priest River has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Priest River?

Yes, pets are allowed at Priest River. 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 Priest River?

Priest River offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Priest River?

Popular activities at Priest River include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Priest River

4.43

173 reviews

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,090 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov-managed facility Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,090 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov-managed facility Official Website

Get Directions

Priest River

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Shelter: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Standard Electric: $35.00; Tent Only Nonelectric: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-437-3133

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

Priest River

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

Nearby places

Priest River (1 mile)

Oldtown (null distance)

Sandpoint (null distance)

Weather at Priest River

Best Time to Camp at Priest River

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to the campground’s services (flush toilets and hot showers), making water-based recreation like boating, swimming, and warm-water fishing the biggest draws. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (around 70–85°F) with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, calm lake and river conditions for paddling, and long daylight hours for exploring. The site is busiest in July–August (weekends fill fast), so plan mid‑/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: swim beach, boating, warm days; busiest July/Aug weekends noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025 to September 13, 2025 (reservable starting June 20, 2025).

About Priest River

Priest River sits in the foothills near Lake Pend Oreille, offering tent and RV camping with direct access to boating, swimming, and fishing. The campground features flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station during its seasonal operation. Families appreciate the playground and swim beach, though sites are closely spaced and Highway 2 traffic is audible.

Priest River Campground offers standard electric, standard non-electric, tent-only non-electric, and group shelter sites. The campground caters to both tent and RV campers but lacks luxury or glamping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to the campground’s services (flush toilets and hot showers), making water-based recreation like boating, swimming, and warm-water fishing the biggest draws. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (around 70–85°F) with cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F, calm lake and river conditions for paddling, and long daylight hours for exploring. The site is busiest in July–August (weekends fill fast), so plan mid‑/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2090 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the confluence of two rivers in a glacial valley surrounded by three mountain ranges. Towering firs, cedars, and pines provide shade across the sites. Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest lakes in the western U.S. at 1,200 feet, sits nearby. Eagles and osprey hunt along the water, and deer visit at dusk. The Priest River runs clear before joining the broader Pend Oreille. The elevation is 2,090 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are available. This campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights during a visit
14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people, 2 Motorized Vehicles, 1 Camping unit, or 2 tents.

Groups

Group shelter sites are available for reservation, with features like picnic areas and parking. Specific group size limits are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include clean and well-maintained bathrooms and showers. Some reviews indicate easy access to amenities, though specific ADA compliance details are not mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious by some reviewers ('big campsites'), though others note that the layout can feel cramped.

PrivacyPrivacy varies among campsites. Some reviewers commented on lack of privacy due to the layout, while others highlighted shaded spots providing seclusion. 'Sites were private enough,' but others described feeling exposed.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers should select sites farther from Highway 2 for quieter stays. Sites near the playground (e.g., Site 12) provide convenient access for families.

Best CampsitesSite 20 and other sites farther from Highway 2 reduce road noise. Reviews mention traffic noise as a frequent complaint for sites near the highway.

Need help booking Priest River?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Priest River Campground offers a variety of amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water. Additionally, the day-use area features a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp, and grassy area. Numerous reviews praise the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers, with comments such as 'clean restrooms and showers with hot water' and 'very clean and well maintained.' However, some reviewers note noise issues from Highway 2.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Priest River Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including water activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Adjacent to the campground, the Priest River Wildlife area provides excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Reviews often highlight the swim beach and boat ramp as standout features.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

173 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews for Priest River Campground are mixed, with consistent praise for cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and friendly hosts. Common complaints include noise from Highway 2, lack of privacy between campsites, and occasional issues with campground hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 173 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 173 reviews.

Campsite 012Loved
Campsite 012: 'Right off the water with a beautiful view.'.
Campsite 003Mentioned
Campsite 003: 'Good corner space.
Campsite 019Issues noted
Campsite 019: 'Campground starting to show lack of maintenance in some areas.'.

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include clean bathrooms and showers, friendly hosts, convenient access to water activities, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and swim beach.

Based on 173 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include highway noise, cramped campsite layouts, and occasional rude behavior from specific hosts. Other concerns include maintenance issues and lack of privacy.

Based on 173 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include choosing campsites away from Highway 2 to minimize noise, utilizing the swim beach and boat ramp for recreation, and confirming reservation details with campground hosts.

Based on 173 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer is the peak season, with frequent mentions of family-centric activities like swimming and playground use. Noise complaints appear more common during high traffic times.

Based on 173 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great location near river and swimming hole.' 2. 'The hosts were simply amazing to have there.' 3. 'Bathrooms were clean and I love the outdoor kitchen!' 4. 'Loud due to car traffic.'

Based on 173 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse, though comments on clean facilities and proximity to amenities suggest moderate accessibility.

Based on 173 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews regarding pets: 'They welcome our dogs,' but other reviews note lack of designated pet areas and challenges for dog owners during heatwaves.

Based on 173 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want convenient water recreation with full amenities and don't mind close neighbors or road sounds.

Skip if

You need quiet, spacious sites away from traffic or prefer backcountry solitude.

Nearby Campgrounds

Albeni Cove sits on the Pend Oreille River near Oldtown in northern Idaho's foothills, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups and full amenities including showers and flush toilets. Campers fish, swim, boat, and watch wildlife along the river, with easy access to nearby Lake Pend Oreille.