Priest River

Star4.43
173 reviews
2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243
Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

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

Opens Recreation.gov-managed facility site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Priest River
$10.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges fees based on site types: $35 for Standard Electric sites, $25 for Standard Nonelectric sites, $10 for Tent Only Nonelectric...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-437-3133
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 173 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerswaterbeach

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

Priest River

2376 E HWY2, OLDTOWN, ID, 83822-9243

Driving directionsPriest River Recreation Area is 1 mile east of the town of Priest River on Highway 2. After the river, it will be the first road on the right. The park is also known as the 'Mudhole.'
The campground is nearby Highway 2 and is subject to road noise. Accessible year-round, but seasonal closures or detours are not noted.
Nearby places
Priest River (1 mile)
Oldtown (null distance)
Sandpoint (null distance)
Nearby supplies
Gas and grocery services are available in nearby Priest River, Idaho.

Best Time to Camp at Priest River

Experience the dynamic beauty of North Idaho's camping season, where nature paints an ever-changing canvas of weather patterns. From crisp mornings kissed by mountain mist to sun-drenched afternoons perfect for river activities, the campground enjoys a delightful mix of conditions. Occasional rain showers nurture the lush forest canopy, while clear skies reveal stunning starscapes that remind you why you chose to sleep under the heavens. Snow may dust the distant peaks early and late in the season, adding dramatic beauty to your wilderness retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season May–Sep; summer praised for swimming, playground and family activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn likely scenic and quieter, but fewer review signals than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; late-spring offers activities but early spring conditions are variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 17–Sep 13 reservation window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025 to September 13, 2025 (reservable starting June 20, 2025).
  • Current Alerts: None specified.

About Priest River

Nestled where the pristine waters of the Priest River meet the mighty Pend Oreille, Priest River Campground—affectionately nicknamed 'Mudhole' by locals—invites you into a world where towering firs, ancient cedars, and whispering pines create a natural cathedral overhead. This riverside sanctuary features 20 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each offering a perfect balance of wilderness immersion and modern comfort with flush toilets and hot showers. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching a kayak for an afternoon paddle, or simply soaking in the symphony of rushing water and rustling branches, this campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights during a visit
  • 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
FishingFishing is popular at Priest River Campground, with reviewers noting the convenience of the location near the river. 'The camp hosts were great. They pointed out the best place to go fishing,' one user mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is available at the designated swim beach, which is frequently praised in reviews for being well-maintained and family-friendly. 'Excellent swimming beach for children' and 'great kids beach' are common sentiments.
BoatingBoating is supported, with amenities like a boat ramp. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with water-related activities: 'Great for kayaking or boats' and 'excellent boat dock.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to observe bald eagles, osprey, deer, and a variety of birds. The adjacent Priest River Wildlife area enhances these opportunities.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are facilitated through the swim beach, appreciated for its cleanliness and proximity to campsites. 'Wonderful swimming beach' and 'nice and clean beach' are commonly noted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include traffic noise from Highway 2 and mosquitoes.
Active AlertsNone specified.

Weather at Priest River

Reviews

4.4
173 reviews
Recommended
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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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