Idaho / Bonner County / Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Osprey

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late May through Labor Day. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit strictly enforced during any 30-consecutive-day period.

About

Osprey Campground occupies a scenic location on the lower western shore of Priest Lake near Outlet Bay, surrounded by the rugged Selkirk Mountains. The campground features 16 standard nonelectric sites with paved roads and parking spurs designed for accessibility. All sites include fire rings and picnic tables naturally shaded by towering conifers. Facilities include flush toilets and hand-pump drinking water, with amenities designed to accommodate campers while maintaining the natural setting. Priest Lake is a 25,000-acre mountain lake fed by springs from the Selkirks, reaching depths of 300 feet with remarkably clear, blue water. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and wakeboarding are popular activities, with many boaters traversing north through a narrow thoroughfare to reach the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. Anglers regularly catch Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout, along with kokanee salmon. The rocky, shallow shoreline provides swimming access, though no designated beach area exists. The surrounding area offers opportunities to observe moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, deer, and the campground's namesake osprey. The nearby Chipmunk Rapids Trail traverses the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River, and Chipmunk Rapids. Winter activities in the area include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, though the campground itself is closed during winter months.

Directions

From I-90, turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River at the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2. Turn left and drive 26 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 mile, then turn left on W. Lakeshore Road. Proceed 1 mile to Osprey Campground on the right.

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