Idaho / Bonner County / Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Outlet At Priest Lake

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens one week before Memorial Day weekend and closes the last Monday in September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Outlet Campground is situated on the southwest shore of Priest Lake at 2,500 feet elevation, near the headwaters of Priest River in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The campground features three loops with fully paved roadways: two upper view sections and one lower lakeside section. Sites range from very large spaces capable of parking an RV and boat trailer to smaller tent sites, including two walk-in options. The campground offers both heavily wooded sites and more open areas, with some directly on the lakeshore and others offering lake views from higher elevation. Priest Lake is one of the three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, reaching 300 feet in depth and covering 25,000 acres. The lake is flanked by the rugged Selkirk Mountains and was home to the world's largest Mackinaw trout, caught in 1963. Visitors can kayak, canoe, and powerboat on Priest Lake and explore the 2.5-mile thoroughfare leading to Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, which is only accessible by water. The 8-mile Beach Trail runs through the campground along a scenic portion of Priest Lake. The area provides excellent fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Watch for moose, black bear, wolves, deer, elk, and eagles. Nearby trails include the Chipmunk Rapids Trail along Kaniksu Marsh and Priest River, plus authorized motorcycle trails like Peewee Trail, Steep Creek Trail, and John Wayne Trail. The closest public boat launch is Kalispell, located about 7.5 miles north.

Directions

From I-90, turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport, WA. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River. At the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2, turn left. Drive 26 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 mile. Turn left on Lake Shore Road. Proceed 0.5 mile to Outlet Campground on the right.

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