Trapper Campground
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates May through September. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. No potable water available; campers must pack out all trash.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 11:44AM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the 90s Tuesday and mid 90s to near 100 Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
About
Trapper Creek Campground is a secluded backcountry destination on the northeast shore of Upper Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The campground offers five well-spaced sites with panoramic views of Plowboy Mountain across the lake. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof food storage box. Access requires effort: either paddle or motor up the 3.5-mile Thorofare connecting Priest Lake to Upper Priest Lake, or hike approximately 4 miles on Upper Priest Lake Trail #302. The trail winds through timber before opening up along the lakeshore as it approaches the campground, passing historic Coolin's cabin and an old mine shaft along the way. This is a primitive, pack-it-in/pack-it-out campground. A vault toilet is provided, but there is no potable water, so bring all drinking water. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations. The remote setting and lack of vehicle access make this an ideal spot for paddlers, backpackers, and those seeking solitude on one of Idaho's most pristine lakes.
Directions
Access by boat from Priest Lake via the 3.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, then continue to the northeast shore. Alternatively, hike Upper Priest Lake Trail #302 from the Navigation Trailhead, approximately 4 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 443-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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