Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Surrounded by clear waters of Priest Lake, the 52 sites on Kalispell Island provide the ideal getaway for people looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding, camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. There are 51 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Three Pines Group Site. This Group Site is located on the southeast side of the island and has been renumbered from Site #001 to site #29 for groups of 10-30 individuals. All sites are only reachable by boat.
A popular activity among visitors is to kayak, canoe, or power boat up a 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake - just like Kalispell Island - cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option.
Most campsites require campers to bring their own portable toilets. They can check out toilet buckets at the Kalispell Boat Launch. Kalispell Island can only be accessed by boat. No drinking water is availabe and this is a pack it in, pack it out facility. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided
Need to Know
- Site is accessed by boat only
- No drinking water; please bring your own water
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
- No bathing or washing dishes in lake
- No glass bottles allowed on beaches
- No fireworks
- Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Please display camping reservation on dashboard if parking at Kalispell Bay Boat Launch
Natural Features
Kalispell Island is one of seven islands scattered throughout Priest Lake. Kalispell is the largest of these islands, spanning 264 acres, and is shaped like a tooth.
Priest Lake, at a 2,400 foot elevation, is one of the top three largest lakes in Idaho. To the north, the lake connects to the Upper Priest Lake, divided by a narrow channel, which can be passed through by boat.
Nearby Attractions
Hike the Lakeshore or Beach Trails that traverse along the west shore of Priest Lake. The Beach trail extends between Outlet Bay Campground and the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The Lakeshore Trail runs for 8 miles along the northwest shores of Priest Lake.
In winter, ice fishing, shoe shoeing and snowmobiling on nearby trails entertain visitors.
Recreation
Priest Lake is less than an hour from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and the mile-high mountains, this 25,000-acre lake offers clear, blue waters reaching depths of 300 feet.
Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering phenomenal lake views and bird watching opportunities.
The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee.
Contact Information
Default
32003 Hwy 57 Priest River ID 83856
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 208-443-2512
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Access to the campground is by boat only. To reach various boat launches around the lake, travel north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57.
To access the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, travel on Highway 57 for 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road. Turn east (right) until you reach West Lakeshore Road. Then head south .5 miles to the boat launch.
Available Campsites
- Site 9, Loop Peninsula, Type Boat IN
- Site 30, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 13, Loop Schneider, Type Boat IN
- Site 20, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 48, Loop North Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 36, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 51, Loop Kalispell Vista, Type Boat IN
- Site 19, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 4, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 029, Loop KALISPELL ISLAND GROUP SITE, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 31, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 25, Loop Silver Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 43, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 23, Loop Silver Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 21, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 17, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 44, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 2, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 15, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 22, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 49, Loop North Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 26, Loop Selkirk, Type Boat IN
- Site 3, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 39, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 11, Loop Schneider, Type Boat IN
- Site 47, Loop North Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 38, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 14, Loop Schneider, Type Boat IN
- Site 45, Loop North Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 10, Loop Schneider, Type Boat IN
- Site 6, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 5, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 42, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 28, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 7, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 32, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 41, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 1, Loop West Shores, Type Boat IN
- Site 18, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 52, Loop Kalispell Vista, Type Boat IN
- Site 46, Loop North Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 33, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 37, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 34, Loop Three Pines, Type Boat IN
- Site 35, Loop Cottonwood, Type Boat IN
- Site 24, Loop Silver Cove, Type Boat IN
- Site 50, Loop Shady, Type Boat IN
- Site 40, Loop Rocky Point, Type Boat IN
- Site 27, Loop Selkirk, Type Boat IN
- Site 12, Loop Schneider, Type Boat IN
- Site 16, Loop Silver Beach, Type Boat IN
- Site 8, Loop Peninsula, Type Boat IN
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