Outlet At Priest Lake
4.3974 reviews5538 W. Lakeshore Road, Priest River, ID 83856, USA
Outlet At Priest Lake
$30.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by season and campsite type, ranging from $30 to $60 per night during peak season. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched on the pristine southwest shore of Priest Lake, Outlet Campground offers an unforgettable escape into Idaho's wilderness wonderland. Here, where crystal-clear waters meet towering Selkirk peaks, visitors discover a perfect blend of rugged natural beauty and modern camping comfort. Days are filled with endless recreation—cast a line into legendary fishing waters, paddle across mirror-like surfaces, or explore scenic trails that wind through ancient forests. After sunset, gather around the campfire as stars emerge above the mountains, then retreat to your site along smoothly paved roads. With accessible facilities, bearproof storage, and a inviting swimming beach just steps away, Outlet delivers the authentic outdoor experience you crave without sacrificing convenience.
Outlet at Priest Lake accommodates RV and tent camping, including two walk-in tent sites. Campsites are organized into three loops, with sizes and privacy varying.
Historical SignificancePriest Lake holds a legendary place in fishing lore, forever etched in history when an angler landed the world's largest Mackinaw trout from these very waters in 1963. This record-breaking catch transformed the lake into a bucket-list destination for serious anglers, though the area's fishing heritage stretches back generations. Today's visitors cast their lines in the same deep, cold waters that have drawn fishing enthusiasts for decades, hoping to create their own legendary moments.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Outlet Campground into an outdoor paradise, with July bringing those perfect camping days you dream about—warm sunshine filtering through pine boughs, temperatures climbing to a comfortable 65°F, then cooling to a crisp 42°F for ideal sleeping weather. The dry mountain air and gentle breezes create conditions that outdoor enthusiasts cherish, while minimal rainfall means more time for adventures. Even on the warmest afternoons, the elevation keeps things refreshingly cool, making this an ideal retreat from sweltering valley heat.
ElevationAt 2,500 feet above sea level, Outlet Campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain magic happens. This elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summer days and nights cool enough for cozy campfires and sound sleep. The higher altitude means escaping the heat of lower elevations while still enjoying warm, sunny days perfect for lake activities.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 2,500 feet into Idaho's mountain realm, Outlet Campground overlooks the magnificent expanse of Priest Lake—a 25,000-acre jewel that plunges to mysterious depths of 300 feet. This pristine wilderness serves as nature's grand theater, where moose wade through morning mists, black bears forage along distant shores, and eagles soar overhead. Lucky visitors might glimpse wolves moving through shadows or spot deer and elk grazing in meadow clearings. The surrounding landscape creates an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow across the water, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Selkirk range.
Geological RegionNestled within the spectacular Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Outlet Campground claims prime real estate on Priest Lake's southwest shore at 2,500 feet elevation. This geological marvel—one of the region's three largest lakes—carved its 300-foot depths through ancient glacial forces, creating a mountain sanctuary spanning 25,000 acres. The rugged Selkirk Mountains rise dramatically from the shoreline, their weathered peaks telling stories of millennia past while providing a stunning backdrop for modern adventures. This unique confluence of deep waters and soaring summits creates a landscape that captures the raw essence of the Northern Rockies.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets are available, and the campground's amenities, including paved roads, suggest a degree of accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Specific ADA accommodations are not detailed.
Sites SizeSites range from small tent sites to large RV spots capable of accommodating both RVs and boat trailers. One user mentioned space for a 19-foot camper and a tent.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides varying levels of privacy, with some sites heavily treed and others in open areas. A reviewer noted, 'Heavily treed so you felt like there weren’t many others there even though it was full.'
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests recommend choosing lower lake-side sites for shade and proximity to water. Tent campers should be cautious of sloping terrain at certain sites.
Best CampsitesHighly praised sites include waterfront areas like Site #B-9 and others along Loop C. Sites near the lake provide easy access to swimming and kayaking.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM on the first day of reservation.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM on the last day of reservation.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during a visit and 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- One vehicle is included in single campsite fee
- additional vehicles are charged per day if space is available.
Groups
No specific group camping provisions are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops: Two upper view sections and one lower lake-side section. Sites are either heavily wooded or in open areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 28 during the reservable period. Closed to reservations between September 28 and May 15 with no booking available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are held until check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date. No overflow parking available at this location.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for changes or cancellations made in advance. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur an additional fee of forfeiting the first night's use fee. No refund is issued for no-shows. Reservation fees are not refundable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Outlet at Priest Lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, power boating, and fishing. Hiking opportunities abound with Beach Trail #48 and several other trails nearby. Wildlife viewing is popular, and visitors often spot moose, black bears, deer, elk, and eagles. Seasonal swimming and biking are also available.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include Beach Trail #48, an 8-mile scenic trail along Priest Lake, and other trails such as Peewee, Steep Creek, and John Wayne Trails. The Chipmunk Rapids Trail offers views of Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River, and Chipmunk Rapids.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Priest Lake, which boasts a history of record-breaking catches such as the world's largest Mackinaw trout in 1963. Fishing for trout and other species is available.Swimming
A swimming beach is available. Reviews highlight a shallow swimming area ideal for children, such as one stating, 'The swimming spot is also very nice as it is pretty shallow for quite a long way, so it is safe for kids to play.'Biking
Biking is supported by trails and paved campground roads. One user noted a nice loop for kids to ride their bikes.Boating
Kayaking, canoeing, and power boating are popular activities on Priest Lake. Reviews indicate convenient access to Outlet Bay for watercraft launching.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently spot moose, black bears, wolves, deer, elk, and eagles. One reviewer described deer coming within 20 feet of their campsite.Winter Activities
No information provided about winter activities.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming are prominent water sports supported at the campground, which has direct access to Priest Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings; guests must use local firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced but not always respected. Generators may disturb tent campers during this period.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity necessitates proper food storage. Sloping terrain at certain campsites may pose challenges for tent placement.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Priest River, approximately 26 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 28
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is supported through bearproof cans, which are emptied twice daily according to reviews. However, one reviewer reported overflowing garbage and inadequate waste management during their stay.
Proximity to water featuresLocated right on Priest Lake, offering direct access to water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
Common complaintsComplaints include rude or absent hosts, overflowing garbage, unclean bathrooms, and noisy groups beyond quiet hours.
HostMixed reviews about hosts: Some praise their responsiveness and cleanliness efforts, while others criticize rude behavior and lack of oversight.
Campground Map
5538 W. Lakeshore Road, Priest River, ID 83856, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Roadways and parking spurs within the campground are also paved. There are no reports of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Priest River (approximately 26 miles), Kalispell boat launch (approximately 7.5 miles north)
Nearby supplies
A public dump station is located 5 miles north of the campground at Upper Luby Bay on Highway 57. Kalispell boat launch is about 7.5 miles away and may offer additional supplies for boating and fishing enthusiasts.
Camper Reviews
4.4
74 reviews
Outlet At Priest Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Outlet at Priest Lake are mixed, with most praising the cleanliness of the bathrooms, scenic views, and spacious campsites. However, complaints about camp host behavior, overflowing trash cans, and poorly managed quiet hours are common. Sentiment ratings average at 4.189.
Review Summaries
Based on 74 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include comments about clean and well-maintained bathrooms, spacious campsites, and scenic views of Priest Lake. Reviewers also appreciated the variety of recreational activities and the...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the behavior of certain camp hosts, overflowing garbage cans, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and sloping campsites that make tent setup difficult.
Based on 74 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing bug spray for mosquitoes, confirming quiet hours before booking, and being prepared for limited beach space and sloped campsites.
Based on 74 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive experiences are generally reported during the summer, with warm days and cool nights. Some visitors expressed dissatisfaction with noise levels and host behavior during peak season.
Based on 74 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms were clean twice a day and the garbage was emptied twice a day.' 2. 'Be advised that there are no showers at this campground, but there are flushing toilets and sinks.' 3. 'Clean...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback highlights lakeside campsites as preferable, though sloping terrain is an issue in some areas. For example, one user noted, 'Our campsite was literally sloping down towards the...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible flush toilets and paved roads make the campground moderately accessible. No specific details are provided about ADA compliance.
Based on 74 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but one reviewer noted issues with pet waste near the lake, stating, 'Unfortunately, people with dogs didn't pick up after them, especially near the lake.'
Based on 74 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025