Osprey

OSPREY

Part of Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Overview

Campers come to Osprey for sunshine and boating at Priest Lake, and for breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Fishing is also a big draw, with trout just waiting to be caught.

While here, watch for moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions and deer. Osprey, as inferred by the campground name, also inhabit the area.

Facilities

Campground roads and parking spurs are paved and facilities are accessible. Amenities include flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables that are naturally shaded by towering trees.

Natural Features

Osprey Campground is perched on the lower western shore of Priest Lake near Outlet Bay. The beautiful 25,000-acre lake is fed by springs trickling down from the Selkirks. The clear, blue lake reaches 300 feet in depth.

Recreation

Boating, canoeing, kayaking and wake boarding are summertime favorites. Boaters like to head north on the lake and traverse a narrow thoroughfare to reach Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area.

Anglers often catch Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.

Nearby Attractions

Hike the Chipmunk Rapids Trail that traverses along the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River and Chipmunk Rapids.

In winter, ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities in the surrounding area.

Important Notices

  • Extra Vehicles: One vehicle is included in your single campsite fee. Each additional vehicle will be charged a per day fee that is collected on site (cash or check only) if space is available in your site only. Additional parking is not be available.

  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
  • Maximum boat length is 20 feet
  • Your reserved site will be held until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and will be given to first come first serve campers. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

  • The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.
  • No electric hookups at this facility
  • 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.
  • Click here to learn more about the Idaho Panhandle National Forest
  • No First Come First Served sites available. All sites are reservable and are shown online.

Available Activities

  • Water Sports - Water Sports
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Biking - Biking
  • Canoeing - Canoeing
  • Scuba Diving - Scuba Diving

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 at the Texaco station on Highway 57 and drive 25 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 miles and left on Lakeshore Road. There is a directional sign pointing the way to Osprey Campground.

Contact Information

Phone: 435-245-6521

1083 W. LAKESHORE ROAD
PRIEST RIVER, ID 83856

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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