Outlet At Priest Lake

OUTLET AT PRIEST LAKE

Part of Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Overview

Outlet campground is located on the southwest shore of Priest Lake at the headwaters of Priest River. Campers come to Outlet for sunshine, fishing, boating, kayaking, and the breathtaking views of the rugged Selkird Mountains of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Facilities

Outlet campground has three loops, two upper view sections and one lower lake-side section. Roadways and parking spurs are fully paved. There are RV and tent sites (two of which are walk-in tent sites). Campsites vary from very large, capable of parking an RV and a boat trailer, to small, camper size, with lake side and lake view sites. Some of the sites are heavily wooded, while some are found in opened areas. Campground amenities include swimming area, water hydrants and accessible flush toilets. Garbage service is available in bearproof cans. A public dump station is located 5-miles North of the campground, at Upper Luby Bay, on Highway 57.

Natural Features

Outlet campground is situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet on Priest Lake. The lake is one of three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, and reaches 300 feet in depth and covers 25,000 acres. The world's largest Mackinaw trout was caught here in 1963.

Upper Priest Lake is part of the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The entire shoreline of Upper Priest Lake is either the State of Idaho or federal ownership, and is administered as a scenic area.

While visiting Priest Lake, watch for moose, black bear, wolves, deer, elk, and eagles, among others.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and power boating on Priest Lake and up the 3.5 mile thoroughfare that leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake cannot be accessed by car. Fishing, swimming, bird and wildlife viewing are popular activities, as well. Beach Trail #48 runs through Outlet campground and stretches northward along an 8-mile scenic part of Priest Lake. Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts will find authorized trails like the Peewee Trail, Steep Creek Trail, and John Wayne Trail. Hike the Chipmunk Rapids Trail that traverses along the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River, and Chipmunk Rapids.

Nearby Attractions

Kalispell boat launch is the closest public boat launch, located about 7.5 miles north of the campground.

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 and drinks locked inside your vehicle when not in use. Remove all food items 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.
There is no overflow parking at this location. Please only bring what will fit inside the site dimensions.
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.

Available Activities

Swimming Site - Swimming Site
Water Sports - Water Sports
Hiking - Hiking
Fishing - Fishing
Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating
Biking - Biking
Canoeing - Canoeing

Directions

Physical Address: Priest River, ID 83856 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.

Contact Information

Phone: 435-245-6521

5538 W. Lakeshore Road
Priest River, ID 83856

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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