Priest River

Campground · Idaho · 21 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

21
Bookable sites
72 ft
Max rig length
up to 50
People per site
2,075 ft
Elevation
Priest Swim Area
Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov

Overview

Priest River Campground is situated on the banks of Priest River, shaded by firs, cedars and pines, just upstream from the confluence of the Pend Oreille River.

Recreation

Water activities are popular at the campground including kayaking, fishing and swimming. The day-use area includes a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp and a large grassy area for family fun . Adjacent to the campground is the Priest River Wildlife area, offering excellent fishing as well as birding. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagles, osprey, a wide variety of birds, and deer.

Facilities

Priest River Campground offers 20 campsites with amenities such as flush toilets and hot showers. 

Natural Features

Albeni Falls Dam was built in 1955 for flood control and power production on the Pend Oreille River. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreational activities.

Lake Pend Oreille is surrounded by scenic mountains and is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States, plunging to depths of more than 1,200 ft. in some areas.

Behind the dam, the Pend Oreille River stretches 65 miles through a glacial-carved valley that separates three mountain ranges.

Nearby Attractions

The Albeni Falls Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area. Tours of the dam are given daily during the summer.

The nearby town of Priest River, Idaho, offers gas and grocery services.

The facts

  • 21 bookable sites
  • 1 site for day use only
  • Vehicles up to 72 ft
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: Group, PRIV

Site types

  • 20 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

21 campsites at Priest River

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
Priest River ShelterGroupGroup Shelter ElectricBack InPaved—50
001PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel70 ft8 🐾
002PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel70 ft8 🐾
003PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel53 ft8 🐾
004PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel20 ft8 🐾
005PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel45 ft8 🐾
006PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel49 ft8 🐾
007PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel59 ft8 🐾
008PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel55 ft8 🐾
009PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel31 ft8 🐾
010PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel72 ft8 🐾
011PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel57 ft8 🐾
012PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel54 ft8 🐾
013PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel55 ft8 🐾
014PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel51 ft8 🐾
015PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft8 🐾
016PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel37 ft8 🐾
017PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel38 ft8 🐾
018PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel39 ft8 🐾
019PRIVStandard NonelectricBack InGravel43 ft8 🐾
020PRIVStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel57 ft8 🐾

Getting there

Priest River Recreation Area is 1 mile east of the town of Priest River on Highway 2. After the river it will be the first road on the right. The park is also known as the "Mudhole."

48.17917, -116.89222 · 48°10'45.0"N 116°53'32.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 32°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F323848576874848373564032
Low °F242328334147514941342823
Precip in3.01.93.22.32.22.31.00.81.22.83.53.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Priest River

Can you reserve a site at Priest River?
Yes, Priest River is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Priest River have?
21 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Priest River?
72 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Priest River?
Yes, pets are allowed at Priest River.
Are campfires allowed at Priest River?
Campfires are allowed at Priest River. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Priest River

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.