Kalispell Island Boat In Campground

Show on map 208-443-2512 mthom@fs.fed.us

32003 Hwy 57
Priest River, ID 83856

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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

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.

Camp site features

Across 52 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 52 sites
Picnic table: 1 of 52 sites
Pets allowed: all 52 sites
Group sites: 1 of 52 sites
Largest party: 30 people

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

58 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Jana W

Loop:Three Pines

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Such a dreamy place to camp. Very large campsite where you can’t hear your neighbors, sandy beaches, a hiking path around the island, and beautiful views!

Xeng L

Loop:Peninsula

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Pretty good spot, a little rocky so I didn’t beach my boat & I brought my own bathroom, I saw on a map there is one somewhere, but I didn’t see it from the campsite & I didn’t look for it , pretty private also, I packed light since I planned on eating at the Hills resort & it worked out good, I’d recommend it for avid campers that have kids

Cory G

Loop:Three Pines

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Had a great time. Weather turned out beautiful, camp site was peaceful and well taken care of. We were bummed not being able to have a fire because of the fire ban but.. Understandable! Downsides were pit toilets were way full again just like last year unfortunately. Parking is always an issue. The short cigarette smoker lady was manning the shack/launch and she’s always hit or mis. Overall, enjoyable trip.

JD S

Loop:Peninsula

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We love Kalispell Island for many reasons. It has a trail that goes around the entire island, and you should plan for an hour to an hour and a half depending on speed and how many stops you do. Out houses are placed in specific areas, the common beaches are outstanding, the campsites are clean with picnic tables and fire pits, and if you are lucky… You might even have firewood at your campsite. (nobody wants to bring back firewood if they didn’t burn it :-) Be advised that Priest Lake weather is unpredictable and the wind and the waves can cause havoc at times. Ensure you know how to anchor your boat correctly, and or beach it and tie it up well. You are very close to Hills Resort, Priest Lake Marina, and both have some amenities with boat fuel. You just cannot beat this kind of camping at such a low price. What little you pay helps maintain the cleanliness and the outhouses.

Bryan L

Loop:Rocky Point

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The bugs were bad The attendant of the dock was horrible and rude Water is So rough and cold The restaurants in the area are disgusting The water is murky and smells bad Don't go there the place is evil ... This is what I would say if I were a liar😁👍

Morteza D

Loop:Peninsula

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We loved our spot and the host at the Priest Lake Marina boat launch was great!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve