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Priest Lake Snapshot

Location
30 miles S of Canadian border
62 miles NW of Sandpoint, ID
91 miles NW of Coeur d'Alene, ID
92 miles N of Spokane, WA
517 miles N of Boise, ID
 

Acreage

755

 

Elevation

2,440

 

Open

Year-round. All water is off for the season at Indian Creek and Lionhead campgrounds. That means flush restrooms and showers at Indian Creek campground are closed, however the 24 hour heated restrooms with flush toilets are always open at the Indian Creek headquarters.

 

Overnight

151 campsites, 5 cabins

 
Amenities
Showers, flush toilets, dump station, full service park store with gasoline
 
Boating
Ramps, docks, boat camping, LIfe Jacket Loaner Station
 
Activities
Camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, cycle, fish, boat, swim, horseshoes, motorized and non-motorzed boating, water sports, volleyball, horseshoes
 
Groups
Shelters and campsites with private beach, cabins
 
Winter
Nordic, snowshoeing, snowmobile
 
Trails
Hike, bike
 
Wildlife
Whitetail deer, black bear, moose, bald eagle
 
Learn
Guided walks and nature programs
 
Nearby
Private resorts, restaurants, grocery stores
 
Rent or buy
Groceries, hand scooped ice cream cones, fishing and camping gear, souvenirs and clothing.
 
WiFI
Yes, the visitor center and all campgrounds at Indian Creek Unit. Most sites at Lionhead.
 
GPS coordinates
 
 
Pets
Yes in park on leash

Hunt for huckleberries, troll for fish, hike or snowshoe to an upper lake under a dense cedar hemlock canopy or relax on a sandy beach. Priest Lake State Park has everything.

Next Events

Oct 19 (All day)
Haunted Halloween Hike

See all Priest Lake events

Welcome to Priest Lake

 

Priest Lake State Park lies just 30 miles from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and mile-high mountains, Priest Lake State Park sits along the eastern shores of Priest Lake, a 19-mile long, over 300 foot deep lake. 

Visitors to the park will enjoy the dense forests of cedar, fir and tamarack and will be able to observe the park's year round inhabitants such as the whitetail deer, black bear, moose and bald eagles. Noted for its extremely clear water, fed by streams cascading from the high Selkirk peaks, the main body of Priest Lake extends north south for 19 miles. A two-mile thoroughfare connects the main lake to the remote Upper Priest Lake that is accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or boat. 

Unique Overnight Stays

​Lionhead Group Camp

  • ​One cabin sleeps 12 and features cooking facilities
  • 12 RV campsites include water, electrical and sewer hookups
  • Central shower and restroom facilities
  • Lionhead can accomodate 50 guests

Cost:  $250 per night for a 2-night minimum stay; RV sites are $10 per night

 

 

Downloads

Lionhead Group Camp Contract

Lionhead Unit Map

 

Cabins at Indian Creek

  • 2 cabins sleep six
  • 3 cabins sleep five
  • All cabins are equipped with electricity and heat, lockable windows and doors
  • ​A restroom is centrally located
  • Cabins are available year-round

​Cost:  $50 per night (plus tax) for 1-room cabins; $55 per night (plus tax) for 2-room cabins

Click to reserve.

North Idaho Park N' Ski

For up to date grooming and weather conditions in the Priest Lake area, please click here.

Details Hanna Flats Park N' Ski 
Location 33 miles north of Priest River off State Highway 57
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 5 m/10 km of ski trails; 2.2 m/3.5 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes - set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom Yes
Dogs Yes
About Nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails at Hanna Flats are relatively gentle in a meadow and forest setting on the west side of Priest Lake. The trail system is well-suited for snowshoers and track skiers. The adjoining airstrip is a great workout for skate skiing. Two short loops are available for skiers and several interlacing loops for snowshoers. The Hanna Grove Nature Trail, located a little more than a mile from the trailhead, is worth checking out to see some old growth cedar trees and read about an old wildfire. Backcountry skiers could climb adjacent mountains above the flats to crank out a few turns. 
More Information Priest Lake Ranger District  or call 208-443-2512
Maps Hanna Flats, Hanna Flats Location Map
Details Coolin Mountain Park N' Ski
Location Coolin, ID in Northern Idaho on the south end of Priest Lake
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 6.4 m/10.3 km
Grooming No
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom No but close by at the Inn by Priest Lake
Dogs Yes
About The Coolin Mountain Park N' Ski area provides quick access to un-groomed ski and snowshoe trails near Priest Lake and Sandpoint, from its location adjacent to Coolin at the southern end of Priest Lake. The trail switchbacks to the top of 3,475-foot Coolin Mountain, and provides an opportunity for backcountry skiers on the north face of the mountain. 
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps Coolin Mountain Location Map
Details Priest Lake Golf Course Park N' Ski
Location 28 m N of Priest River on west side of Priest Lake off Hwy 57
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 9.1 m/14.6 km ski trails; 2.8 m/4.5 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes - set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom Yes
Dogs Not allowed
About The Priest Lake Golf Course has the most extensive groomed Nordic trail system in the vicinity of Priest Lake. During the winter season, the area is blanketed with generous amounts of snow and the golf course is transformed into the Priest Lake Nordic Center. Hill's Resort serves as the hub for the Golf Course Nordic system and also offers rental equipment. The trail system provides routes along the lake side and also connects to the Hanna Flats trails to the north. The total of nearly 50 Km of groomed trails from beginning to intermediate level provide an ideal setting for family Nordic activities.Trails are groomed on a regular basis, conditions permitting, for traditional kick and glide skiers and skate skiers.The Nordic Park N' Ski Trail area is open daily.
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps

Priest Lake Golf Course 1, Priest Lake Golf Course 2, Priest Lake Golf Course Location Map
Details Priest Lake State Park Park N' Ski Indian Creek Unit
Location 11 m N of Coolin, ID on east side of Priest Lake
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 5.4 m/8.7 km ski trails;  1.5 m/2.4 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes 
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No but winter one and two room cabins are available for $45 per night
Backcountry ski potential No
Restroom Yes
Dogs Yes on ungroomed trails only
About Priest Lake State Park's Indian Creek Unit provides a change of scenery immediately adjacent to the lake.  A compact trail loop system circles the park's visitor center area, and if that's not enough of a workout, another loop system to the north provides more mileage and more challenging trails. There is anew viewpoint trail that affords nice views of the lake and surrounding mountains on a sunny day. The park's visitor center and store are open on weekends for fresh coffee or hot chocolate. Snowshoes can also be rented at the vistor's center.
More Information Priest Lake State Park (208)443-2200
Maps Indian Creek, Indian Creek Location Map
Details Rocky Point Park N' Ski
Location 4.4 m N of Coolin, ID
Difficulty Intermediate
Distance 4.3 m/6.9 km
Grooming Occassionally
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No but there is a warming hut
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom No
Dogs Yes on leash only
About Rocky Point is a nifty trail system on a peninsula on the east side of the lake north of Coolin. This area is best for snowshoeing. Parking is available at the Blue Diamond Marina.
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps Rocky Point, Rocky Point Location Map
 
 

 

 

Priest Lake Park Fees

Motor Vehicle Entry Fee

$5 per vehicle

Serviced camp site

$24-$26 per night

Standard camp site

$12-18 per night

Cabins

$50-$55 per night

Group 

$250 per night (up to 50 campers) includes cabin and 12 RV sites ($10 per RV site)
Fees do not include sales tax  

 

Priest Lake State Park

Javascript is required to view this map.
314 Indian Creek Park Rd, Coolin, ID 83821

 

Download Priest Lake Maps

Park Location Map

Summer Trail Map: Indian Creek Unit

Summer Trail Map: Lionhead Unit

See video

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Providing Savings for 2013!

When implemented, the Idaho State Parks Passport will allow Idaho motorists to check "Yes!" to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker will allow participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

 

What Will $10 Buy You and Your Family?

  • Admittance to all 30 Idaho State Parks for a year
  • Nightly discounts on camping
  • Hundreds of miles of hiking, cycling, mountain biking and Nordic trails
  • Your favorite boat launches
  • Countless historical and cultural sites within your state parks

Good for Idaho, Good for Idahoans!

Idaho‘s State Park Passport is simply a sustainable way to pay for the maintenance and management of Idaho’s 30 cherished state parks.  For those Idahoans who choose to participate in the program, the Idaho State Parks Passport sticker will replace the $5 per motor vehicle entry fee currently in place at state parks while also providing nightly discounts on camping.  

Out of State Guests

Our out-of-state guests have savings options too! You can purchase a $40 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual and receive access to all of Idaho's State Parks and nightly discounts on camping. MVEF Annuals can be purchased at any Idaho State Park and online.

 

First Time Camper Program at Priest Lake State Park

Idaho will be hosting a First-Time Camper Program at Priest Lake State Park, making The North Face equipment available to individuals and families who may never have had the opportunity to experience the wonders of camping. This Explore Your Parks Project is sponsored by The North Face.

The aim of The North Face First Time Camper Program is to bring families together in the great outdoors. These camping programs are overnight experiences for those new to camping, or for those who could use a refresher. The focus will be on the basics of camping, and give your family the skills to enjoy a night out in the great outdoors. No prior outdoor knowledge is needed.

Activities May Include:

  • Fundamentals of camping 
  • Staff led nature hike and plant identification
  • Wildlife interpretive programs
  • Fishing, geocaching, canoeing
  • Outdoor cooking instruction
  • Tips on sustainability and fire safety

 

Learn More

Interested in the first-time camper program? Contact Priest Lake State Park at (208) 443-2200 to make camping arrangements.

Priest Lake Snapshot

Location
30 miles S of Canadian border
62 miles NW of Sandpoint, ID
91 miles NW of Coeur d'Alene, ID
92 miles N of Spokane, WA
517 miles N of Boise, ID
 

Acreage

755

 

Elevation

2,440

 

Open

Year-round. All water is off for the season at Indian Creek and Lionhead campgrounds. That means flush restrooms and showers at Indian Creek campground are closed, however the 24 hour heated restrooms with flush toilets are always open at the Indian Creek headquarters.

 

Overnight

151 campsites, 5 cabins

 
Amenities
Showers, flush toilets, dump station, full service park store with gasoline
 
Boating
Ramps, docks, boat camping, LIfe Jacket Loaner Station
 
Activities
Camp, picnic, hike, mountain bike, cycle, fish, boat, swim, horseshoes, motorized and non-motorzed boating, water sports, volleyball, horseshoes
 
Groups
Shelters and campsites with private beach, cabins
 
Winter
Nordic, snowshoeing, snowmobile
 
Trails
Hike, bike
 
Wildlife
Whitetail deer, black bear, moose, bald eagle
 
Learn
Guided walks and nature programs
 
Nearby
Private resorts, restaurants, grocery stores
 
Rent or buy
Groceries, hand scooped ice cream cones, fishing and camping gear, souvenirs and clothing.
 
WiFI
Yes, the visitor center and all campgrounds at Indian Creek Unit. Most sites at Lionhead.
 
GPS coordinates
 
 
Pets
Yes in park on leash

Hunt for huckleberries, troll for fish, hike or snowshoe to an upper lake under a dense cedar hemlock canopy or relax on a sandy beach. Priest Lake State Park has everything.

Next Events

Oct 19 (All day)
Haunted Halloween Hike

See all Priest Lake events

Welcome to Priest Lake

 

Priest Lake State Park lies just 30 miles from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and mile-high mountains, Priest Lake State Park sits along the eastern shores of Priest Lake, a 19-mile long, over 300 foot deep lake. 

Visitors to the park will enjoy the dense forests of cedar, fir and tamarack and will be able to observe the park's year round inhabitants such as the whitetail deer, black bear, moose and bald eagles. Noted for its extremely clear water, fed by streams cascading from the high Selkirk peaks, the main body of Priest Lake extends north south for 19 miles. A two-mile thoroughfare connects the main lake to the remote Upper Priest Lake that is accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or boat. 

Unique Overnight Stays

​Lionhead Group Camp

  • ​One cabin sleeps 12 and features cooking facilities
  • 12 RV campsites include water, electrical and sewer hookups
  • Central shower and restroom facilities
  • Lionhead can accomodate 50 guests

Cost:  $250 per night for a 2-night minimum stay; RV sites are $10 per night

 

 

Downloads

Lionhead Group Camp Contract

Lionhead Unit Map

 

Cabins at Indian Creek

  • 2 cabins sleep six
  • 3 cabins sleep five
  • All cabins are equipped with electricity and heat, lockable windows and doors
  • ​A restroom is centrally located
  • Cabins are available year-round

​Cost:  $50 per night (plus tax) for 1-room cabins; $55 per night (plus tax) for 2-room cabins

Click to reserve.

North Idaho Park N' Ski

For up to date grooming and weather conditions in the Priest Lake area, please click here.

Details Hanna Flats Park N' Ski 
Location 33 miles north of Priest River off State Highway 57
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 5 m/10 km of ski trails; 2.2 m/3.5 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes - set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom Yes
Dogs Yes
About Nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails at Hanna Flats are relatively gentle in a meadow and forest setting on the west side of Priest Lake. The trail system is well-suited for snowshoers and track skiers. The adjoining airstrip is a great workout for skate skiing. Two short loops are available for skiers and several interlacing loops for snowshoers. The Hanna Grove Nature Trail, located a little more than a mile from the trailhead, is worth checking out to see some old growth cedar trees and read about an old wildfire. Backcountry skiers could climb adjacent mountains above the flats to crank out a few turns. 
More Information Priest Lake Ranger District  or call 208-443-2512
Maps Hanna Flats, Hanna Flats Location Map
Details Coolin Mountain Park N' Ski
Location Coolin, ID in Northern Idaho on the south end of Priest Lake
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 6.4 m/10.3 km
Grooming No
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom No but close by at the Inn by Priest Lake
Dogs Yes
About The Coolin Mountain Park N' Ski area provides quick access to un-groomed ski and snowshoe trails near Priest Lake and Sandpoint, from its location adjacent to Coolin at the southern end of Priest Lake. The trail switchbacks to the top of 3,475-foot Coolin Mountain, and provides an opportunity for backcountry skiers on the north face of the mountain. 
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps Coolin Mountain Location Map
Details Priest Lake Golf Course Park N' Ski
Location 28 m N of Priest River on west side of Priest Lake off Hwy 57
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 9.1 m/14.6 km ski trails; 2.8 m/4.5 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes - set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom Yes
Dogs Not allowed
About The Priest Lake Golf Course has the most extensive groomed Nordic trail system in the vicinity of Priest Lake. During the winter season, the area is blanketed with generous amounts of snow and the golf course is transformed into the Priest Lake Nordic Center. Hill's Resort serves as the hub for the Golf Course Nordic system and also offers rental equipment. The trail system provides routes along the lake side and also connects to the Hanna Flats trails to the north. The total of nearly 50 Km of groomed trails from beginning to intermediate level provide an ideal setting for family Nordic activities.Trails are groomed on a regular basis, conditions permitting, for traditional kick and glide skiers and skate skiers.The Nordic Park N' Ski Trail area is open daily.
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps

Priest Lake Golf Course 1, Priest Lake Golf Course 2, Priest Lake Golf Course Location Map
Details Priest Lake State Park Park N' Ski Indian Creek Unit
Location 11 m N of Coolin, ID on east side of Priest Lake
Difficulty Beginner - intermediate
Distance 5.4 m/8.7 km ski trails;  1.5 m/2.4 km snowshoe trails
Grooming Yes 
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No but winter one and two room cabins are available for $45 per night
Backcountry ski potential No
Restroom Yes
Dogs Yes on ungroomed trails only
About Priest Lake State Park's Indian Creek Unit provides a change of scenery immediately adjacent to the lake.  A compact trail loop system circles the park's visitor center area, and if that's not enough of a workout, another loop system to the north provides more mileage and more challenging trails. There is anew viewpoint trail that affords nice views of the lake and surrounding mountains on a sunny day. The park's visitor center and store are open on weekends for fresh coffee or hot chocolate. Snowshoes can also be rented at the vistor's center.
More Information Priest Lake State Park (208)443-2200
Maps Indian Creek, Indian Creek Location Map
Details Rocky Point Park N' Ski
Location 4.4 m N of Coolin, ID
Difficulty Intermediate
Distance 4.3 m/6.9 km
Grooming Occassionally
Snowshoeing  Yes
Yurt No but there is a warming hut
Backcountry ski potential Yes
Restroom No
Dogs Yes on leash only
About Rocky Point is a nifty trail system on a peninsula on the east side of the lake north of Coolin. This area is best for snowshoeing. Parking is available at the Blue Diamond Marina.
More Information (208) 334-4199
Maps Rocky Point, Rocky Point Location Map
 
 

 

 

Priest Lake Park Fees

Motor Vehicle Entry Fee

$5 per vehicle

Serviced camp site

$24-$26 per night

Standard camp site

$12-18 per night

Cabins

$50-$55 per night

Group 

$250 per night (up to 50 campers) includes cabin and 12 RV sites ($10 per RV site)
Fees do not include sales tax  

 

Priest Lake State Park

Javascript is required to view this map.
314 Indian Creek Park Rd, Coolin, ID 83821

 

Download Priest Lake Maps

Park Location Map

Summer Trail Map: Indian Creek Unit

Summer Trail Map: Lionhead Unit

See video

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Providing Savings for 2013!

When implemented, the Idaho State Parks Passport will allow Idaho motorists to check "Yes!" to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker will allow participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

 

What Will $10 Buy You and Your Family?

  • Admittance to all 30 Idaho State Parks for a year
  • Nightly discounts on camping
  • Hundreds of miles of hiking, cycling, mountain biking and Nordic trails
  • Your favorite boat launches
  • Countless historical and cultural sites within your state parks

Good for Idaho, Good for Idahoans!

Idaho‘s State Park Passport is simply a sustainable way to pay for the maintenance and management of Idaho’s 30 cherished state parks.  For those Idahoans who choose to participate in the program, the Idaho State Parks Passport sticker will replace the $5 per motor vehicle entry fee currently in place at state parks while also providing nightly discounts on camping.  

Out of State Guests

Our out-of-state guests have savings options too! You can purchase a $40 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual and receive access to all of Idaho's State Parks and nightly discounts on camping. MVEF Annuals can be purchased at any Idaho State Park and online.

 

First Time Camper Program at Priest Lake State Park

Idaho will be hosting a First-Time Camper Program at Priest Lake State Park, making The North Face equipment available to individuals and families who may never have had the opportunity to experience the wonders of camping. This Explore Your Parks Project is sponsored by The North Face.

The aim of The North Face First Time Camper Program is to bring families together in the great outdoors. These camping programs are overnight experiences for those new to camping, or for those who could use a refresher. The focus will be on the basics of camping, and give your family the skills to enjoy a night out in the great outdoors. No prior outdoor knowledge is needed.

Activities May Include:

  • Fundamentals of camping 
  • Staff led nature hike and plant identification
  • Wildlife interpretive programs
  • Fishing, geocaching, canoeing
  • Outdoor cooking instruction
  • Tips on sustainability and fire safety

 

Learn More

Interested in the first-time camper program? Contact Priest Lake State Park at (208) 443-2200 to make camping arrangements.