The confluence of the Priest and Pend Oreille Rivers near the town of Priest River, Idaho, is a big draw for campers. These waterways and several nearby lakes provide abundant opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming. With much of the area covered by national forest lands, native wildlife such as bald eagles, black bears and moose thrive, and you might glimpse these animals during your visit. You can find camping options ranging from primitive to luxurious within 30 miles of Priest River.
Mudhole Marvels
- The Priest River Recreation Area, a mile east of town, houses a waterfront campground with 20 sites. Also called the Mudhole Campground, this facility can accommodate RVs, but doesn’t have hookups. It does have a dump station, clean drinking water and restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers. You can launch kayaks from the campground’s boat ramp, and fishing areas and a swimming beach present other recreational opportunities. Rounding out the amenities are a playground and baseball field. Near the campground, you’ll find the Priest River Wildlife Area, home to bears, deer, bald eagles, osprey and many other bird species.
West to Washington
- You can find other camping opportunities near Newport, Washington, about 6.5 miles west of Priest River. Two campgrounds on the Idaho side of the border occupy the banks of the Pend Oreille River and have boat launches, swimming beaches and fishing areas. Both can accommodate RVs, but don’t have hookups. Pioneer Park in the Colville National Forest consists of 17 sites with campfire rings and picnic tables. The facility also has potable water and vault toilets. Albeni Cove has 14 sites with grills and fire rings. In addition to drinking water, the campground has flush toilets and hot showers. If you prefer a resort setting, check out the Newport/Little Diamond Lake KOA. Pull-through sites accommodate trailers up to 70 feet, and 50-amp electric hookups, as well as water and a limited number of sewer hookups, are available. You can take a paddle boat out on the campground’s lake, fish from the shore or practice your golf swing on the driving range. A pool, hot tub and sauna round out the amenities, and the KOA also hosts crafts and other activities for children.
Riley Recreation
- Riley Creek Recreation Area operates a campground with 67 sites that can host RVs up to 60 feet. Each site has water and electric hookups, as well as flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station. Less than 10 miles southeast of Priest River, near Laclede, the campground stands on the banks of the Pend Oreille River and has a boat ramp and swimming area. Other recreational assets include basketball and beach volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and biking and hiking trails.
Priest Lake
- About 25 miles north of Priest River, you can reach the 225,000-acre Priest Lake. Several campgrounds on and near the southern end accommodate RVs. Dickensheet is the closest, at 23 miles north of town, and has 11 sites with space for 24-foot trailers. Operated by Priest Lake State Park, the campground doesn’t accept reservations. Amenities include a dump station, flush toilets and showers, along with a ramp for launching canoes, kayaks and rafts. The National Forest Service maintains the other campgrounds in this area. Luby Bay, 29 miles north of Priest River, is designed to house RVs up to 65 feet. The facility has 52 sites divided between two locations; one section is paved, the other gravel. Hydrants and water fountains supply drinking water, and five sites have electric and water hookups. There’s also a dump station. Two nearby campgrounds, Outlet and Osprey, have parking spots large enough to accommodate RVs but lack hookups.
