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Established Camping

Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground is located near Priest River in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The area features forested terrain and is accessible by boat, offering a unique camping experience. Nearby attractions include Priest Lake, where visitors can enjoy water activities, and the Selkirk Mountains, which provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

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Location

Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

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.

Address

32003 Hwy 57
Priest river, ID 83856

Coordinates

48.5638889 N
116.8933333 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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34%

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2023

Worst camping experience ever!

Loud, obnoxious and drunk boaters who trash Priest Lake. If you suffer one night of this nonsense, you will never go back. USFS complicit with this behavior.

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2021

Great Noat In Camping

Went out on a busy Saturday and while I was worried there would be no first come first serve, I found one at the second cove I looked at. Nice to have bathrooms, although you may want to bring extra to, and decent space between you and the next campsite. When choosing a site remember sunrise and sunset as I was lucky to have a place on the south side so there was shade during the hottest parts of the day and less sun at 5am when you want to sleep. If you kayak be wary of the afternoon as the waves get high from power boats but settle in the evening and morning.

Site17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Callie B., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Callie B., July 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Callie B., July 6, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2019

Kayak camping!

The best of both worlds! Who loves kayaking and car camping? Why not both?? A group of us stocked up our kayak and we trekked out to Kalispell Island! Storms all around us but the views were beautiful. Nature is beautiful. Set up our hammocks, tents and brought out fishing poles.

  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Missy S., September 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Missy S., September 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground by Missy S., September 27, 2019
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Which boat launches can I use to reach Kalispell Island on Priest Lake?

You can access Kalispell Island from several public boat launches around Priest Lake. Popular launch points include Lionhead Unit, Indian Creek Campground, Outlet Bay, and Coolin. The nearest and most convenient launches are typically on the eastern shore of the lake. When planning your trip, consider the size of your boat or kayak, the amount of gear you're transporting, and the weather conditions for crossing. The crossing distance varies depending on your chosen launch point, so factor this into your travel time to the island.

Where can I find a map of Kalispell Island campsites?

Maps of Kalispell Island campsites are available from the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the island. You can obtain maps at the Priest Lake Ranger District office or download them from the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website. Consider the location of campsites relative to sunrise and sunset when selecting your spot. For the most current campsite information, contact the Priest Lake Ranger District directly before your trip. Physical maps are recommended as cell service may be limited on the island.

What type of camping is available on Priest Lake's Kalispell Island?

Kalispell Island offers primitive boat-in campsites that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campsites provide a blend of car camping comfort and water adventure, with basic facilities including vault toilets. Sites are spaced to offer some privacy between neighboring campers. Both tent and hammock camping are popular options on the island. The camping experience combines the serenity of island life with the convenience of established sites, though weekend visitors should be prepared for potential crowds and noise from boating activity.

How do I access Kalispell Island camping on Priest Lake?

Kalispell Island is accessible only by boat on Priest Lake. You'll need to kayak, canoe, or take a motorized boat to reach the island campsites. Many campers load their gear into kayaks or boats and make the journey across the water. The island features several coves where you can land your watercraft before setting up camp. Plan ahead for changing weather conditions, as storms can develop on the lake. For the best experience, secure your boat properly once you arrive and be prepared for a true boat-in camping adventure.