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NatureMap showing campground location near Nordman, Idaho

Navigation Campground

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and car-free, Navigation Campground sits at the north end of Upper Priest Lake in Kaniksu National Forest, reachable only by boat or a roughly two-hour hike from Beaver Creek — most hikers stage from Plowboy Campground at the halfway point. No water is available on-site. The campground has a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings, with tree cover and space to spread out. When drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake fill on summer weekends, this spot tends to stay empty, making the hike worthwhile for campers who want room to themselves.

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Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Map & DirectionsNavigation Campground is located in Idaho near Nordman

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Northwest end of Upper Priest Lake, accessible by boat or trail.

Coordinates

48.7949 N
116.91056 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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General Info

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Navigation Campground

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Very quiet

Not accessible by car, and takes a couple of hours to hike to it, but well worth it for the solitude once you’re there. While all the drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake were full there was no one at Navigation! (Literally NO ONE)

A few rocky beaches with boat access. A vault toilet, a few picnic tables and fire rings, but lots of space among the trees to set up camp.

It took a little over two hours to hike in from Beaver Creek campground. Plowboy campground is about at the halfway point.

No water available.

I hiked in and had the place to myself.

  • Review photo of Navigation Campground by Jill S., July 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Navigation Campground by Jill S., July 29, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2019

Great hike or boat in campground on beautiful Upper Priest Lake

Nice isolated campground at the North end of Upper Priest Lake. We hiked in from Beaver Creek campground on Priest Lake (9 miles, round trip) and found another great spot to hang our hammocks side by side. It's an easy trail and well worth the walk as it gets you away from the busy lower lake. Fantastic mountain views across a lovely lake.

Next time we're going to kayak in.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Navigation Campground by Brian L., July 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Navigation Campground by Brian L., July 16, 2019
  • Relaxing by the fire
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Navigation Campground?

Navigation Campground offers basic amenities for wilderness campers. The site features vault toilets, picnic tables, and several rocky beaches with boat access. The campground has designated areas for hammock camping and tent sites. Due to its remote nature, there are no hookups, running water, or other developed facilities. Visitors should prepare to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash.

Where is Navigation Campground located on Priest Lake?

Navigation Campground is located at the northern end of Upper Priest Lake, not on the main Priest Lake. This isolated campground is not accessible by car but requires either a hike or boat access. It sits in a remote setting that offers a peaceful alternative to the busier areas of the lower lake, providing visitors with a true wilderness experience.

What are the reservation requirements for Navigation Campground?

Navigation Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. Due to its remote location requiring either hiking or boating to access, the campground typically has good availability even when the drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake are full. For current information about any permit requirements or usage fees, contact the managing agency before your trip. The campground's isolation often means you might have the entire area to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Is Navigation Campground a good access point for Upper Priest Lake?

Navigation Campground is an excellent access point for Upper Priest Lake as it's situated directly on the northern end of this more secluded body of water. The campground can be reached via a 9-mile round trip hike from Beaver Creek campground on the main Priest Lake following the Navigation Trail. This location offers perfect solitude for exploring Upper Priest Lake, away from the crowds of the lower lake, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter wilderness experience.

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