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Water
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Buildings

Established Camping

Priest River

Priest River, near Oldtown, Idaho, is a cozy campground that’s perfect for families and those looking to enjoy some time by the water. With sites that offer picnic tables and fire pits, it’s a great place to kick back, roast some marshmallows, and soak in the beautiful views of the river.

The campground is known for its proximity to a public beach, making it a hit with families, especially those with younger kids. Visitors have highlighted the friendly atmosphere and helpful volunteers, which really adds to the experience. One camper mentioned, “The volunteers were amazing, so helpful and friendly!”

For those who enjoy fishing or boating, the location is ideal, sitting right where the Priest River meets the Pend Oreille River. You can expect some stunning sunrises and sunsets, especially from certain sites like number 12, which offers a fantastic view. Just keep in mind that some sites are closer to the road, so a bit of traffic noise might be part of the package.

If you’re looking to explore, you’re just a short drive from Oldtown, where you can find stores and restaurants. The campground also features clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, making it easy to freshen up after a day of fun. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Priest River has a welcoming vibe that makes it a solid choice for your next camping trip.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Lake Pend Oreille

Overview

Priest River Campground is situated on the banks of Priest River, shaded by firs, cedars and pines, just upstream from the confluence of the Pend Oreille River.

Recreation

Water activities are popular at the campground including kayaking, fishing and swimming. The day-use area includes a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp and a large grassy area for family fun . Adjacent to the campground is the Priest River Wildlife area, offering excellent fishing as well as birding. Wildlife in the area includes bald eagles, osprey, a wide variety of birds, and deer.

Natural Features

Albeni Falls Dam was built in 1955 for flood control and power production on the Pend Oreille River. Today, the popular lake has the added benefit of providing visitors with countless year-round recreational activities. Lake Pend Oreille is surrounded by scenic mountains and is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States, plunging to depths of more than 1,200 ft. in some areas. Behind the dam, the Pend Oreille River stretches 65 miles through a glacial-carved valley that separates three mountain ranges.

Nearby Attractions

The Albeni Falls Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area. Tours of the dam are given daily during the summer. The nearby town of Priest River, Idaho, offers gas and grocery services.

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Location

Priest River is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

Priest River Recreation Area is 1 mile east of the town of Priest River on Highway 2. After the river it will be the first road on the right. The park is also known as the \"Mudhole.\"

Address

2376 E HWY2
Oldtown, ID 83822-9243

Coordinates

48.1791667 N
116.8922222 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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1 Star

19%
46%
37%
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4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2022

A mix of great and not so great

I am a bit mixed about this campground. Our spot was really incredible. Site 12 is right on the river which provides impressive sunrise and sunsets. The river is calm in the mornings and evenings with fish jumping. However, there are some downsides to the spot and the campground that cannot be ignored. 1) It is very close to the highway so you hear the cars all day. Site 12 is as far away as you can get from it plus it has a great view so helps offset the road noise. Other sites don't have the view so the road noise would be even more annoying. 2) The campground is right next to a public beach. The water was nice in the summer but the river does have a lot of seaweed floating in it. Site 12 also happens to be closest to the beach. The noise from the bench is not bad. However, everyone from the campground walks right next to your site on their way to the beach. Also, site 12 gets full sun from about noon to sunset. There is shade but the tent site and parking are in the sun. 

LTDR - The view on the river here is a 5. The road noise and traffic from the beach goers pull this down to a 3 for me though. So I will give it a 4.

Site12
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Priest River by Todd B., August 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Priest River by Todd B., August 24, 2022
  • View of site 12 including highway in the background.
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Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Priest river “ the mud hole” campground

The volunteers were amazing so helpful and friendly! Camp site 12 is where you want to be especially if you like the sunshine. Only site on the river tent site only with bbq pit and picnic table and some shade. Bathrooms are close the fishing dock is closer and you could even swim in your own hole! The public beach is about 30 yards away and great for younger kids. Also from camp site 12 you can see the playground if you were to bring kids! They have free hot showers and firewood for sale on site as well. The rangers come give a presentation every third Friday I went and it was on all the different kinds of pines we have in INW.

Site12
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Priest River by lisa , July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Priest River by lisa , July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Priest River by lisa , July 18, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2021

A lot for a little

We love USCOE parks. They are always well maintained and clean. They are always on water for fishing, or boating. Most have services for a great price. And the hosts are always wonderful. The bonus here is that it is close to Sandpoint, one of our favorite places we visited in Idaho.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Nice Shady Sites

Booked a few nights here to meet our son & daughter-in-law from Seattle for a weekend get together. Sites allow one RV & two tents, which is primarily why we chose it. Very shady under large conifers, so not much solar. But, bathrooms/showers kept clean and very pleasant camp host.

Site18
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Priest River by Rick G., August 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest River by Rick G., August 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Priest River by Rick G., August 20, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Very nice quiet campround

We stayed just 1 night in Mid June and the weather was great. The location for us was great , close to Sandpoint but far enough away to enjoy the quiet afternoon and sunset that evening vs. the noise and activity.

The sites were very well maintained. Power, water and on site dump station. The attendant was helpful and very pleasant. No complaints whatsoever!

Highly recommend if you are looking for a quiet spot.

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Priest River

Lots are well spaced, however narrow limiting slide outs and awning extension. Obviously slide out take priority limiting awning extension. There is no fresh drinkable water hook up at sanitation station. The fresh water station carries a warning that it is not suitable for drinking. ( Not sure if this is common in the Western States?) Sanitation station has no water hookup to flush sewer tank only hose to clean sanitation/sewer hose. Vicky Rayes Pizza was good.

No bugs to bother you.

No electric hook ups, no AC at 90 plus degrees!

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Priest River by Stephen L., July 7, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Great beach close to town to

This is a nice small campground. It’s extremely close to the edge of town so the road noise is significant no matter what campsite you have, but other than the noise you wouldn’t know you were near a town. Beach is so kid friendly for the little ones; this was the best part for us. Our 3 year old really gained some water confidence while here. Like the other Army Corp sister campground in this area the dishwashing and bathroom areas are great! The playground is fantastic to wear out the kiddos energy too! We will be back!

  • Review photo of Priest River by Nanette C., September 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Priest River by Nanette C., September 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Priest River by Nanette C., September 7, 2020
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2020

Large sites in the shade

We were passing through from Glacier to home for a quick one day/night stop. Great little beach and play ground area. Both in full sun, but the campsites in full shade. Nice flush toilet bathrooms with great showers. Fives minutes for a quarter.

Only complaints were the mosquitoes and you can hear some road noise. Note that the entrance gate is closed from 10pm to 7am and you can only reserve online at recreation.gov. No office check in’s.

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Cozy little campground where the Priest and the Pend Oreille rivers meet

This small campground is perfect for fishing/boating being right where the priest  river and the Pend Oreille river meet. It has 20 well spaced campsites nestled in the trees. Each site is drive in and has a picnic table with fire pit. There is access to potable water and flush bathrooms with showers. 

 Next to the campground is the day use facilities which include nice restrooms, a large amount of parking, soccer/baseball field, play equipment/swings, and a small beach with boat launch. I really enjoyed the picnic tables with the old truss bridge in view, very picturesque.

 It seemed like a little known place with some local traffic as the campground was empty but a soccer team of kids were practicing in the field. Overall for the price of $21 I will be coming back and would recommend it to any Dyrt users in the area!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Priest River by Douglas S., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Priest River by Douglas S., June 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Priest River by Douglas S., June 1, 2019
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2018

Weekend Getaway

Small campsite ⛺ on the edge of town. Perfect for a few nights relaxation. Hot showers 🚿make for a relaxing night after a day on the river ⛵. While there is no hiking here, it is close to nearby forests 🌲. With it's own boat dock ⚓ you can spend the night fishing before sitting around the 🔥. Great for someone who wants a simple campground.

Site011
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Priest River by Samantha W., August 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Priest River by Samantha W., August 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Priest River by Samantha W., August 23, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Priest River?

    Priest River allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Priest River?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Priest River, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Priest River have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Priest River does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Priest River?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Priest River?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Priest River. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Priest River, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Priest River?

    There are 26 campsites at Priest River and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts