Boat access is the only way in to Silver Beach Campground on Kalispell Island, a small island site managed by the US Forest Service within Kaniksu National Forest. The approach is noted as rough, so paddlers and motorists arriving by water should plan accordingly. Amenities are basic: pit toilets, picnic tables, and established fire rings, with pets and alcohol permitted. Reservations are available, which is worth noting given the limited capacity typical of island sites. Campers exploring campgrounds near Nordman will find several other Forest Service options nearby, including Kalispell Island West Shores Campground a short distance away. Book ahead and confirm water conditions before launching.
Description
Silver - 8 camp units, south end of island (vault toilet).
Most campsites require campers to bring their own portable toilets. They can check out toilet buckets at the Kalispell Boat Launch. Kalispell Island can only be accessed by boat. No drinking water is availabe and this is a pack it in, pack it out facility. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided
A popular activity among visitors is to kayak, canoe, or power boat up a 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake - just like Kalispell Island - cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option.
Natural Features: Kalispell Island is one of seven islands scattered throughout Priest Lake. Kalispell is the largest of these islands, spanning 264 acres, and is shaped like a tooth. Priest Lake, at a 2,400 foot elevation, is one of the top three largest lakes in Idaho. To the north, the lake connects to the Upper Priest Lake, divided by a narrow channel, which can be passed through by boat.
Recreation: Priest Lake is less than an hour from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and the mile-high mountains, this 25,000-acre lake offers clear, blue waters reaching depths of 300 feet. Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering phenomenal lake views and bird watching opportunities. The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee.
Note that all of these sites are accessible by boat only, have a Pack it In, Pack it Out policy on all waste, and have no developed water systems. NEW Reservations for this campground now have a 60/40 split between reservable sites and “First-come, first-served” sites, respectively. Information about all sites is on Recreation.gov.
Reservation Info
All Kalispell Island site reservations now have a 60/40 split, between reservable sites and those that are available as "First-come, first-served" sites, respectively. Reservations may be made by visiting Recreation.gov.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKalispell Island is located in Idaho near Nordman
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.
Coordinates
48.563376372062685 N
116.89950217457081 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 36 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 45 min from Spokane, WA
- 3 hrs 28 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 14 min from Wenatchee, WA



