Barbara T.
Scout
ScoutSpringy Point
Wish I could come back next weekend
Camping here has brought back many Happy Memories from my childhood and camping with my children and granddaughters. I'm making my wishlist/adventure come true.
Camping near Coolin, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Coolin, Idaho cluster around the pristine shores of Priest Lake, providing both developed and primitive camping options. Priest Lake State Park offers year-round access through Indian Creek Campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, while Dickensheet Campground provides a more rustic experience from May through September. The surrounding Idaho Panhandle National Forest lands contain multiple campgrounds including Luby Bay, Outlet, and Osprey, which accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Several boat-in only options exist on Kalispell and Bartoo Islands for those seeking more remote experiences.
Many campsites in the Priest Lake area require advance reservations during the peak summer season from late May through early September. The region features a mix of paved and unpaved access roads, with some campgrounds accessible only by boat. "Boat-in camping on the islands offers less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites," noted one visitor about Bartoo Island. Winter camping is limited primarily to the Indian Creek area, while most forest service campgrounds close by mid-September. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering full hookups, showers, and flush toilets, while others provide only vault toilets or no facilities at all. Cell coverage is spotty throughout the area, especially at remote sites and on the islands.
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the Coolin area. Sites directly on Priest Lake typically receive the highest ratings and fill up fastest, particularly those with sandy beaches. According to one camper, "The sites are nice and private and the view is unbeatable. There are larger beaches on the lake for sure, but the south end of the lake is the calmest and the sand is the best there." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the area, with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Island camping on Bartoo and Kalispell provides the greatest seclusion but requires boat transportation. Visitors frequently mention the crystal-clear water of Priest Lake as a highlight, along with the surrounding forest setting that offers shade and natural beauty.
Best Campgrounds near Coolin (205)
1. Luby Bay Campground
"We were on the upper side of the lower loop, near the entrance, and although we couldn’t see the water it was a short walk to the beach, which had sand and beautiful clear water."
"My family and I go camping every July at Priest Lake. Luby Bay is our favorite because we have boats, RVs, tent and hammock campers."
from $30 - $64 / night
Check Availability2. Outlet Campground
"The only problem was people walking thru your site to the house next to the campground. Couldn’t figure that out and thinking it was random."
"Outlet Campground is a fine place to spend a weekend, but if you’re familiar with Priest Lake, you’ll notice it’s not quite as spacious or scenic as some of the other campgrounds in the area."
3. Osprey Campground
"We actually left another campground on the lake we had already paid for to come here because it was exactly what we were looking for!"
"Camp amongst the tall trees and the lake!"
from $30 - $32 / night
Check Availability4. Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground
"If you got a boat, get to Priest Lake. The waters are a little cold but crystal clear and on a clear night, you’ll see the bulk on the Milky Way."
"First come, first serve sites are your best bet for getting a campsite on Priest Lake during peak season. I was able to snag one of the 10ish first come sites last minute for a weekend."
from $15 / night
Check Availability5. Riley Creek Campground
"We were looking for a campsite in the Idaho Panhandle and discovered Riley Creek. After a 10 hour drive we arrived, drove to our spot and was greeted by an attendant who happened to be in the area."
"Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. Reeder Bay Campground
"Our favorite lake in N Idaho. The view of chimney rock is spectacular. Easy access to the sandy beach. Weather in June can be unpredictable, the Spring storms are epic."
"Reeder Bay is my favorite spot on Priest Lake."
from $30 - $32 / night
Check Availability7. Indian Creek Campground — Priest Lake State Park
"We walked up to reserve our site. The sites are pretty close but have nice facilities throughout the campground. Including a nice store with an Ice cream shop, a family favorite."
"Close to a couple of fun and easy hikes as well as a great beach for cooling off after."
8. Dickensheet Campground — Priest Lake State Park
"It's like the Caribbean on north Idaho."
9. Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground
"Storms all around us but the views were beautiful. Nature is beautiful. Set up our hammocks, tents and brought out fishing poles."
from $15 / night
Check Availability10. priest lake dispersed camping
"There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area."
"It was a bit loud because of the highway but if you follow the path down, there is more spots away from the road. Plenty of space in between sites if you want to be more secluded."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 37 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 45 min from Spokane, WA
- 3 hrs 29 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 4 min from Missoula, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Coolin, ID
181 Photos of 205 Coolin Campgrounds
Angelina H.
Osprey Campground
Shaun W.
Dickensheet Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Dee 🥰.
priest lake dispersed camping
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Luby Bay Campground
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Browns Lake Campground
Marcus K.
South Skookum Lake Campground
Shylean B.
Roman Nose
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Cooks Lake
The Dyrt
Genesis Mountain Farm
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Marshall Lake Resort - Permanently Closed
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Cee Cee Ah Creek
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Colville National Forest Panhandle Campground
Recent Reviews near Coolin, ID
625 Reviews of 205 Coolin Campgrounds
- W
Wendy W.
GuideClark Fork River Driftyard
Hit the jackpot!
After checking all the campsites in the area and finding them full, we had no choice but to check out the one dispersed campground in the area, which was Clark Fork River Driftyard. The name did not sound appealing, but we went to check it out and were pleasantly surprised. When we arrived midweek, there were already two campers along the riverbank, but the prime spot right in the corner was already taken with great access to the river but as soon as that person moved the following day, we took this spot and it was gorgeous. The only downside was an inconsiderate camper who refused to put his big dog on a leash, and that made us very uncomfortable, which caused us to leave early:( No luck with fishing but had fun paddle boarding on the river. Free with 3 day max stay.
Saraj B.
LegendReeder Bay Campground
Tent-ish Site
Reeder Bay is my favorite spot on Priest Lake. Getting a campsite here in July is usually next to impossible, but I set up a Dyrt Alert and managed to snag a waterfront site for my tent the second someone canceled.
Love:
-Prime Location: Road traffic noise is a non-issue; it’s tucked away and quiet in terms of cars. Plus, there's a beach walk right from camp that leads over to the neighboring resort.
-Facilities: The bathrooms were surprisingly clean and feature actual flush toilets!
-Convenience: Firewood is available right on-site for $8 a bundle (bring cash!)
Downside:
-Generator Hub: Even though there are no hookups or potable water, about 90% of the campground was filled with oversized RVs. Because of this, you’ll hear generators running almost nonstop, which takes away a bit from the peaceful wilderness vibe if you're tent camping.
- Wendie K.Guide
Waldron Campground — Farragut State Park
Nice
Beautiful campgrounds, deeply immersed in rules.
- RRae F.Guide
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Large rig approved - Private creek access
I had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
- RRae F.Guide
Northfork Chewelah Creek
Perfect spot by the Chewelah Creek
I don’t normally leave reviews like this, but there is some confusion about the location of this place. I believe there is another location listed here on the dyrt app. If you put 3399 Sand Canyon Rd into your GPS you’ll get here just fine. This is the perfect spot for boondocking. There are at least 10 campfire rings and huge open spots to park big rigs. Plenty of creek access, I’m sure you could fish here, but I’m not into that. The creek gets up to about knee-deep in the deepest spots. This is connected to an active logging Road so there are logging trucks that go by every few hours. But that also means you know the roads are good for heavy rigs. I’ve been here for a few days and there were only two other people here when I got here and now it’s just me. This is a great spot for privacy. There are minimal mosquitoes, lots of butterflies, definitely a good amount of flies, dragonflies, wild turkeys, and I just saw a large bird flying overhead that looked like a crane.
John S.ScoutBald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
A gem up high on Mt. Spokane
If you'd like a lovely campground standing 3000 ft above the northeast Columbia basin, this would be hard to beat. It's simply beautiful. A couple hundred feet you can peer twenty miles to the east (probably more). The campground is small (8 sites) and compact (you'll have neighbors near), but that's a good design choice --- the little plateau at Bald Knob simply isn't big enough for more.
If you're up for a stroll, then climb (or drive!) to the top of Mt. Spokane. On a clear day you can see three states (WA/ID/MT) and two countries (USA/Canada). If you get to the campground and then *don't* take a side trip to the top of Mt. Spokane, you will need to have your head examined. [N.B. If you're driving a motorhome, do *not* drive to the summit past the campground: the narrow one-lane (paved) road is just not going to let you go up while other cars are coming down.]
If you go there at the right time of year, you can stroll a couple hundred feet and harvest huckleberries. Actual huckleberries. I had waffles with fresh huckleberries, so eat your heart out.
This is one of the pricier campgrounds ($39/night in 2026), but there's potable water and restrooms with flush toilets and even hot water(!). And of course, there are bear-proof food lockers and garbage bins for each site.
- SSheilaGuide
Springy Point
Small and tight spots
Beautiful and right on the water. Flush toilets and showers.
Megan T.
TravelerLake Gillette Campground
Great experiences as a church camp
We booked this site as a place to hold church summer camp for the youth and loved it! It is a double site and we were able to have 12 tents up, single- to 2-man size, and a large tent for leaders. It looked like a cute little pop up village, and everyone was able to find a comfortable spot with a good radius of space between tents! This location was right across from bathrooms and bear trash cans, with a potable water spigot just around the bend. Quick access to the lake, too! It was easy for us to bring kayaks from the dock over to the beach, which had good seating areas and a nice floating dock out just a little ways. There was plenty of room for kitchen set up, and all the extras we wanted like a changing tent, a camp shower, a couple large folding tables for crafts - and all this without crowding the picnic tables around the fire pit or the girls’ individual tents! There are some good hiking trails around the site, a nice little outdoor amphitheater back behind another campsite, and about three parking spots right by each site. This location is a little set back from the highway, but close enough that you still catch a bit of the noise pollution from traffic. You also run into quite a few people while there, though the campsite we had felt spacious and private. Those were the only things I wish were slightly different, just hoping for a more secluded experience. I LOVED that there is no cell service, and you can spend the whole day out on the water kayaking through the chains of lakes, either over to Sherry or Thomas and around.
Guide to Coolin
Campgrounds in the Coolin, Idaho area offer a mix of shoreline and forested settings on the northern shores of Priest Lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 2,438 feet within the Selkirk Mountains, with summer water temperatures reaching the mid-60s°F. Winter camping options remain limited during the snowy months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Luby Bay Campground provides direct access to nature paths along the lakeshore. "We loved the nature trail by the lake. Beautiful place to enjoy the lake," noted a visitor who appreciated the walkable terrain near their campsite.
Water activities preparation: Bring appropriate watercraft permits when planning boat activities near Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground. "Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker(I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up)," advises one camper who noted permit requirements.
Fishing opportunities: Lake trout and cutthroat trout are common catches in Priest Lake waters. "We did get some fishing in for cutthroat and lake trout. Cutthroat are catch and release so we had to be pretty careful, but the lake trout tasted amazing," reported a visitor to Indian Creek Campground.
Off-season visitation: Consider spring or fall visits to avoid peak crowds. "Off season is best. It's like the Caribbean on north Idaho," commented a Dickensheet camper who found the quieter periods provided a more relaxed experience.
What campers like
Beach quality variations: Different areas of Priest Lake offer varying beach experiences. At Reeder Bay Campground, campers highlight specific waterfront features: "The view of chimney rock is spectacular. Easy access to the sandy beach," one visitor noted about this northern lake location.
Waterfront site advantages: Lakeside sites provide direct water access but require advance planning. "If you can get one of the lakefront campsites, the views are phenomenal! But if you can't, the rest of the campsites are still pretty nice," reported a visitor to Reeder Bay.
Campground privacy levels: Osprey Campground stands out for its secluded sites. "Complete privacy between trees and underbrush, no road noise, walking trails, flushing toilets and beach access where we felt comfortable leaving our SUPs tied for two days," described one camper who valued the separation between sites.
Temperature considerations: Shade becomes important during summer months when daytime temperatures can exceed 85°F. "We visited here during a very warm spell and all the shade was a blessing and it cooled off quickly once the sun went down," noted a Luby Bay camper who appreciated the tree cover.
What you should know
Beach conditions: Sandy beaches are found at select locations. "A tiny little piece of beach, huge tent/picnic area," described one camper about Outlet Campground site 11, noting that beach access varies significantly between individual campsites.
Bathroom facilities: Most established campgrounds offer basic facilities but may lack showers. "Bathrooms are adequate pit toilets," noted one Reeder Bay camper, while another at Outlet mentioned "Bathrooms are okay," indicating serviceable but not luxurious facilities.
Bear safety requirements: Food storage precautions are necessary in this forested region. "Each site comes with a bear-proof locker, which is essential for safety," noted a Luby Bay visitor who found these storage options at their campsite.
Campsite spacing: Distance between sites varies significantly by campground. "The sites are a bit close together, so there's not a ton of privacy," observed one camper at Outlet, while another noted Reeder Bay sites are "spaced apart enough so you're not too close to your neighbor."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Riley Creek Campground provides extensive recreational facilities beyond just camping. "Lots of fun activities and trails, easy access bathrooms with nice showers. The water is beautiful and the beach is taken great care of. Very calming and the different campsites are separated by lots of beautiful trees," shared one family who found the variety of activities beneficial.
Family activity options: Look for campgrounds with developed recreation areas. "Volleyball basketball court horseshoe pits. Water and electricity all sites," noted a Riley Creek visitor who appreciated the organized activity spaces.
Camp host support: Staff availability varies between locations. "Very nice campground host and clean restrooms," reported a camper at Luby Bay, indicating that staff support enhanced their experience.
Family site selection: Consider proximity to facilities when booking with children. "We were on the upper side of the lower loop, near the entrance, and although we couldn't see the water it was a short walk to the beach," noted one Luby Bay camper who found the location workable despite not being directly on the water.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Bring appropriate equipment for uneven sites. "Sites 27-38 are fairly unleveled so bring extra leveling blocks if you camp with a trailer in these sites," advised one RVer at Luby Bay who found terrain challenges.
Road width awareness: Some campground roads have limited width for maneuvering larger vehicles. "The road through the campground is paved but narrow, roughly 1.5 vehicles wide, so backing in a trailer requires some finesse," noted a Luby Bay RVer who successfully navigated the tight spaces.
RV size limitations: Certain campgrounds better accommodate larger vehicles than others. "Limited spots for this size rig. No hookups. Dry camping only," reported an RVer with a 26-foot travel trailer at Reeder Bay, indicating the constraints for larger units.
Seasonal access considerations: Most roads to campsites near Coolin close during winter months due to snow accumulation, with only Indian Creek Campground maintaining year-round accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Coolin, ID?
What camping is available near Coolin, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Coolin, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 205 campgrounds and RV parks near Coolin, ID and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Coolin, ID?
Which is the most popular campground near Coolin, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Coolin, ID is Luby Bay Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coolin, ID?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coolin, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Coolin, ID.
What parks are near Coolin, ID?
What parks are near Coolin, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Coolin, ID that allow camping, notably Kaniksu National Forest and Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
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