Best Tent Camping near Coolin, ID
The Priest Lake region surrounding Coolin, Idaho offers diverse tent camping options, with several boat-in sites on islands providing exceptional privacy for tent campers. Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground and Kalispell Island Campgrounds feature tent-only sites accessible via a short boat ride from mainland launch points. For those seeking primitive tent camping without water access, Beehive Lake Dispersed camping provides hike-in backcountry sites approximately 8 miles northeast of Coolin. Pack River Dispersed Site offers walk-in tent sites with minimal development but provides direct access to water and fishing opportunities.
Most tent campsites in the Coolin area feature natural surfaces with minimal site preparation, making lightweight tent setups ideal. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage in all primitive tent camping areas. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Kalispell Island, but dispersed sites typically lack facilities entirely. Campers should bring water purification systems as drinking water is not provided at most locations. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, particularly at higher elevation sites. Roads to trailheads and boat launches can be rough and may require high-clearance vehicles, with some access points becoming impassable after early fall snowfall.
During weekdays, tent campers often find complete solitude at backcountry sites. One visitor to Navigation Campground noted, "While all the drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake were full, there was no one at Navigation," highlighting the benefit of walk-in tent sites. First-come, first-served availability is common, with a camper at Bartoo Island reporting, "With it being island camping, there is less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites." Tent sites on islands provide natural separation from neighboring campers, with most featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Hammock camping is popular at lakeside locations where mature pines provide ample hanging options. The clear alpine lakes offer excellent swimming opportunities directly from tent sites, though water temperatures remain cold even in summer.