Best Campgrounds near Coolin, ID
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.
