Best Campgrounds near Nordman, ID

Nordman, Idaho provides camping options centered around the picturesque Priest Lake region, with numerous developed campgrounds scattered throughout the area. Luby Bay Campground offers tent and RV sites with direct lakefront access in many locations, while Indian Creek and Lionhead campgrounds within Priest Lake State Park provide additional amenities including cabins and glamping opportunities. The camping landscape features both drive-in developed sites and boat-in experiences at Kalispell Island and Bartoo Island campgrounds, where campers can enjoy more secluded shoreline camping.

Seasonal operations typically run from May through September for most campgrounds in the area, with some exceptions like Indian Creek Campground which remains open year-round. "Tent camper here 👋 This specific site wasn't lakefront but was only a short 3 min walk to gorgeous lake views and beach access," noted one visitor about Reeder Bay Campground. Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering paved roads and parking pads, while others may have narrower access routes that require careful navigation when backing in trailers or RVs. Campsite availability becomes limited during peak summer months, especially for lakefront sites, making advance reservations highly recommended for popular weekends.

The crystal-clear waters of Priest Lake serve as the primary attraction for campers in the Nordman area. Campers consistently mention the quality of beaches and swimming opportunities, with several campgrounds offering sandy shorelines uncommon in northern Idaho. Privacy between sites varies by campground, with some locations like Luby Bay offering more secluded, wooded sites. One camper described, "The tent sites are private and not too close together. Very nice campground host and clean restrooms." Boat-in campgrounds on Priest Lake islands provide a unique experience with greater privacy but fewer amenities. Bear-proof storage is available at some campgrounds, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in this wilderness area. Bathrooms range from vault toilets at more remote locations to flush toilets and showers at developed state park campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Nordman, Idaho (185)

    1. Luby Bay Campground

    8 Reviews
    Coolin, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $64 / night

    "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."

    2. Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park

    9 Reviews
    Nordman, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 443-2200

    "Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!"

    "I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers."

    3. Reeder Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Nordman, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $32 / night

    "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."

    "Tent camper here 👋 This specific site wasn't lakefront but was only a short 3 min walk to gorgeous lake views and beach access. Being on the end, it was hushed with minor road noise."

    4. Indian Creek Campground — Priest Lake State Park

    3 Reviews
    Nordman, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 443-2200

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coolin, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 443-2512

    $15 / night

    "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."

    6. Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nordman, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 443-2512

    $15 / night

    "Storms all around us but the views were beautiful. Nature is beautiful. Set up our hammocks, tents and brought out fishing poles."

    7. Outlet Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coolin, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 443-2512

    "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."

    8. Osprey Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coolin, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $32 / night

    "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!"

    10. Nordman Campground

    1 Review
    Nordman, ID
    3 miles
    Website

    "Nice swim beach along with lots of trails to explore. Offers both first come and reservable sites. It is on the North West side of Priest Lake and close to the thouroghfare."

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Recent Reviews near Nordman, ID

527 Reviews of 185 Nordman Campgrounds


  • B
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Round Lake State Park Campground

    Well kept with lots of amenities and activities

    60 dollars a night and checkout was at 1. Lots of amenities and we enjoyed the family environment. Definitely glamping but a perfect beginner spot. Lots to do; Fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding etc. Great spot!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Brush Lake Campground

    Nice overnight spot

    We spent one night as part of our trip around the International Selkirk Loop. Small and quiet and just far enough off the highway where it wasn’t crowded during the week. The campground is on the east end of the lake where the water is pretty well covered with Lilly pads and other aquatic plants. Our camp site was right on the lake and we were expecting to be overrun with bugs but it was surprisingly nice, not a single mosquito bite! Everything was clean and well maintained we would stay here again if we pass back through.

  • Phillip C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Riley Creek Campground

    Pleasant Surprise

    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. They volunteered to help us spot our rig, we were fine. No help needed.

    This was an indication of how this trip would be. Very enjoyable! Power and water close. Level gravel pad, plenty of shade. Walking and biking trails galore. River was peaceful, large grass area, large playground for kids. Fairly full of couples and families surprisingly quiet.

    Close to town for any supplies you might need.
    We plan on returning.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Mill Pond Campground

    Very nice underutilized campground

    We spent one night the week before Labor Day weekend. All the campgrounds around Sullivan Lake were nearly full and busy. We had this entire place to ourselves, what a treat but also a shame it isn’t being better utilized. It has been recently updated with paved roads and flat gravel parking pads. All facilities are extremely nice. The only downside is that all the sites are a short ways off the stream that flows past. If in the area again we will absolutely stay here again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Luby Bay Campground

    Relaxing in the trees by the lake

    We were here for one night in late August. The lake is beautiful and a great place to cool off just a short walk from our site. Very nice campground, clean and well maintained with paved roads and parking pads. 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. Maybe the best part there are very few bugs this time of year.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Sam Owen Camnpground

    Decent Stop

    Stayed at site 80 in Scented Leafs section. Decent campground with mix of full sun/semi shaded sites. Campground was prob 50% full but many reserves signs starting Friday. Lake was excellent, warmer than expected. If you’re a cyclist, the ride up Trestle Creek then down Lightning Creek is excellent, top 1/3 of the climb still had lots of wildflowers and high alpine feel/views.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Beehives Lakes

    Beehives Lake Dispersed

    Awesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot.

  • Eric D.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Boundary Dam Campground

    Better than paid sites

    Everything is well maintained, the sites are clean if maybe a little crammed together. The lake is warm and the sites are great.

  • Cindy
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Yaak River Campground

    Nicely wooded.

    Nicely wooded campground right on the river but we couldn't stay there.  We have a 20ft camper and there was no way that I could back up into any spot that I saw.  Looks like it would be nice for a van camper or tent but not ideal for anything longer than that.


Guide to Nordman

Camping near Nordman, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Water activities: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating at places like Riley Creek Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming" make it a great spot for families.
  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. A camper at Round Lake State Park Campground said, "There are lots of hiking trails nearby, and there are some cool features, like beaver dams and little ponds filled with fish."
  • Playgrounds and sports: Kids can enjoy the playgrounds and sports courts at Riley Creek Campground. One visitor noted, "There are two playgrounds (one for younger children, one for older), volleyball, horseshoes, and a sport court."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Springy Point said, "Stunning sunsets over the Pend Oreille River, quiet, level sites, and clean facilities."
  • Friendly hosts: Many campers appreciate the helpful staff. A visitor at Thousand Trails Little Diamond mentioned, "Friendly staff and good-sized spots."
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. One camper at Priest River stated, "Bathrooms were clean, clean, clean but in need of a little updating."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or public areas. A camper at Priest River mentioned, "Some spots are a little close to the road and traffic noise."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Blue Lake RV Resort noted, "The one thing I didn't hear anyone mention is the noise from the 95 of cars that can be as loud as the constant train passing."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Riley Creek Campground said, "Not easy to book; have to book way ahead of time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Round Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are large, with plenty of shade."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A visitor at Thousand Trails Little Diamond said, "A ton of activities. Pool, hot tub, nice lake for fishing and boating."
  • Keep an eye on the kids: Some campgrounds are near busy areas. A camper at Priest River noted, "The campground is right next to a public beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Blue Lake RV Resort advised, "Bring extension cords and extra hoses as all the hookups are at the front of the sites."
  • Look for big rig-friendly spots: Some campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A camper at Thousand Trails Little Diamond mentioned, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Be prepared for noise: If you're sensitive to sound, consider your location. A visitor at Blue Lake RV Resort said, "The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive."

Camping near Nordman, Idaho, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nordman, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nordman, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Nordman, ID and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nordman, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nordman, ID is Luby Bay Campground with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nordman, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Nordman, ID.

What parks are near Nordman, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Nordman, ID that allow camping, notably Kaniksu National Forest and Idaho Panhandle National Forests.