We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Porthill. Finding a place to cabin camp in Idaho is easier than ever. Each cabin rental offers quick access to one or more of Porthill's most popular destinations.
Priest Lake camping features 151 campsites, and 5 cabins. Priest Lake State Park lies just 30 miles from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and mile-high mountains, Priest Lake State Park sits along the eastern shores of Priest Lake, a 19-mile long, over 300 foot deep lake. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, dump stations, full service park store with gasoline. Activities include hiking mountain biking, cycling, fishing, boating, swimming, horseshoeing, water sports, volleyball, disc gold
North Haven campground is located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and features 21 RV sites, 5 log cabins, 2 covered Conestoga glamping wagons, glamping tipis (coming summer 2024) and The Outpost camp store. Our office, laundry room and bathhouse facilities are located in the same building as the camp store. North Haven is located in a safe wooded area and is also conveniently located a few miles north of downtown Bonners Ferry, the Kootenai River and a wide variety of outdoor activities within the area.
THE AREA
North Haven is located just a few minutes north of the town of Bonners Ferry, close to the intersection of HWY 95 and HWY 2. The campground is surrounded by trees and there is a 3/4 mile nature walking trail loop that goes around both North Haven and the Log Inn across the street.
We are located just a couple miles from the Kootenai River and kayaks and paddle boards can be rented at Far North Outfitters in town. Other outdoor activities include ATV riding, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and motorcycle riding. There are some great water fall trails in the area which include Myrtle Falls, Snow Creek Falls, Copper Creek Falls and Kootenai Falls.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Kootenai Wildlife Refuge 10 minute drive southwest
- Mirror Lake Golf Course 10 minute drive south
- Kootenai River Casino and Spa 5 minute drive south
- Schweitzer Ski Resort 50-60 minute drive south
- Lake Pend Orielle and City Beach in Sandpoint 45 minute drive south
- Coeur dAlene 90 minute drive south
- Glacier National Park 3 hour drive east
- US Canadian Border 30 minute drive north
- Banff National Park 4 hour drive north, in Canada
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
- Antiquing Thrifting
- CQB Underground airsoft gun arena
- Movie Theaters in Sandpoint and Coeur dAlene areas
- Walmart, Home Depot, North 40 in Sandpoint
- Malls, Costco, Target in Coeur dAlene
GROCERY STORES
- Super 1 open 24 hours a day
- Safeway
- Grocery Outlet
- Mountain Mikes Health Food
- The Gathering Place
Services in town: Laundromat, Hospital, Library, ATM, Police, Sheriff, Fire
Restaurants: Mi Pueblo, Mugsys Tavern and Grill, Rusty Moose, Kootenai River Brewing Company, Badgers Den, Chicknchop, Under the Sun and more.
$49 - $300 / night
The Hemlocks is a long standing establishment built along State Route 2 during the 1950’s. Originally, a filling station, motel and cafe, The Hemlocks grew into a full service restaurant whose reputation for great food endeared locals and drew visitors from far and wide. Over the years– through several owners– the RV Park was added. In 2013, Tammy and Will Hedrick purchased The Hemlocks and with great joy have been working to revive the rustic atmosphere of the much beloved restaurant and facilities.Located in the Northern Rockies, nestled between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges in North Idaho, The Hemlocks is a perfect lodging point if you are traveling East to Montana, North to British Columbia, Canada and the Selkirk Loop, or South to Couer d’Alene, Idaho and the Spokane Valley.North Idaho is an outdoor enthusiasts playground! Hiking(more then 40 mountain lakes!), rivers for canoeing or floating, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, wildlife watching, we have it all! All activities come in beginner, intermediate and“you did what?” levels! This is a great area to pack a lunch, head out for a drive and just get“lost” in nature.The Hemlocks offers easily accessible Full Hook Up RV spots, a Remodeled Cabin that sleeps up to 6 people, Remodeled Motel Rooms, and multiple Camping spots.
$25 - $129 / night
Deer Ridge Lookout, perched on a 40 foot timber frame, boasts excellent views of the Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Canada and Montana. Located 24 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, guests can enjoy magnificent scenery, hiking and wildlife watching. The lookout can be accessed by car and the gravel road to the lookout is well maintained.
Hiking and viewing the scenery are two well-loved activities at the facility. Hiking trails from the lookout follow along the Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge. Huckleberry picking is enjoyed from August to September. Fly fishing is available in the Moyie River, where anglers can cast for rainbow and brook trout. Make sure to check all regulations and secure all permits with the local Fish and Wildlife department before heading out.
The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north. Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge. The lookout is perched atop Deer Ridge at an elevation of 4,755 feet. The view from the facility includes the rugged Purcell mountain peaks and the beautiful Moyie River Valley and Moyie Springs. Elk, deer and black bears are among the wildlife in the area. Please be aware of and practice bear safety.
The nearest town for groceries is Bonners Ferry, about 24 miles from the lookout.
$45 / night
The Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,529 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. This location has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1910. The current lookout tower was built in 1957. The lookout is typically available from late June through late September, and is accessible by car, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for the primitive roads. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own amenities.
Aside from exploring Mount Baldy, hikers can find a network of trails in the surrounding Yaak Area. The Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, located in the northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers a variety of hiking trails in beautiful settings. Hunting is also possible nearby. Wild berries grow in the area, inviting berry pickers.
The lookout offers views of the Kaniksu National Forest in Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Range and Rock Candy Mountain. The panorama features endless mountain peaks and evergreen forest. Guests have an ideal location for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing out over the starry night skies. Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive from the lookout off Yaak Highway 508. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
$55 / night
Priest Lake was originally called Roothaan Lake by Father Desmet in 1846 in honor of his Jesuit Superior in Rome. One of the prominent peaks in the Selkirk Range still bears the name Roothaan. In 1865, Captain John Mullan designated this same lake as Kaniksu Lake on one of his maps. It is believed that "Kaniksu" was the Indian name of Black Robe, although this has never been authenticated. The name was gradually changed in the early 1900's from Kaniksu Lake to its present name of Priest Lake, which refers to the early-day Jesuit missionary priests who had established a base camp at Kalispell Bay in the 1840's. The lake is one of three largest and most beautiful lakes in the Idaho Panhandle, and a very popular recreation attraction. The world's largest Makinaw trout was caught here in 1963. Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee are also caught in the lake. It is now illegal to fish for Dolly Varden and they are to be returned to the lake when caught. Upper Priest Lake is part of the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. There were five small parcels of private land totaling about 420 acres on Upper Priest Lake. The Forest Service purchased these tracts in 1967 with the assistance of Nature Conservancy. The entire shoreline of Upper Priest Lake is now in either the State of Idaho or Federal ownership, and is administered as a scenic area. Upper Priest River, which flows into Upper Priest Lake, is one of the rivers to be studied for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system along with the lower Priest River which was famous in the early days as a log-drive stream. The first recorded drive was in 1901 and the last in 1949. The greatest drive took place in 1931 when 50,000 cedar poles and 125,000,000 board feet or logs were herded down the river by the "river pigs".
Come stay with us on the beautiful Kootenai River in northwest Montana. RV site, tent sites and cabins are available in a scenic wooded location along the Kootenai River just two miles west of Troy, Montana on US Hwy 2. Improvements are made each year, including the addition of WiFi and a newly remodeled restroom/shower house in 2015. Some of the upgrades from previous seasons include a new well for greater water pressure, a solar water pre-heater to ensure hot showers, new fire rings and bbq grills, new picnic tables and new towels and linens in the cabins. We will be selling beer, wine, and cigarettes by 4th of July weekend Located in scenic western Montana, the campground is surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest and bounded by the Kootenai River. A wide variety of outdoor recreational activities are available in the Kootenai including fishing, hiking, backpacking, and hunting. The Kootenai is one of Montana's treasures, with extensive beauty and recreation without the crowds found near the national parks. Book your next vacation or come visit friends and family today! We look forward to your visit.
Garver Mountain Lookout is perched on top of Garver Mountain at an elevation of 5,874 feet. The lookout is located in the Yaak area of the Kootenai National Forest, characterized by its minimal services and rugged beauty. This destination is ideal for visitors with an adventurous attitude, looking for a plethora of outdoor activities. Garver Mountain Lookout has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1929. The first lookout was a one-story log cabin, which is still on the site. The current lookout was built in 1963 and is available for rent for up to four people.
Garver Creek is located near the lookout and offers opportunities for trout fishing. Day hiking is another popular pastime in the area around the lookout. The Lookout is situatied along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic trail, and through hikers may visit you in the lookout.
The Yaak area is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer and a variety of smaller mammals and birds. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout. There are also several lakes scattered at varying elevations for hikers and fisherman to enjoy.
$45 / night
Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area's magnificence. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mile hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain. The lookout was refurbished in 2005 and is in excellent condition.
The 2.5 mile hike up to Shorty Peak is part of the fun of staying at the cabin. The trail is also open to horseback riding. While here, landscape photography and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes. Birding is particularly popular and guests may have the chance to look down on some birds of prey. Look for red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and goshawks soaring over the valleys. Clear nights offer prime stargazing opportunities.
Shorty Peak lookout is located in the Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The land is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The 360-degree unobstructed vista from Shorty Peak Lookout is exceptional, with views of Kootenai Valley, U.S. and Canadian Selkirks, Smith Creek and Cow Creek drainage areas, Red Top Mountain, and the higher Lone Tree Peak a mile to the west. Elk, deer and black bears are among the wildlife in the area. This is bear country, both grizzly and black. The Forest Service recommends that you be able to distinguish between them. Please be aware of and practice bear safety while camping in this area.
The nearest location for a convenience store is the Canadian border. A more cost effective location for groceries and gear is in Bonners Ferry, about 50 miles from the lookout.
$45 / night
The Upper Ford Ranger Station is situated near the Yaak River at an elevation of 2,984 feet within the Rocky Mountains in Kootenai National Forest. This remote cabin was built in 1926 and was at the heart of the Upper Ford Ranger District until 1942, when it was combined with the Yaak Ranger District and became a remote work center. The cabin is open year-round and is accessible by car. Several amenities are provided, but guests will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear.
Fishing in the Yaak River and nearby streams can yield a variety of trout, as well as kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, large scale sucker and long nose dace. Big game hunting is also possible in the area. Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, which is located in the very northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers several hiking trails. Equestrian trails are near the cabin. Winter brings skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing opportunities for all experience levels.
The cabin is situated on the slope of Clark Mountain in the Purcell Range above the Yaak River drainage. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for a variety of trout. The Yaak area is heavily forested and features several lakes scattered at varying elevations. The area is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer and a variety of smaller mammals and birds (bear safety).
$75 / night
Ranger
We did not stay overnight, but it's a beautiful spot, with 360 degree views. It's quiet and peaceful. The road up to the lookout is pretty rough and wouldn't recommend it in a car. There's a lovely hiking trail from the parking area as well which leads to even more spectacular views. Recommended for a day trip or overnight!
Traveler
Modern and beautiful campground. Close to all the wonders of Idaho's panhandle. They have several back in and pull through sites with more on the way. Choice of full hookups, or water and electric. Their showers are emaculant and luxurious. Wife refused to use ours. They have luxury cabins and covered wagon glamping. Very family and senior friendly. Reasonably priced, can't loose booking here.
TravelerI couldn’t book through Dyrt in app on the date. I called and booked with Munro on busy 4th weekend and got it done. A very nice stay on very loud 4th weekend of fireworks at Bonners Ferry(to be expected). Campsite with fire ring, wooded, picnic table was awesome. Bathhouse and facilities were very clean. Wood, icecream, laundry detergent, and more for sale at office/bathhouse. Definitely, stay again.
Scout
Johnie and his staff are over the top to accommodate. We stayed in the cabin and it was clean, warm, comfortable. Located central to sights in Idaho as well as Montana. We will be back next year. Guided fishing tours available as well as great food.
LegendAshley here from The Dyrt! It was great to work with Rachel and get this campground added to our platform. Rachel and her family recently purchased this location, and are putting in so much work! Check them out and leave them some love.
Scout
A very nice small campground. About 2/3 of the sites are full hookups. Rest water and electric. Tent sites. Owners are great people. Very helpful for sure. They have a path you can walk down right to the Kootanie river with chairs and picnic tables to sit on. Very nice. Grounds are clean and tidy. Owners care a lot about their customers. Bathrooms are clean. Showers also clean. Would recommend staying here if your in the area.
GuideOwners were very accommodating and informative. Beautiful campground. Very clean and well kept.
Scout
All the state (not Federal) parks at both Priest and Lake Pend Oreille (Farragut) have become prohibitively expensive for out of staters. Per the Boise newspaper a state legislator from Hayden. ID was angered that he was unable to camp the state parks in his area at the drop of a hat 'due to the large number of out of state campers'(who had the foresight to make reservations months in advance). He was able to push a punitive bill through the State legislature which effectively more than doubled out of state camp fees in these two parks. Not only is the camp site at least twice as expensive but there is now a daily vehicle fee added. A basic campsite (no utilities) can now cost upwards of $70 per night.
ScoutWe enjoyed our time at this camp. Most sites are for RVs, but we got a tent site. Unfortunately, my two year old son didn’t settle for bed easily when camping. I ended up in hotels a couple nights, just because I didn’t want to bother the other campers. The time I did stay there was nice. The hosts are very helpful and kind as well.
ScoutNice RV campsites with water & electric hookups yr round. WiFi & free laundry, bathroom,&showers via coded entry.
ScoutGreat campground, well kept up. Great help.
Location is good if you want to do outdoor activities.
The little store had what we needed.
TravelerI been through the area a couple times on quick trips,I always wanted to return and explore the area without knowing much about it and the people were very helpful. Yes they told us how to get to Ross Creek Cedars and Kootenai falls (go early), absolutely stunning! I also found Libby Dam, we sat on the tailgate eating lunch and watched eagles soaring and fishing on the bottom side of the dam. The trail down to the river was great, the boys had a blast riding their bikes on it. The only downside was being right next to the highway but that also made it nice for getting out and exploring too.
ScoutWe stayed here for two nights for our first “plugged in” camper experience. Owners were super friendly and helpful! At their recommendation visited both the Kootenai Falls and Ross Creek Cedars, both very fun and memorable experiences for us and our toddler. Camp store packed with fun goodies. Also met some new friends while at camp, excited to meet up with them again someday! Will definitely be back!
GuideEnded 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!
Bathrooms with vault toilets, water pump, and grey water dump all just a short walk away
Scout
My family and i visit here at least twice a year. We love views and there is always something to do. Wish they had more sites with sewer hook ups but they do have a very easy to use dump station on site.
GuideI’ve been to Priest countless times. Camp in the woods or on the beach. Upper or lower Priest Lake.
ScoutTo start off, I rarely write reviews. We were in the area in August of 2019 and we stopped here to potentially tent camp. We went inside and asked if there was anything available for the night. We wanted a quiet campground with access to the Kootenay River in which they had both. So one of the owners let us check out the sites and trail to the river. However, we wanted something right on the river and it was a little bit of a walk to gain access to it.
We went back in and said we wanted something along the river and the owner recommended a different campground further down the road. (Which ended up being a great recommendation.) She didn't have to do that. She wasn't greedy whatsoever. That's how businesses should operate. That what makes people want to come back because of little stuff like this. I even offered to buy some firewood because she recommended a different campsite and she told us to get it at the camp in which we were staying.
That's why I'm writing this review because it's hard to find good service like that anymore. Although we didn't stay here, I highly recommend this campground. Great service, very clean, and nice atmosphere.
GuideHad a family reunion at this campground. Loved every second of this place. Started by playing frisbee golf at their awesome new course. Had our puppy with us and he had an absolute blast.
Cute little store that had all kinds of local art and everything you’ll need for camping. We were blessed with a few amazing thunderstorms that put a damper on fishing, but had a great time watching the storms pass.
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.
Amazing camp hosts stopped by regularly and were so nice. Bathrooms were clean and showers were hot. All in all, had a great time at this campground and we plan on going back this next spring.
ScoutIt is a gorgeous area. Our spot was about 20 feet from the water. Sandy campsite is a nice change of pace from dirt ( although I love dirt😁). The staff were incredible friendly and welcoming. I am a solo camper +🐶 and I felt very safe here. Very family friendly place. I really just wish more places would allow dogs at the beach or even have a nice sectioned off part for the doggies. Very heartbreaking to be so close to that beautiful water and not be able to enjoy it because I couldn't bring my bestie. 😕 Otherwise, I love it and will return!!
GuideLionhead is by far my favorite campground of hundreds I’ve been to. it’s designed more for tent camping of very small rv’s such as truck campers or tent trailers. There are numerous trails to explore and the beach is beautiful white sand with crystal clear water. Indian Creek is also nice and has a store with everything you could need and ice cream by the scoop. Indian Creek also has full and partial hookup sites - free hot showers- and boat slips to rent.
ScoutCampground was clean and spread out. There was a day use peach nearby so was a little loud with volleyball players and day use people. The Lake is gorgeous! Paddle Boarding, boating, kayaking...all a great time!
ScoutI 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. The staff are all very friendly and nice to work with. The hand- scooped homemade ice cream is worth it alone! Kayaking up the thoroughfare to the upper lake is a great workout with some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals along the way. You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery as well. Hunt lake trail is a beautiful trail to hike, but not for beginners. Priest Lake itself is a little chilly when first getting in to swim, but is very refreshing in the mountain heat. There are many good places to pick huckleberries all over the area! The campgrounds at the Indian Creek unit, which is where the headquarters and store are located, are very clean. There are plenty of RV and tent camping sites and 5 cabins available to rent. All cabins sleep different numbers of people, ranging from 5 to 9, the moose cabin being the largest and nicest. The cabins have no bathrooms or kitchens but boast fire rings and are right across from communal park bathrooms and showers. The lion head unit on the upper lake is about 12 miles up the road from Indian Creek turning into gravel about 8 miles up right before moose lake. It has a few smaller camper sites and many tent sites available. There is a maintenance shed along with a small ranger booth which also serves as a small store with ice and other foods and small supplies. There are first aid kits and radios available at all campground ranger booths. Priest lake has amazing fishing for rainbow trout, Mackinaw (lake trout), smallmouth bass, and Pike minnow (as the main species). The nearest town, Coolin, UD, is about 12 miles down the road. It is a small town with a store, a diner and a bar/ restaurant. The diner and restaurant have decent staple foods for what they have to offer. The store is fairly small but generally has most of the foods and supplies needed for restocking your camping food or obtaining the odds and ends you may have forgotten or overlooked at home. All around it is a beautiful place to visit with friendly staff and locals and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable family camping experience.
ScoutThere are 3 campgrounds. One is a group camp that sells out quick. Reservations are 9 months in advance and it is a phone call of luck that will get you this prime area. The group camp has its own private dock and beach. The cabin has multiple bunk beds and a kitchen with fridge and range/oven. Also a microwave. 2 showers and 2 restrooms. There are RV slots available here. We love the privacy and ability to not worry about any unlocked vehicles or items left in the beach The other two sites are Lionhead and Indian Creek. Indian Creek as a store and laundry facilities. They also have a few cabins to rent. Showers and rv slots available. Lionhead is further up the road (just north of the group camp) and is a little smaller.
TravelerThe setting is beautiful. New owners took over this year. It's on the river so you can bring your boat. They have upgraded all the cabins and it really looks nice. The new managers are super friendly too. We will be back!!!
GuideSO! you get to this campground via boat only. There is a thoroughfare between upper and lower Priest Lake. Once when I camped there, we were in an overloaded canoe in a thunderstorm. I would not advise that route of access :) That trip included an amazing experience though. After the storm blew through, camp had been established and dinner was over, we set out in the canoe. It was Wednesday, in early summer. No other campsites were occupied on Upper Priest, we were the only ones there. As dusk deepened, the stars came out and the lake was so calm is was a perfect mirror. The stars were visible in the lake. Down became up and up was down and all was well in the world for a time that evening on Upper Priest!
Guide
We stayed here two nights. Excellent views 360*. This lookout was nice because it had a propane fridge, oven, heater, and lights. It also had a variety of pots/pans/plates/cups/utensils. There is a winch on the side of the deck so you don't have to haul things up (like our cooler). Explored the Yaak and Kootenai!
Guide
You can drive right up to the base of the fire tower and then do day hikes from the summit (or hike up in winter). The views in all directions are amazing. We didn’t go to bed for hours because of stargazing. Pros: backcountry camping but not in a tent, bunkbeds, table, stove, outhouse, wildlife, wildberries, hiking, incredible views. Cons: no water (bring filters/chems).
Camping near Porthill, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Camping near Porthill, Idaho, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Porthill, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Porthill, ID is Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Porthill, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 cabin camping locations near Porthill, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
