
52
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND
Overview Surrounded by clear waters of Priest Lake, the 52 sites on Kalispell Island provide the ideal getaway for people looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding, camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. There are 51 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Three Pines Group Site. This Group Site is located on the southeast side of the island and has been renumbered from Site #001 to site #29 for groups of 10-30 individuals. All sites are only reachable by boat. A popular activity among visitors is to kayak, canoe, or power boat up a 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake - just like Kalispell Island - cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option. Recreation Priest Lake is less than an hour from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and the mile-high mountains, this 25,000-acre lake offers clear, blue waters reaching depths of 300 feet. Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering phenomenal lake views and bird watching opportunities. The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee. Facilities Priest Lake is less than an hour from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and the mile-high mountains, this 25,000-acre lake offers clear, blue waters reaching depths of 300 feet. Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering phenomenal lake views and bird watching opportunities. The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee. Natural Features Kalispell Island is one of seven islands scattered throughout Priest Lake. Kalispell is the largest of these islands, spanning 264 acres, and is shaped like a tooth. Priest Lake, at a 2,400 foot elevation, is one of the top three largest lakes in Idaho. To the north, the lake connects to the Upper Priest Lake, divided by a narrow channel, which can be passed through by boat. Nearby Attractions Hike the Lakeshore or Beach Trails that traverse along the west shore of Priest Lake. The Beach trail extends between Outlet Bay Campground and the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The Lakeshore Trail runs for 8 miles along the northwest shores of Priest Lake. In winter, ice fishing, shoe shoeing and snowmobiling on nearby trails entertain visitors.
- 52 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (52).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND special
Reaching Kalispell Island requires a boat, and that journey across the pristine waters of Priest Lake is part of what makes this campground so extraordinary. Located in the panhandle of Idaho, this boat-in-only destination spreads fifty-two campsites across a forested island surrounded by some of the clearest water in the northern Rockies. There are no roads, no vehicle noise, and no crowds — just the gentle lap of waves against a rocky shoreline and the whisper of wind through cedar and hemlock. Priest Lake is famous for its turquoise clarity, and from Kalispell Island you can swim, fish for lake trout and kokanee salmon, or simply float in water so transparent the bottom seems to glow. Exploring the island on foot reveals quiet coves, wildflower clearings, and chances to spot osprey, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer. Summer months from June through September provide the warmest lake temperatures and longest days, though early fall offers a tranquil solitude that is hard to match. Kalispell Island is a dream destination for adventurous families, paddlers, and anyone who believes the best campsites are the ones you have to earn. If you own or can rent a boat, this is bucket-list camping in Idaho.
Campsite Inventory
52 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
BEACH ACCESS
Beach Access
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Check-out time
02:00 PM, 2:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good, Poor, Standard
Fire Pit
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Location Rating
Good, Prime
Max guests
10, 30
Minimum guests
Yes, 10
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Picnic Table, Yes
Proximity to Water
Lakefront
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Boat In, Boat-In
Site Rating
Prime, Standard
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
208-443-2512
mthom@fs.fed.us
Getting There
Access to the campground is by boat only. To reach various boat launches around the lake, travel north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57. To access the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, travel on Highway 57 for 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road. Turn east (right) until you reach West Lakeshore Road. Then head south .5 miles to the boat launch.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND?
KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (52).
Where is KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND located?
KALISPELL ISLAND BOAT-IN CAMPGROUND is in Idaho near Priest River. Coordinates: 48.5639, -116.8933.
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