Priest Lake State Park

Priest Lake State Park is a protected area covering 755 acres along the eastern shores of Priest Lake in northern Idaho near the Canadian border. The park provides campsites, cabins, and day-use facilities for visitors to enjoy water-based and land activities.

The park was established in 1973 by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to protect the natural landscape and preserve recreational opportunities in the region. This designation made it a protected space for the forest and mountain lake environment.

The park serves as a natural outdoor classroom where visitors come to observe white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, and bald eagles in their native habitat. Ranger-led programs help people understand the wildlife and ecosystems that define this mountain lake environment.

Day-use areas remain open from early morning until late evening throughout the year, allowing visitors to plan their visits around these hours. Well-maintained paths and roads connect different areas, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot.

A narrow water passage about 2 miles long connects this park to Upper Priest Lake and is accessible only by boat, bicycle, or foot. This remote link preserves the wilder character of the upper lake and appeals to visitors seeking less developed areas to explore.

Location: Idaho

Inception: 1973

Website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/priest-lake

GPS coordinates: 48.61340,-116.83200

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:22