Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Priest Lake by RV
2 h 27 min from GEGCamping score 9/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- GEG
- Airport drive
- 2 h 27 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 3–5 days
Reservation demand- Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes- A standard vehicle is fine for the main lake road, but a high-clearance SUV is highly recommended for reaching the Roosevelt Grove or Selkirk trailheads; check for gravel road coverage.
Book in this order
Your route
GEG
Spokane International Airport
Priest Lake
About 2 h 27 min · 96 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
A standard vehicle is fine for the main lake road, but a high-clearance SUV is highly recommended for reaching the Roosevelt Grove or Selkirk trailheads; check for gravel road coverage.
parking
State Park & Marina Access
Daily parking fees apply at Indian Creek and Luby Bay beach areas. Popular trailheads like Roosevelt Grove have limited space and can fill by midday during the peak July season.
signal
Remote Wilderness Safety
Cellular service is extremely spotty north of Coolin and non-existent at Upper Priest Lake. Carry a satellite messenger or download offline maps for any backroad navigation.
fuel
Priest River Supply Hub
Fill your tank and purchase all groceries in Priest River or Sandpoint before heading north. Fuel is available at select marinas but at a significantly higher premium.
Campground reservations
Wilderness Permit and Waterway Check
Entry to Priest Lake State Park requires an Idaho State Parks passport or daily fee. Boat rentals and popular lakeside campgrounds like Indian Creek or Lionhead require reservations months in advance; verify specific permit requirements for the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area with the Idaho Department of Lands.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GEG
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at GEG
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GEG
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GEG
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at GEG
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GEG3 · Where to park the rig near Priest Lake
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Priest Lake on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near Priest Lake on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Priest Lake?
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
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Your route
Day 1 · The Pristine Thorofare
The Thorofare → Upper Priest Lake
Day 2 · Ancient Groves and Waterfalls
Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars → Lakeshore Trail
Day 3 · Selkirk Vistas and Local Heritage
Priest Lake Museum → Mount Roothaan Trail
Viator
Tours & experiences near Priest Lake
Explore guided activities around Priest Lake. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Priest Lake
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Wildlife & night viewing
OWLER1 Night Vision Binoculars
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Priest Lake?
Yes, Priest Lake is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Priest Lake?
The nearest airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG), about 2 h 27 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Priest Lake need reservations?
Entry to Priest Lake State Park requires an Idaho State Parks passport or daily fee. Boat rentals and popular lakeside campgrounds like Indian Creek or Lionhead require reservations months in advance; verify specific permit requirements for the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area with the Idaho Department of Lands.