Your Guide to Priest Lake Idaho Resorts – Stay & Explore

Want to get away from the noise and relax in nature? Priest Lake, Idaho is the perfect place. It has clean water, quiet beaches, and beautiful forest views. You can stay at comfy Priest Lake Idaho resorts, go camping, or enjoy fun outdoor activities in every season. It’s also one of the best places to travel in August when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and hiking.

In this guide, we’ll tell you where to stay, how to get there, and what to do. You can go boating, fishing, hiking, or snowmobiling, depending on the time of year. If it’s a short weekend or a long trip, Priest Lake is a peaceful and fun place to visit.

Why Priest Lake Idaho Matters – Introduction & History

Priest Lake, often called Idaho’s Crown Jewel, lies in the northern panhandle, just 15 miles from the Canadian border. The lake was carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, and was later named by Jesuit missionaries working with the Kalispel tribe in the 1840s. It was briefly called “Kaniksu Lake” by Captain Mullan in 1865 before the name Priest Lake became permanent. Logging and river transport shaped the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Priest Lake has 19 miles of clean, clear water.
It offers nearly 80 miles of quiet shoreline.
It’s one of the least developed lakes in North Idaho.
Great for all seasons – summer and winter fun.
Enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Spot wildlife like moose, bears, and bald eagles.
Winter brings snowmobiling and skiing.
A peaceful spot for nature lovers.

Top Priest Lake Idaho Resorts and Nearby Hotels

Priest Lake has nice spots to stay. Choose a cabin, motel, or old inn. There’s something for everyone. Here are the best Priest Lake Idaho resorts and hotels:

Elkins Resort on Priest Lake

Elkins Resorts on Priest Lake is one of the most popular, known for its beautiful setting and log cabins.

Log cabins with lake or forest views
Private beach and boat dock
Boat rentals for lake fun
On-site restaurant and bar
Shuttle service available
Great for families, weddings, or group trips

Cavanaugh’s Resort

Cavanaugh’s resort is a relaxing place on the east side of the lake, right by the water.

Rooms with lake views
Boat launch and gas station for boats
Full-service marina
Restaurant and bar
Good spot for summer fun and boating

Hill’s Resort

Hill’s resort is a year-round resort that’s nice in both summer and winter.

Cabins and rooms by the lake
Golf course and tennis courts
Snowmobile access in winter
On-site dining and drinks
Perfect for couples or quiet getaways

Old Northern Inn (Coolin)

Old Northern Inn is a small and quiet historic inn, perfect for adults.

Built in 1900 with old-style charm
Located right by the lake in Coolin
Peaceful, adults-only place
Great for romantic stays or history lovers
Very cozy and relaxing

Nordman Resort

Nordman resort is a simple and rustic place near the forest.

Cabins and lodge-style rooms
Close to hiking and snowmobile trails
A restaurant and a small store nearby
Great for outdoor lovers and adventure trips

Coolin Motel

Coolin Motel is a budget-friendly motel in the town of Coolin.

Clean and simple rooms
Close to the lake, shops, and food
Easy choice for short stays
Good for families or travelers on a budget

Priest Lake Camping & Campgrounds

If you love the outdoors, Priest Lake camping is a must-try. Below are some famous Priest Lake campgrounds to check out:

Priest Lake State Park Camping – Three units: Lionhead (north), Indian Creek (mid), Dickensheet (south), with campsites, docks, boats, beaches, trails, volleyball, and pet-friendly shores.
Indian Creek Campground – Forested, lakeside, with boat launch and beach access.
Lionhead Campground – Northern, lakeside, great for swimming and forest hikes.
Beaver Creek Campground – Secluded, private sites near Thoroughfare; ideal for paddlers heading to Upper Priest Lake.
Luby Bay, Reeder Bay, Outlet Bay – USFS-managed, scenic, dispersed camping

How to Get to Priest Lake Idaho Resorts

Here are some transportation options to reach Priest Lake Idaho resorts:

By Car:
The most common way to reach Priest Lake is by car. From Spokane, WA, it takes about 2.5 hours (100 miles). From Coeur d’Alene, ID, it’s around 2 hours.
By Air:
The closest major airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG). From there, you can rent a car and drive north through scenic routes.
By Bus or Shuttle:
Public transportation is limited. Some resorts, including Elkins Resort on Priest Lake, may offer shuttle services with prior booking.

Things to Do & Explore

Boating & Water Fun: Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Ride to islands like Kalispell, Bartoo, and Papoose. Try water skiing or wakeboarding.
Upper Priest Lake Trail: Hike or paddle 8.1 miles through tall trees to reach Upper Priest Lake. Enjoy quiet forests and sandy spots.
Hiking & Biking: Walk or bike the 14-mile Lakeshore Trail. See ancient cedar trees at Roosevelt Grove. Visit Chimney Rock, Mount Roothaan, and sunset spots.
Fishing & Wildlife: Catch lake trout, kokanee, and cutthroat. Look for moose, bears, eagles, and many birds.
Winter Fun: Go snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, or snowshoeing on frozen lakes and trails.
Local Culture: Visit Priest Lake Museum, the old Lamb Creek School (now a library), and Nell Shipman Point. Explore art galleries and enjoy local food like Ardy’s huckleberry ice cream.

Let’s Wrap Up!

Priest Lake is a peaceful and beautiful destination filled with nature, history, and adventure. Whether you stay at luxury Priest Lake Idaho resorts or enjoy Priest Lake camping under the stars, this place offers something for everyone.

With amazing resorts on Priest Lake, like Elkins Resort on Priest Lake, and scenic Priest Lake campgrounds, your getaway will be one to remember. Don’t forget to explore Priest Lake State Park camping spots for a full outdoor experience.

Plan your perfect trip with Xplooya and start your adventure today.

FAQ’s

1: What is the best time to visit Priest Lake, Idaho?

Summer is the best time if you enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking. Winter is great for snowmobiling and skiing.

2: Can I go camping at Priest Lake?

Yes, there are many campgrounds around the lake. You can camp in tents, RVs, or even near the beach at Priest Lake State Park.

3: How do I get to Priest Lake, Idaho?

The easiest way is by car. It’s about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Spokane, Washington, or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. You can fly into Spokane and rent a car.