Priest Lake State Park
Pristine Mountain Lake in the Selkirk Mountains of Northern Idaho — Three-Unit State Park on 23,000-Acre Priest Lake in Idaho’s Remote Northern Panhandle, Indian Creek Unit With Full-Service Campground and Marina, Lionhead Unit With Primitive Lakeside Camping, Dickensheet Unit With Additional Camping and Day-Use Facilities, Crystal-Clear Water Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and Kaniksu National Forest, Fishing for Mackinaw Lake Trout and Kokanee Salmon, Boating Swimming and Water Sports on One of Idaho’s Most Beautiful Lakes, Near Nordman Bonner County Northern Idaho Panhandle
Priest Lake State Park is a three-unit state park on 23,000-acre Priest Lake in Bonner County, Idaho’s remote northern panhandle, managed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The park features three separate units — Indian Creek with a full-service campground and marina on the east shore, Lionhead with primitive lakeside camping on the northwestern shore, and Dickensheet with additional camping and day-use facilities, crystal-clear mountain water surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and Kaniksu National Forest, fishing for mackinaw (lake trout) and kokanee salmon in the deep cold water, boating and water sports on one of Idaho’s most beautiful and least crowded large lakes, swimming beaches with sandy shoreline, hiking trails including connections to national forest backcountry, and a genuine wilderness-lake experience far from the crowds of Coeur d’Alene or Pend Oreille.
The water clarity is stunning — Priest Lake is one of the clearest large lakes in the Northwest, with visibility reaching 30+ feet on calm days. The glacially carved basin surrounded by Selkirk Mountain peaks creates scenery comparable to the Canadian Rockies.
The mackinaw fishing draws dedicated anglers — these large lake trout thrive in Priest Lake’s deep, cold water and can reach impressive sizes. Trolling the depths with Selkirk Mountain views in every direction is one of Idaho’s premier fishing experiences.
Things to Do
- Fishing — mackinaw, kokanee
- Boating — marina, ramp
- Camping — 3 units, primitive to full
- Swimming — sandy beaches
- Hiking — Selkirk backcountry
- Water sports — uncrowded lake
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Nordman, Bonner County, ID |
| Lake | 23,000 acres — crystal-clear |
| Units | Indian Creek, Lionhead, Dickensheet |
| Fishing | Mackinaw (lake trout), kokanee |
| Camping | Full-service to primitive |
| Managed By | Idaho Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 48.5500° N, 116.8667° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Priest Lake SP — on Priest Lake — a pristine 23,000-acre alpine lake surrounded by old-growth cedar and hemlock forest. The park’s lake, conifer forest, and mountains support grizzly bears, woodland caribou (critically endangered), and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Priest Lake — at the park. Selkirk Mountains — surrounding. Idaho Panhandle NF — surrounding.
How clear is Priest Lake Idaho?
Priest Lake in northern Idaho is one of the clearest large lakes in the Northwest, with visibility reaching 30+ feet on calm days. The 23,000-acre glacially carved lake is surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains and Kaniksu National Forest. Priest Lake State Park offers three camping units (Indian Creek, Lionhead, Dickensheet), a marina, fishing for mackinaw lake trout and kokanee salmon, swimming beaches, and hiking. Near Nordman, Bonner County.
Last updated: May 2026
