Beaver Creek Campground

For those of us fortunate enough to call Idaho home, the allure of our pristine lakes and majestic forests is undeniable. When it comes to finding that perfect spot to truly unwind and immerse ourselves in nature, Beaver Creek Campground, nestled at the northern end of Lower Priest Lake, stands out as a prime destination. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service within the expansive Idaho Panhandle National Forests, this campground offers a blend of spacious sites, essential amenities, and unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the Priest Lake area. It’s a place where the grandeur of the Selkirk Mountains meets the serene waters of one of Idaho's most cherished lakes, creating an idyllic setting for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Beaver Creek Campground has long been a favorite for Idaho locals, known for its beautiful surroundings and the myriad of recreational opportunities it affords. Whether you're planning a family camping trip, a quiet retreat, or an active adventure filled with hiking, boating, and fishing, this campground serves as an excellent base. While some past visitors have noted experiences with camp hosts, the consistent feedback points to the campground's inherent beauty, well-maintained facilities, and its undeniable appeal as a gateway to both Lower and Upper Priest Lakes. Recent enhancements and continuous efforts by the Forest Service ensure that this beloved spot remains a top choice for those looking to experience the authentic Idaho wilderness in comfort.

This article will delve into the specifics of Beaver Creek Campground, covering its strategic location and accessibility, the services it provides, its unique features and highlights, contact information for planning your visit, and ultimately, why it is so well-suited for Idaho residents seeking to make the most of our state's incredible outdoor offerings. Prepare to discover a destination where adventure and tranquility coexist, beckoning you to return year after year.

Beaver Creek Campground is strategically located at NF-1341, Priest River, ID 83856, USA. This places it directly on the northwest shore of Lower Priest Lake, approximately 48 miles north of the town of Priest River. For Idaho locals, accessing the campground involves a scenic drive. From Priest River, you typically take Highway 57 north to Nordman. From Nordman, you'll turn right onto Reeder Bay Road and continue for about 12 miles on a paved road, which eventually transitions into a Forest Service road (often designated #2512) that leads directly into the campground. While the drive is part of the experience, it’s important to note that the final stretch is on a forest road, which is generally well-maintained but can vary with weather conditions, especially during the early and late parts of the season. At an elevation of 2,500 feet, the air is crisp, and the surrounding forest provides a refreshing escape.

The campground's location at the northern tip of Lower Priest Lake is a key advantage. It provides easy access to the narrow channel known as the Thorofare, which connects Lower Priest Lake to the pristine Upper Priest Lake. This unique geographical feature allows for seamless exploration of both bodies of water. Additionally, a Forest Service-operated boat launch (suitable for boats up to 20 feet long) is conveniently located just south of the campground entrance, making it incredibly easy for boaters to get out on the lake. This blend of remote natural beauty with practical accessibility for a range of vehicles, including RVs, makes Beaver Creek a highly desirable destination for Idaho residents looking to immerse themselves in the Priest Lake area's vast recreational opportunities.

Beaver Creek Campground, as a U.S. Forest Service facility, provides a thoughtful array of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient in a natural setting:

• Campsites: The campground offers 41 spacious, reservable campsites, including several suitable for RVs (though generally without electric hookups), and a large group site capable of accommodating up to 35 guests and 15 vehicles.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires (when conditions permit) and cook over an open flame.
• Drinking Water: Pressurized drinking water is available through hydrants located conveniently throughout the campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained vault toilets are provided for essential restroom facilities.
• Paved Roads and Parking Spurs: The campground roads and individual campsite parking spurs are paved, making for easier access and navigation for vehicles and RVs.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach, with an area enclosed by buoys, is accessible from the campground via a steep trail or steps, offering a refreshing dip in Priest Lake.
• Camp Host: During the operating season, a camp host is typically on-site to assist campers, answer questions, and ensure rules are followed, contributing to a well-managed environment.
• Bear-Resistant Dumpsters: To help protect wildlife and maintain cleanliness, bear-resistant dumpsters are available for waste disposal.
• Day Use Area: A separate day use area with parking for approximately 20 cars is available for those visiting the lake for the day without camping overnight.

Beaver Creek Campground is celebrated for several unique features and highlights that enhance the outdoor experience for its visitors:

• Stunning Lake and Mountain Views: Nestled on the shores of Priest Lake, the campground offers phenomenal, unobstructed views across the water to the majestic peaks of the Selkirk Mountains. The reflective surface of the lake often provides breathtaking mirrored images of the surrounding landscape.
• Direct Lake Access and Boating Opportunities: With a boat launch just outside the entrance and easy access to the Thorofare, campers can readily explore both Lower and Upper Priest Lakes. This includes opportunities for power boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, with the Thorofare leading to the serene Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, ideal for birding and wildlife viewing.
• Extensive Trail System: Beaver Creek boasts two significant trailheads: the 9-mile Navigation Trail heading north and the 8-mile Lakeshore Trail heading south. Both offer sweeping mountain and lake views and are popular for hiking and horseback riding, providing ample opportunities for exploring the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: The individual campsites are noted for being large and spacious, often providing a good degree of privacy. They are well-shaded by mature hemlock and cedar trees, offering welcome respite during warmer months.
• Excellent Fishing: Priest Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant trout in both Beaver Creek and the lake itself. Anglers can enjoy casting a line from the shore or from a boat.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond camping, the area offers a variety of activities suitable for families, including swimming at the designated beach, biking around the paved campground loop, and exploring shorter forested trails.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem surrounding Priest Lake means opportunities for spotting local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and potentially even larger mammals.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates from the Friday before Memorial Day through the last Monday in September, ensuring prime camping conditions during Idaho's warmer months.

For reservations and inquiries regarding Beaver Creek Campground, it's best to utilize the National Forest system's booking platform and contact the relevant Forest Service office:

Reservations for individual campsites and the group site are managed through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as sites can be booked up to six months prior to your stay (and the group site a year in advance), especially during peak season and holiday weekends.

Address: NF-1341, Priest River, ID 83856, USA (This is the physical address for navigation to the campground).

For general inquiries or more specific information about the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Beaver Creek Campground, you can contact the Priest Lake Ranger District:

Priest Lake Ranger District

Phone: (208) 443-1801 (This number is for general inquiries to the Ranger District, not direct camp host contact).

Alternatively, the managing concessionaire, Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc., can be reached at (435) 245-6521 for campground-specific inquiries and current conditions.

Always check the Recreation.gov website for the most current information on opening/closing dates, fees, alerts, and any fire restrictions before planning your trip.

For us Idahoans, Beaver Creek Campground at Priest Lake is truly a jewel, representing the very best of what our state's outdoors has to offer. Its prime location at the gateway to both Lower and Upper Priest Lakes is an unparalleled advantage, providing effortless access to countless hours of boating, kayaking, swimming, and some of the finest fishing in North Idaho. We cherish the ability to seamlessly transition from tranquil relaxation by the water to adventurous exploration of the Selkirk Mountains, all from a single, convenient basecamp.

The spacious, shaded campsites, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, cater perfectly to our desire for comfortable yet authentic outdoor living. It’s the ideal setting for gathering with family and friends, roasting marshmallows under a starry sky, and creating those cherished memories that define Idaho summers. The availability of clean vault toilets and potable water, while keeping the experience rustic, adds a welcome layer of convenience that makes longer stays more enjoyable. Furthermore, the extensive network of hiking and horseback riding trails directly accessible from the campground appeals to our active lifestyles, offering endless opportunities to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Beyond the amenities, it’s the overall atmosphere of Beaver Creek Campground that resonates deeply with locals. It’s a place where the pace slows down, where the views are consistently stunning, and where the natural sounds of the lake and forest prevail. Despite its popularity, the well-spaced sites often provide a sense of privacy and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. For any Idahoan seeking a quintessential North Idaho camping experience—one that combines stunning scenery, abundant recreation, and comfortable facilities in a truly wild setting—Beaver Creek Campground is not just suitable, it is an essential destination.

Beaver Creek Campground

NF-1341, Priest River, ID 83856, USA