Rocky Point Campground

For Idaho locals seeking an unparalleled escape into the heart of North Idaho's wilderness, Rocky Point Campground on Kalispell Island in Priest Lake presents a truly unique and pristine camping experience. This hidden gem is exclusively accessible by watercraft, adding an element of adventure and seclusion that sets it apart from more conventional campgrounds. Imagine paddling or boating across the crystal-clear waters of Priest Lake, arriving at your private, wooded campsite on an island, surrounded by the majestic Selkirk Mountains. This is the essence of Rocky Point Campground.

Rocky Point is part of the larger Kalispell Island camping area within Priest Lake State Park, offering a rustic yet rewarding experience for those who appreciate unspoiled nature. It's a place where the mornings are warm and sunny as the sun rises over the lake, and the evenings are shaded and cool, providing perfect conditions for relaxation. With its commitment to privacy, cleanliness, and direct access to both lake activities and island trails, Rocky Point Campground is an ideal destination for Idahoans looking to truly disconnect, immerse themselves in nature, and create unforgettable memories on one of the state's most beautiful lakes.

Rocky Point Campground is located on Kalispell Island, within Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA. This unique address immediately highlights its defining characteristic: it is a boat-in only campground. Kalispell Island is the largest of seven islands scattered throughout Priest Lake, a magnificent 19-mile long, 300-foot-deep body of water nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains in North Idaho.

Accessing Rocky Point Campground requires a watercraft – whether it's a kayak, canoe, or powerboat. To reach the lake, visitors typically travel north from Priest River, Idaho, on State Highway 57. Various public boat launches are available around Priest Lake, such as those at Indian Creek or Kalispell Bay. From these launches, campers embark on a scenic journey across the lake to Kalispell Island. This boat-only access ensures a heightened sense of privacy and a reduced number of visitors, contributing to the campground's serene and untouched feel. The journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the exceptionally clear waters of Priest Lake. This unique accessibility makes Rocky Point Campground a truly special and somewhat exclusive destination for those prepared for a water-based approach, promising a remote wilderness experience while still being within reach of the conveniences available around the main lake.

As a boat-in only, more primitive campground on an island, Rocky Point Campground focuses on essential services that support a rustic, nature-focused experience.

• Designated Campsites: Rocky Point offers individual campsites designed for tent camping, with large, leveled areas suitable for setting up tents comfortably.

• Picnic Tables: Most, if not all, campsites are equipped with new picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for outdoor meals and activities.

• Fire Rings with Grill: Each site typically features a sweet fire ring with a hinged grill for rotation, allowing for enjoyable campfires and easy outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).

• Vault Toilets: Clean outhouses (vault toilets) are available within the campground, offering basic restroom facilities.

• No Drinking Water: It is important to note that there is typically no drinking water available on Kalispell Island. Campers must bring their own supply of potable water.

• Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out Policy: There are no garbage collection services on the island. Visitors are required to pack out all trash, emphasizing a Leave No Trace ethic.

• Private and Clean Sites: Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and privacy of the campsites, indicating good maintenance and spacing between sites.

• First-Come, First-Served: Many sites on Kalispell Island are available on a first-come, first-served basis, although group sites might be reservable through relevant agencies (e.g., Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Priest Lake State Park).

• Boat-In Only Access: The most distinctive feature is its exclusive watercraft access, ensuring a unique, private, and more remote camping experience, free from vehicle noise and crowds. This truly immerses you in the wilderness.

• Stunning Priest Lake Views: Located on Kalispell Island, the campground boasts beautiful views of the crystal-clear waters of Priest Lake and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains. The eastward-facing sites offer warm, sunny mornings and shady evenings.

• Clean and Private Campsites: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the sites and the sense of privacy, with good spacing between individual camping areas.

• Equipped Tent Pads: The campsites feature large, leveled areas specifically designed for tents, making setup easy and comfortable.

• Improved Fire Rings: The presence of "sweet fire rings with hinge grills for rotation" indicates thoughtful amenities for campfire cooking and enjoyment.

• Access to Kalispell Island Walking Trail: The campground is close to a walking trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering a 2.5-mile loop for hiking and wildlife viewing. This provides excellent on-island recreation without needing a boat.

• Excellent for Water Activities: Priest Lake is perfect for swimming, fishing (renowned for Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee), kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding directly from the island's shores.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote and natural setting provides ample opportunities to observe local wildlife, including deer, black bear, moose, and various bird species like bald eagles.

• Secluded and Tranquil Environment: The boat-in access significantly contributes to a quiet and serene atmosphere, allowing campers to fully relax and enjoy the sounds of nature, away from motorized vehicle noise.

Address: Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA (specifically, Kalispell Island, Priest Lake, within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests or Priest Lake State Park management area).

As Rocky Point Campground is a boat-in site on an island, it typically falls under the management of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests or Priest Lake State Park. There isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself. For current information on site availability (often first-come, first-served for individual sites), rules, conditions, and any potential group site reservations, locals should contact the relevant managing agency:

Priest Lake Ranger District (Idaho Panhandle National Forests): While a direct contact for Rocky Point might not exist, the Priest Lake Ranger District office would manage the island campsites. A general contact for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests is (208) 765-7223.

Priest Lake State Park: For general information about Priest Lake State Park and its camping regulations, you can contact the park directly. Phone: (208) 443-2200 (Priest Lake State Park).

It is always recommended to check official websites (like recreation.gov for federal sites or Idaho Parks and Recreation for state parks) or call the relevant district office before planning a boat-in trip to confirm details and any advisories.

For Idaho locals, Rocky Point Campground on Kalispell Island offers an incredibly suitable and unique camping experience that truly embodies the spirit of North Idaho's wilderness. Its most compelling feature—being accessible only by watercraft—is a major draw for Idahoans who value a deeper connection with nature and seek to escape the crowded, easily accessible spots. This boat-in exclusivity ensures a higher degree of privacy and a tranquil environment, allowing for genuine disconnection and immersion in the Selkirk Mountain landscape. For those who own a boat, kayak, or canoe, it's a seamless extension of their outdoor passion.

Idahoans cherish their state's pristine lakes and abundant fishing opportunities, and Priest Lake is a crown jewel. Rocky Point Campground provides direct access to this clear, deep lake, perfect for fishing for record-breaking trout, swimming in clean water, or simply paddling around the island. The presence of a walking trail around Kalispell Island further enhances the experience, offering land-based exploration and wildlife viewing right from the campsite. The clean, private, and well-equipped sites, with their large tent areas and fire rings, cater to a comfortable yet rustic camping style that many locals prefer.

While the lack of potable water and a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy require more self-sufficiency, these are often seen as part of the authentic wilderness experience that appeals to adventurous Idahoans. The stunning views, the serene mornings, and the overall sense of seclusion make the extra effort entirely worthwhile. For Idaho locals looking for a truly private, clean, and nature-immersed camping adventure that combines the thrill of a boat-in journey with the beauty of Priest Lake and its surrounding trails, Rocky Point Campground is an unparalleled choice for creating lasting memories in their own spectacular backyard.

Rocky Point Campground

Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA