Three Pines Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Idahoans who dream of escaping to a truly magical and epic camping spot, Three Pines Campground on Kalispell Island in Priest Lake delivers an unforgettable experience. This isn't a drive-up campground; it's a boat-in only destination that promises a level of seclusion and natural beauty that's increasingly rare. Located within the pristine waters of Priest Lake, Three Pines is part of the larger Kalispell Island camping area, specifically designated as a group site. It's the kind of place that, as one delighted camper put it, "Love love love staying here!!! Campsites are clean, sandy spots for your tent! Nice water access. Toilets/outhouses available here also. Great path to walk around the island." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Three Pines: a well-maintained, naturally beautiful, and incredibly rewarding spot for those willing to make the journey.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Three Pines Campground is designed for those seeking a more immersive outdoor adventure. It truly lives up to the "magical and epic" description from a local perspective. While requiring boat access, the effort is consistently deemed "worth all the work to get out here" by those who experience its unique charm. It offers a blend of rustic charm with essential amenities, providing a comfortable yet authentic wilderness feel. For locals looking to create lasting memories with friends and family amidst the stunning backdrop of Priest Lake, away from the typical crowds, Three Pines Campground offers that perfect secluded haven.

Location and Accessibility

Three Pines Campground is uniquely situated on Kalispell Island, within Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA. This critical detail means that accessibility to Three Pines is exclusively by boat. For Idaho residents planning a trip to this enchanting location, the journey is an integral part of the adventure. Campers must first travel to one of the public boat launches around Priest Lake, such as the popular Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. To reach these launches, you'll typically head north from the town of Priest River, Idaho, on State Highway 57. For instance, the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch is approximately 31 miles north on Highway 57, followed by a short turn onto Kalispell Bay Road.

Once at a boat launch, campers will need their own watercraft—be it a powerboat, kayak, or canoe—to navigate the pristine waters of Priest Lake to Kalispell Island. Three Pines is specifically identified as a group site (#29) on the southeast side of the island, part of the broader Kalispell Island camping network. This boat-in-only access ensures a significant degree of seclusion and tranquility, setting it apart from drive-up campgrounds. While it requires more logistical planning, the journey across the clear blue waters, surrounded by the majestic Selkirk Mountains, is a beautiful preamble to the camping experience. This commitment to water-only access preserves the unique, pristine nature of the island, making the effort "worth all the work to get out here" for those seeking a truly immersive North Idaho wilderness experience.

Services Offered

Three Pines Campground offers a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, catering to a self-sufficient yet comfortable group camping experience. As a boat-in only site on Kalispell Island, its services are tailored to its unique, secluded nature:

• Group Campsite: Three Pines is specifically identified as the one group site (#29) on Kalispell Island, accommodating larger parties (often groups of 10-30 people, though specific limits should be confirmed with the Forest Service).
• Clean, Sandy Tent Spots: Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness and the quality of the "sandy spots for your tent," providing a comfortable base for pitching.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables for group meals and gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available for campfires, perfect for evening storytelling and s'mores (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilets: Unlike some other primitive sites on Kalispell Island, Three Pines Campground does have vault toilets (outhouses), a welcome convenience for campers. Reviewers noted, "Toilets/outhouses available here also."
• Water Access (Lake Water): While there is "nice water access" to Priest Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, it's crucial to note there is no potable drinking water on Kalispell Island. Campers must bring their own supply.
• No Trash Services: The campground operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all trash. There are no trash receptacles on the island.
• Boat-In Access Only: As a defining feature, all access to Three Pines is by boat; there is no vehicle access.
• On-Island Hiking Paths: A "great path to walk around the island" is available, offering recreational opportunities directly from the campsite.
• Bear-Proof Storage: While not explicitly mentioned in reviews for Three Pines specifically, other sites on Kalispell Island typically have bear-proof food storage boxes, which is a common amenity for primitive sites in bear country. Campers should assume bear-aware practices are necessary.
• Volunteer Campground Hosts: During the summer season, volunteer campground hosts are often present on Kalispell Island to assist visitors and provide information.

Features / Highlights

• Exclusive Boat-In Access: The necessity of boat access is a primary highlight, filtering out casual visitors and ensuring a more secluded and authentic wilderness experience for those who make the effort.
• Ideal Group Camping Setting: As the designated group site on Kalispell Island, Three Pines is perfectly suited for larger gatherings of friends or family, offering a private space for shared adventures.
• "Magical and Epic" Ambiance: Reviewers consistently describe the campground as "magical and epic," speaking to its unique charm, natural beauty, and the profound sense of escape it offers.
• Pristine Priest Lake Environment: Campers are immersed in the stunning natural beauty of Priest Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
• Clean, Sandy Tent Sites: The well-maintained and "sandy spots for your tent" provide a comfortable and pleasant setup, even for tent campers.
• On-Island Hiking Trail: The "great path to walk around the island" offers immediate access to scenic walks, wildlife viewing, and further exploration of Kalispell Island.
• Access to Upper Priest Lake: From Kalispell Island, campers can easily boat through the thoroughfare to the serene and even more remote Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, an untouched wilderness jewel.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Priest Lake is famous for its diverse fish population, including Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee, providing prime fishing opportunities right from the island's shores.
• Secluded Island Setting: Despite being part of a larger island camping system, Three Pines offers a deep sense of tranquility and isolation from the mainland's crowds.
• Forested Beauty: The campground is nestled among beautiful trees, providing natural shade and an authentic North Idaho forest ambiance.
• Vault Toilets Available: The presence of vault toilets (outhouses) on this primitive, boat-in island is a significant convenience often appreciated by campers seeking basic facilities.

Contact Information

For information regarding Three Pines Campground and the broader Kalispell Island camping area, the managing agency is the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The phone number provided, (208) 443-2512 (and +1 208-443-2512), is indeed the contact number for the Priest Lake Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, which is the correct authority for this campground.

Address: Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA (Kalispell Island is within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests)

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it is highly recommended that Idaho residents contact the Priest Lake Ranger District directly using the provided phone number: (208) 443-2512. This is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on Three Pines Campground, including current site availability (as it is a group site, reservations are often managed differently), specific regulations, fire restrictions, and details on reaching the island's boat launches. Given its boat-in-only access, confirming all logistical details beforehand is crucial. Additionally, for federal campgrounds, many sites on Kalispell Island may be listed and reservable through Recreation.gov, which can provide booking options and detailed information. Always consult official sources and make reservations well in advance, especially for a popular group site like Three Pines, to secure your spot in this "magical and epic" Priest Lake setting.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Idaho residents, Three Pines Campground on Kalispell Island in Priest Lake epitomizes the ultimate North Idaho outdoor experience, making it exceptionally suitable for locals seeking a truly immersive and memorable escape. Its defining characteristic—boat-in only access—isn't a barrier but an invitation for adventurous Idahoans to disconnect from the ordinary and embrace a deeper connection with the state's pristine wilderness. This unique accessibility ensures a level of seclusion that's increasingly difficult to find, allowing locals to truly unwind amidst the serene sounds of nature, far from crowded shores.

Three Pines' suitability for locals is further amplified by its designation as a group site. This makes it an ideal destination for Idaho families and friends looking to create shared memories, whether it's a multi-family camping trip or a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts. The "clean, sandy spots for your tent" and the presence of vault toilets offer a comfortable yet authentic primitive camping experience, balancing rustic charm with essential conveniences. The "great path to walk around the island" provides immediate opportunities for exploration, wildlife viewing, and simply soaking in the stunning views of Priest Lake and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains—activities deeply ingrained in the Idaho lifestyle.

Beyond the campground itself, the unparalleled access to Priest Lake and the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area means endless opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in exceptionally clear waters. This aligns perfectly with the passion for water recreation that many Idahoans share. While requiring some effort to reach, the reward of an "epic" and "magical" experience, as described by fellow campers, is well worth it. Three Pines Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity for Idaho locals to engage with their state's natural treasures in a profound and unforgettable way, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Three Pines Campground

Priest Lake, ID 83856, USA