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Idaho Panhandle/Luby Bay
Overview
Luby Bay Campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest escape situated along the western shores of the pristine Priest Lake. Managed by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, this destination is renowned for its dense forest canopy of cedar, fir, and hemlock trees. The atmosphere is tranquil and shaded, providing a cool retreat during the warm summer months. It is widely considered one of the most popular camping spots in the region due to its immediate access to crystal-clear waters and lush greenery.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 28 miles north of the town of Priest River, ID, Luby Bay is nestled within the scenic Selkirk Mountains. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged peaks and vast wilderness, creating a sense of seclusion despite being a well-loved destination. The park is split into two distinct areas, the Upper and Lower loops, with the lower section sitting closer to the waterfront. This location serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the expansive Idaho Panhandle.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service facility, the amenities at Luby Bay focus on providing a comfortable yet rustic experience. The park features paved parking pads that can accommodate various RV sizes. Key features of the campground include:
- Individual campfire rings and picnic tables at every site
- Access to drinking water and modern flush toilets
- Convenient boat ramp access for lake recreation
While there are no utility hookups, the well-maintained facilities and heavy tree cover make it a top choice for self-contained travelers seeking privacy.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this area. The nearby Beach #5 is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, while boat launches provide access for kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. Hikers will enjoy the Lakeshore Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. For those seeking a day trip, a visit to the nearby Upper Priest Lake Navigation Channel provides a chance to see more remote sections of the waterway.
Who This Park Is Best For
Luby Bay is best suited for travelers who appreciate a traditional forest camping experience without the bells and whistles of a modern RV resort. It is ideal for families looking for a classic lake vacation and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize hiking and boating. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of the wind through old-growth trees and waking up steps away from a mountain lake, this park fits your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Chase Hoitink
My family's been camping at the luby bay campground for over 50 years. If you go down to the beach you will see a Rock Pierre about 10 ft long. My cousins and I first made that pier in 2016 and its stood there ever since. I moved to Dallas a couple of years ago and to this day I will continue to make the flight back to the Bay every year. Our trips have expanded beyond my dad's side of the family and now my mom's cousins go my brother's wife's family still comes and even some friends now come. The luby Bay campground is like a second home to me. Some of my earliest memories were formed at this campground. We've had our fair share of campground host some great some horrible. I tend to get along with the younger family campground host s rather than the older couples who tend to be a lot more grouchy and less patient. The campground Hosts this year for the upper loop were amazing.
Konrad
Love this campground! Stayed at 19 and it was a little unkept, but I left it cleaner than I found it 😁 Will be back next year!
Donna Estelle
We found huckleberries right in the camprground. No mosquitoes, either!!!
Collin Hayes
Excellent camping site, but the caretakers are a little confrontational. We had two vehicles and two tents in a campsite, and we paid the extra vehicle fee. The caretakers rolled in on their golf cart and said that we were double-bunking. They said that one vehicle was entitled to two tents, but because we had two vehicles, each vehicle was entitled to 1 tent. Therefore, they said that we owed an additional $23 per night for the second tent. We had already paid $16 for the second vehicle, so I am pretty sure these people didn't know what they were talking about. What is the purpose of the second vehicle fee if you have to double the reservation price after you pay the fee? If they were being genuine, it's a truly absurd way to run things. If they weren't, I do not feel comfortable returning to a campsite run by these caretakers. Priest Lake is fantastic, but we will not be returning to this specific campsite.
Roger McLellan
White sandy Beach, on a labor day, it was quiet and the water was still warm . The water was clean and the smoke was clear for the day . It's a sunny beach early but the trees bring shade in the early afternoon, so hot summer days this is great but after August it get cool in the afternoon so go early. Day use and overnight camping are available . The views and access to surrounding mountains offer huckleberries, rock climbing, back country hiking and exploring , hunting , snowmobiling, four wheeling, c.c. skiing as well the lake offers boating , kayaking, jet skiing and camping in many locations from reserved cabins and campsites to remote camping .