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Priest Lake/Lionhead Unit
Overview
Priest Lake State Park’s Lionhead Unit offers a peaceful escape in the northern reaches of the Idaho Panhandle. Located at the edge of the deep, clear waters of Priest Lake, this unit is known for its dense forest canopy and serene atmosphere. Visitors often describe this location as the Crown Jewel of Idaho's state park system due to its untouched landscape. Unlike busier resort areas, Lionhead provides a direct connection to the wilderness, allowing travelers to experience the raw beauty of the Selkirk Mountains in a quiet setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Coolin, ID, the park sits at the northern tip of the main lake, serving as a gateway to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The surroundings are defined by towering cedars, hemlocks, and the dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks. This area is significantly quieter than the southern parts of the lake, offering a secluded lakeshore experience that feels miles away from civilization, making it a prime spot for observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Amenities & Park Features
The Lionhead Unit prioritizes a natural experience over modern luxuries. RVers will find shaded sites designed for smaller rigs, as there are no hookups available at this specific unit. Essential amenities are provided to ensure a comfortable stay:
- Access to a private boat launch for easy lake exploration.
- A large, sandy swimming beach with exceptionally clear water.
- Proximity to clean vault toilets and potable water stations.
These features allow for a classic camping experience where the focus remains on the great outdoors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts frequent this area for the Navigation Trail, a scenic path that leads visitors toward the roadless Upper Priest Lake. The lake itself is a haven for fishing and boating, with the thoroughfare providing a unique paddling route between the two bodies of water. During the late summer months, the surrounding hillsides are famous for huckleberry picking, drawing visitors to forage for the iconic Idaho fruit while enjoying the mountain air.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is perfect for travelers who prefer a primitive camping style and have a smaller RV or van setup. It is ideal for those looking to disconnect from digital life and immerse themselves in a quiet wilderness setting. If you value stargazing, mountain hiking, and a slower pace of travel over resort-style amenities, the Lionhead Unit provides the ultimate North Idaho sanctuary for your next road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lisa Manske
Beautiful beach, not as crowded as Indianhead. The trail to the granite slides is definitely worth it if you're here.
Emily Hary Photography
Spent a perfect sunny afternoon (late June) on the beach here swimming and relaxing. The water was refreshing and so clear! We loved having the docks to jump off. The toilets were so clean! Almost zero bugs bothered us too (no spray on). 10/10 experience.
R. Scherer
These lakes in Northern Idaho are massive, and Priest Lake is no exception. The Priest Lake State Park is a popular place in the summer. The lake is 300 ft deep and 19 miles long, and drop dead gorgeous. There are hundreds of places to explore from this area. One of the most popular ones is the Lionshead Natural Waterslide. Take a ride down a gently sloping, smooth granite surface. There is a catch line close to the bottom of the natural slide. Don't miss the catchline because the water drops below a massive rock at the bottom. Take something to slide on and enjoy one of Mother Nature's natural wonders. As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉.
Stacey Beal
Gorgeous place! Clean camp spot and fire pit. Great parking, water right by our spot, and the lake is amazing! The only bad thing I can say is the toilets right by spot 126 were really stinky, I could hardly go in there for # 1, I had to hold my breath. The bathrooms by the day use beach, however, were amazing! Clean, smelling good, and more lit up inside.
Karen McCormick
Heaven on earth. As good as an exotic beach but closer to home and less expensive.
Olivia Cole
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Love it here. I only wish the campsites weren't on top of each other.
Doc Ward
Awesome. Had a blast and visted the rock slides, so much fun
sales guy 120
Little disappointed this year as they were short-staffed up until the day I left.. supervisor did come around once or twice in a white Dodge ram but was very confrontational and unfriendly.. also no volleyball net in the bathrooms were worse than ever and I've been going there for 30 years.. hope it improves because you can't deny its beauty.
Vladimir Yasmenko
The Best. The Favorite. The Camping spot to visit. The water is always crystal clear over there. Plenty of sand there on the beach. As you drive to the lower spots closer to the beach those are the best camping grounds. I recommend staying closer to beach for mosquito reasons. The farther from beach into woods you go - the more mosquito problems you'll get. The weather over there is typically unpredictable. Seal and hide away your food, otherwise the bears will most likely pay you a visit. There's a specific spot on the beach for pets, so that's nice to know you won't be stepping in someone's poop. Will always come back here again.
Brendan Cole
A wonderful destination to disconnect. No cell service and views that are breath taking. A great place to go and get high, with mountains reaching over 7200ft!