Priest River

Priest River Campground is situated on the banks of Priest River, shaded by firs, cedars and pines, just upstream from the confluence of the Pend Oreille River. It offers 20 campsites with amenities such as flush toilets and hot showers. Water activities are popular at the campground, including kayaking, fishing and swimming. The day-use area includes a picnic shelter, playground, softball field, swim beach, boat ramp and a large grassy area for family fun. Adjacent to the campground is the Priest River Wildlife area, offering excellent fishing as well as birding; wildlife in the area includes bald eagles, osprey, a wide variety of birds, and deer. Albeni Falls Dam was built in 1955 for flood control and power production on the Pend Oreille River. Lake Pend Oreille is surrounded by scenic mountains and is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States, plunging to depths of more than 1,200 ft. in some areas. Behind the dam, the Pend Oreille River stretches 65 miles through a glacial-carved valley that separates three mountain ranges. The Albeni Falls Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of the dam and the natural features of the area, and tours of the dam are given daily during the summer. The nearby town of Priest River, Idaho, offers gas and grocery services.