Overview Campers come to Osprey for sunshine and boating at Priest Lake, and for breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Fishing is also a big draw, with trout just waiting to be caught. While here, watch for moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions and deer. Osprey, as inferred by the campgro…
Overview Campers come to Osprey for sunshine and boating at Priest Lake, and for breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Fishing is also a big draw, with trout just waiting to be caught. While here, watch for moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions and deer. Osprey, as inferred by the campground name, also inhabit the area.Recreation Boating, canoeing, kayaking and wake boarding are summertime favorites. Boaters like to head north on the lake and traverse a narrow thoroughfare to reach Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. Anglers often catch Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.Facilities Campground roads and parking spurs are paved and facilities are accessible. Amenities include flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables that are naturally shaded by towering trees.Natural Features Osprey Campground is perched on the lower western shore of Priest Lake near Outlet Bay. The beautiful 25,000-acre lake is fed by springs trickling down from the Selkirks. The clear, blue lake reaches 300 feet in depth. Nearby Attractions Hike the Chipmunk Rapids Trail that traverses along the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River and Chipmunk Rapids. In winter, ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities in the surrounding area.
Photos
Flowers at Osprey Campground — Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Trail at Osprey Campground — Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.Priest Lake thru the trees — Jolene PorterOsprey Campground — Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.OSPREYBlack Bear Sign at Osprey Campground — Scenic Canyons Recreational Services, Inc.OSPREY
How to Get There
From I-90, turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River at the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2. Turn left at the Texaco station on Highway 57 and drive 25 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 miles and left on Lakeshore Road. There is a directional sign pointing the way to Osprey Campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to OSPREY
Heading to OSPREY? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for OSPREY?
No central reservation system listed for OSPREY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233901) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at OSPREY?
OSPREY has 16 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to OSPREY?
From I-90, turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River at the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2. Turn left at the Texaco station on Highway 57 and drive 25 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 miles and left on Lakeshore Road. There is a directional sign pointing the way to Osprey Campground.
How do I contact OSPREY?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-245-6521 or email: [email protected].
