About REEDER BAY
Overview Reeder Bay Campground is a picturesque hideaway for nature immersion and relaxing water sports on Priest Lake. Campsites are shaded by a dense forest of cedar, fir and hemlock. Campers visit Reeder for its incredible beach that slopes down into the refreshing, clear lake.Recreation Wake boarding, jet skiing, bird watching and canoeing are among the many activities campers enjoy. Hike the 8-mile Lakeshore Trail which passes through alder, pine, young cedar and open hillsides of brush, providing memorable scenic views throughout the journey. Anglers seek Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout, as well as kokanee salmon, on the lake and nearby Priest River.Facilities Reeder Bay boasts accessible facilities and paved roads and parking spurs. Amenities include a pressurized water system with hydrants, flush toilets and overflow gravel parking areas. Natural Features The campground is situated on the eastern shore of Priest Lake, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. The lake spans 19 miles in length and reaches a depth of 300 feet. Priest Lake is noteworthy for its incredibly clear waters, fed by streams cascading from the high Selkirk peaks. A variety of wildlife inhabits the surrounding area, including deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions. Nearby Attractions Explore the extensive trail system around the lake. The Upper Priest Lake Trail takes hikers and mountain bikers to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, which can also be accessed by boat.
How to Get There
From I-90 at Post Falls, turn north onto Highway 41 to Newport. Turn right on Highway 2/200 east to Priest River. Turn north (left) on Highway 57 to Nordman 37 miles, then turn right at Y junction and drive 3 miles to Reeder Bay.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
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 REEDER BAY
Heading to REEDER BAY? 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 REEDER BAY?
No central reservation system listed for REEDER BAY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232201) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to REEDER BAY?
From I-90 at Post Falls, turn north onto Highway 41 to Newport. Turn right on Highway 2/200 east to Priest River. Turn north (left) on Highway 57 to Nordman 37 miles, then turn right at Y junction and drive 3 miles to Reeder Bay.
How do I contact REEDER BAY?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-245-6521 or email: comments@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
