Priest Lake campsites added to reservation system

The Lionhead Group campsites are being added to a lottery reservation system by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure fair and equal access to one of Idaho’s most sought-after group camping areas.

The Priest Lake State Parks sites and Group Camps 100 and 101 at Bear Lake State Park in southeastern Idaho were included in a reservation system for 2025, IDPR officials said in a press release.

In recent years, demand for these large group sites has far exceeded availability, with sites booking out within minutes, officials said. The lottery approach offers all applicants an equal opportunity to secure a reservation, regardless of internet speed or timing.

The application window opened March 31 and closes April 15 for camp site reservations from May 22 to Sept. 2. There is a $25 nonrefundable application fee. 

Applicants can select both a primary and secondary date range.

The minimum stay is two nights with a maximum stay of seven nights.

If selected dates are partially available, IDPR may offer adjusted dates. Cancellations will be re-awarded to the next customer drawn in the lottery.

Selected customers must sign a reservation contract and pay for the full stay upon notification, IDPR officials said.

The application window provides a couple of weeks for people to enter the lottery. The chances of being selected for a reservation are the same no matter when a person enters the lottery during the window. After the application period closes, lottery winners will be selected electronically through the new reservation system and will be notified soon after.

To apply for the group camp lottery, book other park reservations, and for customer support visit parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/reservations. 

    A boat sits tied to a dock at Priest Lake State Park. The Lionhead Group Camp sites were added to a reservation system to ensure all have a chance to secure a spot.