BOISE, ID – To give all campers a fair shot at Idaho’s most in-demand lakeside group sites, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is introducing a new lottery reservation system for the 2025 season.
The system will apply to two of the state’s most sought-after group camping locations:
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Lionhead Group Camp at Priest Lake State Park
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Group Camps 100 and 101 at Bear Lake State Park
In past years, these sites would fill up within minutes of opening, often frustrating would-be campers with slower internet connections. The lottery aims to level the playing field.
The application window opens March 31 and closes April 15. Interested parties can apply during this period for stays between May 22 and September 2, 2025. There’s a $25 nonrefundable application fee, and applicants may submit both a primary and secondary date range. Stays must be at least two nights and no longer than seven.
If an applicant’s chosen dates are partially available, IDPR may offer alternate dates. Cancellations will go to the next person drawn in the lottery.
Winners will be selected electronically and notified soon after the window closes. Those selected must sign a reservation contract and pay in full for the stay.
To apply or learn more, visit parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/reservations.
