Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground
Currently closed for the season. Opens around May 29, 2026 and operates through late October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Heat Advisory issued July 20 at 11:50AM PDT until July 22 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the mid 90s to near 100 degrees Tuesday, and upper 90s to low 100s Wednesday. * WHERE...Portions of the Idaho Panhandle and Central and Eastern Washington. * WHEN...From 9 AM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day this week, though additional heat advisories may be needed on Thursday. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been cancelled by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Lewiston Nez Perce Tribe
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been cancelled by the following agencies: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d'Alene Coeur d'Alene Tribe Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Lewiston Nez Perce Tribe
About
Located on Bartoo Island in Priest Lake at 2,400 feet elevation, this boat-in campground provides a rugged yet rewarding camping experience surrounded by the clear waters of one of Idaho's most scenic lakes. The 25 campsites include 24 individual sites and one group site known as Sunrise Group Site, which accommodates groups of 10-30 people. The campground is primitive by design. Vault toilets are available at some sites, while others require campers to bring portable toilets (buckets available for checkout at Kalispell Bay Boat Launch). No potable water is available, and the facility operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Maximum occupancy is 10 people per individual site with a 14-day camping limit. Priest Lake spans 25,000 acres and offers excellent boating, fishing for Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee, as well as swimming and wildlife viewing. A 3.5-mile thoroughfare leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, accessible only by water. Huckleberry picking is popular from mid-July through early fall.
Directions
Accessible only by boat. Travel north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57 to various boat launches around the lake. For Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, travel Highway 57 for 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road, turn east onto West Lakeshore Road, then head south 0.5 miles to the launch.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mthom@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (208) 443-2512 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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