How much does camping cost at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Camping fees at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) range from $5-$12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) first-come first-served or reservation?

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) before I book?

Yes! Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) is open June 19, 2025, to September 7, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) have?

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Pets are not allowed at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Popular activities at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Fire policies at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id): Campfires are permitted; users are encouraged to source firewood locally (per 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.94

22 reviews

7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$5 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open June 19, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$5 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open June 19, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lowman Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

$5.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include a $5 vehicle day-use fee and a $12 nightly fee for standard non-electric campsites during peak and first-come, first-served seasons.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-259-3361

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanwater

"User reviews for Barneys Campground are mixed, with high praise for its scenic views, clean facilities, and privacy. However, some complaints focus on issues with campsite orientation, lack of shade at specific sites, and challenges for RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Nearby places

Lowman (approximately 20 miles), Cascade (alternate route, distance not specified)

Nearby supplies

Hower's Campground (nearby) provides drinking water. Supplies for camping, food, and fuel can likely be found in Lowman or Cascade.

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17 east (Banks-Lowman Highway) to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Continue along Highway 17 over Banner Summit. Turn west on Forest Road 579. Continue on FR 579 to Deadwood Reservoir.

Access requires travel along dirt roads (Forest Road 579) which may be challenging, especially for larger vehicles or RVs. Some users have noted road conditions can be bumpy. Lacey W stated that the route through Cascade is preferable for towing campers.

Best Time to Camp at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Summer delivers warm, dry days with highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping into the low 40s to 50s°F. Water activities peak during these months, and trails dry out enough for easy hiking and biking. Mountain breezes sweep across the reservoir, keeping afternoons comfortable though occasionally gusty. Reservations help from June 19 through September 7, especially on weekends and holidays. Early spring means unpredictable weather and freezing mornings. Summer insects appear but don't overwhelm.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, swimming, boating, wildflowers and clear nights for stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 19, 2025, to September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 19, 2025, to September 7, 2025, for reservations. First-come, first-served camping available from September 8 to September 30, 2025.
Current Alerts: Null

About Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Barneys Campground sits on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir at 5,300 feet in the Boise National Forest. Its 8 sites spread out along the shoreline, offering waterfront access and more privacy than you'd expect from such a small campground. Fees run $5-$12 per night, and the vault toilets stay clean. This is primitive camping: no hookups, no camp hosts to settle disputes, just you and the reservoir.

Barneys Campground offers primitive camping with waterfront sites. Tent camping is explicitly supported based on user feedback. RV camping may not be suitable, as some reviews mention steep slopes and challenges for trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers warm, dry days with highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F and nights dropping into the low 40s to 50s°F. Water activities peak during these months, and trails dry out enough for easy hiking and biking. Mountain breezes sweep across the reservoir, keeping afternoons comfortable though occasionally gusty. Reservations help from June 19 through September 7, especially on weekends and holidays. Early spring means unpredictable weather and freezing mornings. Summer insects appear but don't overwhelm.

ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet above sea level, Barneys Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from valley heat. This mountain elevation creates perfect sleeping weather on summer nights and delivers crisp, pine-scented air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating. The higher altitude also means cooler mornings that invite you to linger over coffee while watching mist rise from the reservoir.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed-growth pine forest surrounds the reservoir, providing shade at most sites. Deadwood Reservoir stretches out from the campground, offering clear water for swimming and fishing. At 5,300 feet, the setting feels alpine without being harsh. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor throughout summer, changing species weekly as the season progresses. Early mornings bring still water and the chance to spot wildlife at the shoreline. Site #6, however, sits exposed with minimal shade and uneven terrain.

Geological RegionNestled on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir within the vast Boise National Forest, Barneys Campground sits at 5,300 feet where the mountain ecosystem thrives. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces that carved out this alpine paradise, now cloaked in mixed-growth pine forests that have stood sentinel for generations. Summer brings an enchanting transformation as wildflowers carpet the forest floor, creating a living tapestry that changes weekly throughout the season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in at 11:00 am.

Check-out

Check-out by 12:00 pm.

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

Group camping specifics are not detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEight sites spread along the reservoir's northeast shore on dirt roads and parking spurs. The layout provides more spacing than typical for a campground this size, though terrain varies from site to site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available from September 8 to September 30, 2025. Some sites may be available during peak season; users should inquire at the Lowman Ranger District office.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day prior to arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within one day of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds for cancellations on the day of arrival.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with waterfront access for many.

PrivacySites are noted to be spread out, providing a good level of privacy according to user reviews. "We stayed at Barney’s Campground for the first time last weekend... loved how spread out the campsites are," one guest shared.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #6, described as having zero shade, poor water access, and challenging parking conditions. Site #5 and #8 are recommended for waterfront access and privacy.

Need help booking Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Barneys Campground offers several recreational activities due to its location near Deadwood Reservoir, including fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, and mountain biking. "Fishing was great! Camp site great!" one review notes. "Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular on the lake," confirms the official description.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wind, horseflies, and mosquitoes as mentioned in user reviews (Angela B). Additionally, users reported challenging road access and occasional difficulties finding water sources.

Active AlertsNull

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted; users are encouraged to source firewood locally (per 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines).

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available at the Lowman Ranger District office (Phone: 208-259-3361). Additional medical services available in nearby towns.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Water FeaturesLocated on the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir. Sites feature direct shoreline access.

Camp HostNull

Weather at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Barneys Campground are mixed, with high praise for its scenic views, clean facilities, and privacy. However, some complaints focus on issues with campsite orientation, lack of shade at specific sites, and challenges for RVs.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, waterfront sites with great views, and the spread-out nature of campsites providing privacy. "We loved how spread out the campsites are," one visitor noted.

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include challenges for RV campers, lack of potable water on-site, and specific concerns about Campsite 6. "Campsite 6 has zero shade, has no place to park a camper," was noted in one...

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own water, avoiding Campsite 6, and taking alternative routes for easier access when traveling with trailers. "Our camping neighbor told us to go back home the...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are praised for their scenic beauty and warm lake temperatures. However, the beach area is minimal until the water recedes later in the season, and bugs like horseflies and mosquitoes may be...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing was great! Camp site great!" "Someone took our reserved spot... ruined the weekend," "The scenery is beautiful and the lake is the perfect temperature for swimming," "Campsite 6 needs to be...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 6 is widely criticized for lack of shade, poor orientation, and lack of water access. Campsite 5 is noted for great waterfront access and proximity to bathrooms. "Campsite 6 has zero...

Based on 22 reviews