Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground
3.717 reviews32203 Hwy 57, Priest River, ID 83856, USA
Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$15.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $15 per night during peak season (May 29 - September 14, 2025) to $10 per night for group sites during the first-come-first-served season (September 15 - October 31, 2025). Additional reservation fees may apply: $8 online, $9 through the contact center, or $3 in-person.
About this campground
Escape to your own private wilderness on Bartoo Island, where 25 secluded campsites await those adventurous enough to arrive by boat. This pristine 219-acre island in the heart of Priest Lake offers a true back-to-nature experience—you'll need to bring your own portable facilities and drinking water, embracing the pack-it-in, pack-it-out ethos. Your reward? Unparalleled solitude surrounded by crystal-clear waters, wild huckleberry patches ripe for picking, and some of the finest fishing and swimming in the Pacific Northwest.
Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground provides diverse options for primitive camping, tent camping, and group camping. "There are 24 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Sunrise Group Site."
Historical SignificanceThe waters surrounding Bartoo Island hold echoes of the past, taking their name from the Jesuit priests who first settled these shores in the mid-1800s. What once served as a remote spiritual refuge has evolved into a cherished destination where modern adventurers seek their own form of sanctuary. Today, photographers capture the same stunning vistas that inspired early settlers, while water sports enthusiasts carve new memories across the lake's glassy surface.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bartoo Island into a sun-drenched paradise, with warm temperatures perfect for diving into Priest Lake's refreshing waters or lounging on secluded beaches. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into color while crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons. Winter brings a blanket of moderate snow and freezing temperatures, creating a peaceful frozen landscape occasionally blessed with perfectly calm, windless days.
ElevationPerched at 2,400 feet above sea level, Bartoo Island rises from Priest Lake like a forested jewel, offering commanding views of the surrounding mountain ranges. This elevation creates a perfect microclimate—high enough to catch cooling mountain breezes on hot summer days, yet protected enough to provide sheltered coves for swimming and boating.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters against pristine beaches, with 25,000 acres of Priest Lake stretching before you and towering peaks reflected in its mirror-like surface. As one of nine islands dotting this magnificent lake, Bartoo Island serves as a wildlife sanctuary where black bears forage along the shoreline, deer emerge from dense forests at dawn, and majestic moose wade through shallow bays. From mid-July through early fall, the island's hidden meadows burst with wild huckleberries, offering sweet rewards to those who venture inland.
Geological RegionBartoo Island stands as a 219-acre testament to the geological forces that carved the Priest Lake basin, one of nine island sentinels rising from the lake's 25,000-acre expanse. Fed by the pristine waters of the Priest River, this aquatic wonderland was shaped by ancient glaciers and continues to evolve through the interplay of water, wind, and time. The island's unique position within this vast watershed creates diverse ecosystems, from rocky shorelines to dense interior forests, each telling a different chapter of the region's natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSites include 24 single sites and one group site known as Sunrise Group Site (site #23) accommodating 10-30 individuals.
Sites PrivacySome campsites, such as #15 and #16, offer partial privacy due to natural features like trees and rocky terrains. "There is one small privacy area in between 15 and 16, but it doesn't appear there is one for each site."
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve adjacent spots (e.g., #14, #15, #16) for groups to maximize privacy and convenience. Individual sites offer varied amenities; site #14 is ideal for swimming and boat access, while site #16 offers a spacious beach area.
Best CampsitesSite #14 is praised for its swimming area and boat access. Site #16 has a large beach for swimming and play, making it ideal for families. Sunrise Group Site (#23) accommodates large groups of up to 30 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time is provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time is provided.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group sites can accommodate up to 30 people. Single sites allow smaller groups but specifics aren’t detailed.
Groups
The Sunrise Group Site (site #23) accommodates 10-30 individuals and is located on the east side of Bartoo Island.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 24 single sites and one group site, Sunrise Group Site (#23), accommodating up to 30 people. Sites are spread across Bartoo Island's rugged terrain.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: May 29, 2025 - September 14, 2025. First-come, first-served season: September 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through their mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the first-come, first-served season (September 15 - October 31, 2025). Specific information on site availability or fill patterns is not provided.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee and a $10 cancellation fee. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee, and early departures may result in partial refunds if the site is made available to new visitors.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Bartoo Island offers a wealth of recreational activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. "Visitors enjoy all types of boating from kayaking to canoeing to power boating up the 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area." Additional popular activities include birding, wildlife viewing, swimming, and huckleberry picking during mid-July to early fall. Fishing is a highlight, with species like Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee populating Priest Lake.
Hiking
Nearby trails include the Lakeshore Trail (8 miles long along Priest Lake's northwest shores) and the Beach Trail, which extends between Outlet Bay Campground and Kalispell Bay Boat Launch.Fishing
Anglers can fish for Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee in Priest Lake's waters. "The waters of Priest Lake are home to record-breaking Mackinaw trout."Swimming
Swimming is a popular summer activity at Bartoo Island, with beach access available for campers to cool off during warmer months.Boating
Boating is a major activity at Bartoo Island, with options ranging from kayaking and canoeing to power boating. "The upper lake cannot be accessed by car, so water is an excellent navigation option."Wildlife viewing
Priest Lake provides wildlife viewing opportunities with species like bears, deer, and moose commonly observed. "Fantastic birding and wildlife viewing is available."Beach activities
Beach-related activities, such as swimming and sunbathing, are popular due to the campground's proximity to Priest Lake's shores.Winter Activities
Winter activities near Bartoo Island include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating are highly popular activities in Priest Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings but must be extinguished thoroughly before leaving.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours are not outlined, but some user reviews suggest loud music past 10:00 PM can disrupt the experience.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires campers to use approved food storage containers. Rocky beaches may pose challenges for boat parking, and campers should be cautious of inconsiderate neighbors playing loud music.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Priest River, ID, which is approximately 31 miles by road to the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. Specific locations like hospitals or ranger stations are not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 29, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility. Campers must bring garbage bags and remove all waste upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresBartoo Island is surrounded by the clear waters of Priest Lake and features direct beach access. Swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities.
Common complaintsRocky beaches pose challenges for boat parking (sites #15), yellow jacket infestations in some areas, and reports of loud music disrupting quiet hours.
HostNo host information is provided for Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground.
Campground Map
32203 Hwy 57, Priest River, ID 83856, USA
Driving directionsCampground is only reachable by boat. Travel north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57 to various boat launches around the lake. To access the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, travel on Highway 57 for 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road. Turn east (right) until you reach West Lakeshore Road. Head south .5 miles to the boat launch.
Access to the campground is only possible via boat. Kalispell Bay Boat Launch is accessible by paved roads, but no roads connect directly to Bartoo Island. Seasonal closures or navigational challenges are not mentioned.Nearby places
Priest River (31 miles, approximately 45 minutes driving to boat launch)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Priest River, ID, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials. Specific store locations are not listed.
Camper Reviews
3.7
7 reviews
Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed experiences at Bartoo Island Boat-In Campground. While its scenic beauty and secluded location are praised, issues such as rocky beaches, noise disturbances, and insect problems are also highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the campground's stunning views, clean and quiet environment, and suitability for swimming and group camping. "The views from all sites were stunning!"
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include rocky beaches that make boat docking difficult, yellow jacket infestations, and noise disturbances from other campers playing loud music past quiet hours. "No place to park...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing portable toilets, reserving adjacent sites for groups, and avoiding sites with rocky beaches if boat docking is essential. "I would highly recommend reserving all 3 sites...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are favored for swimming, boating, and group activities, while winter activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular in colder months. Yellow jacket problems seem to peak...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bartoo is one of my favorite places. Beautiful beach and clear cool water to swim in." "Very irritating and inconsiderate camper nearby who played loud music incessantly all day and past 10:00 pm."
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #14: Best swimming area and boat docking facilities. Site #15: Great tent space but difficult for boat parking due to rocky terrain. Site #16: Large beach area ideal for children and swimming....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is limited as the campground is only reachable by boat, and no specific accessibility features for disabled campers are mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews explicitly addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025