Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Star3.80
57 reviews
32003 Hwy 57
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,400 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open May 29, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The camping fee is a flat $15 per night regardless of season. Reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person) and additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-443-2512mthom@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 57 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietclean

Some mention

noisereservation

"User reviews are mixed, with sentiments ranging from appreciation for the natural beauty and quiet environment to frustration with noise, lack of privacy, and issues with reservation policies. "We love Kalispel Island! Very peaceful" (Review by KATIE N). "Zero stars for this place. Loud, obnoxious and drunk is how I would characterize the boaters" (Review by Jim Bellatty)."

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Campground Map

32003 Hwy 57

Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

32003 Hwy 57

Nearby places
Priest River (31 miles, ~45 minutes drive time to boat launch)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as ice are available at the private marina at Kalispell Bay or at Hills Resort, accessible within reasonable boating distance. No specific grocery stores or camping supply points are mentioned in the source.

Best Time to Camp at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Summer unveils Kalispell Island at its finest, with Week 37 showcasing the season's most inviting conditions. Picture-perfect days unfold with just an 11% chance of rain, while temperatures dance between a crisp 52°F morning and a comfortable 68°F afternoon. These ideal conditions create the perfect backdrop for swimming in sun-warmed waters, exploring hidden coves, and enjoying starlit evenings around the campfire without the worry of summer storms.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October; quieter non‑peak season and scenic fall conditions improve experience.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: May 29, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 29, 2025 to October 31, 2025. Peak season runs May 29 to September 14, while non-peak season runs September 15 to October 31.

About Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Escape to your own private island paradise at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground, where 52 secluded campsites await those adventurous enough to arrive by water. This unique destination transforms camping into an unforgettable journey across the crystalline waters of Priest Lake, where each paddle stroke or boat ride brings you closer to untouched wilderness. Here, kayakers glide through mirror-like waters at dawn, anglers cast lines for trophy trout, and wildlife enthusiasts discover a world where eagles soar overhead and ospreys dive for their daily catch.
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground offers various camping types, including single and group campsites accessible only by boat. Primitive camping is emphasized as there are minimal facilities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per rolling 30 days.

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Kalispell Island offers a range of recreational activities centered around the natural beauty of Priest Lake. Popular activities include hiking the 2.5-mile loop trail encircling the island, kayaking through the 3.5-mile thoroughfare to Upper Priest Lake, and fishing for Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are common along the trail. Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling on nearby trails. User reviews reflect an appreciation for these activities despite occasional disturbances.
Hiking
Fishing
Swimming
Boating
Wildlife viewing
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, erosion from boat wakes, noise from motorized boats, and light pollution from nearby residences. Boaters not adhering to 200’ rules may create safety risks.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

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Reviews

From Booking Sources
3.8
57 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with sentiments ranging from appreciation for the natural beauty and quiet environment to frustration with noise, lack of privacy, and issues with reservation policies. "We love Kalispel Island! Very peaceful" (Review by KATIE N). "Zero stars for this place. Loud, obnoxious and drunk is how I would characterize the boaters" (Review by Jim Bellatty).
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the natural scenery, boating access, and scenic trails. "The trail around the island was easy and fun for a daily activity" (Review by LEOLA R). "Clean and quiet, beautiful mountain...
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Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise disturbances from boaters, lack of privacy, and dissatisfaction with reservation policies. "Loud, many other campers on the island" (Review by BECKY K). "Our selected camp...
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Based on 57 reviews
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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