Fishing enthusiasts will find direct lake access and spacious sites at Bull Trout Lake Campground in Boise National Forest. The campground accommodates RVs up to 85 feet with full hookups alongside tent camping options, spreading sites across both lakefront and interior locations about 17 miles from Stanley via unpaved forest roads.
Sites feature concrete picnic tables and fire rings, with lakefront spots providing individual water access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Vivi W. notes "all of the lakefront sites on our side had individual access to the lake." The shallow lake works well for non-motorized watercraft, and several campers report catching trout. Vault toilets serve clusters of 8-9 sites, maintained daily by camp hosts who also sell firewood bundles for $5.
The campground operates without cell service, requiring campers to drive back to main roads for connectivity. Sites accommodate large setups including multiple tents, with enough spacing between neighbors for privacy. Camp hosts monitor reservations and maintain cleanliness standards that reviewers consistently praise. The forest setting attracts chipmunks and various bird species, with bear country precautions recommended.
Access requires navigating unpaved roads that can challenge low-clearance vehicles, particularly after weather events. Those seeking additional options can explore campgrounds around Stanley or other camping spots around Boise National Forest.
Description
Overview
Bull Trout Campground is located on the shores of beautiful Bull Trout Lake at an elevation of 6,900 feet. The lake offers great fishing and canoeing opportunities. Many trails for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding are in the area. Only equestrian users may reserve equestrian sites.
Recreation
Bull Trout Lake offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities, as the lake is for non-motorized watercraft only. Anglers fish for brook and rainbow trout. A primitive boat ramp is located on the west side of the lake. Martin Lake is nearby, offering canoeing and fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Many miles of trails can be found in the area, including the 11-mile Warm Spring Trail for hikers. The 35-mile Kirkham Ridge Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking.
Facilities
This campground contains group, equestrian and single and double campsites, many of which are accessible. The group sites can accommodate up to 50 people each. Equestrian sites each contain a corral and large parking spur. Some sites are on the waterfront and have direct lake access, others have lake views. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are dirt. A campground host is on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a mixed-growth forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant.
Fee Info
There is a $5 fee for vehicles entering the campground for day use.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBull Trout Lake Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, take State Street to Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17/Banks-Lowman Highway to Lowman. Take Highway 21 east to milepost 107. Turn left on Forest Road 520. Proceed on dirt road 2 miles to the campground.
Address
7359 Hwy 21
Lowman, ID 83637
Coordinates
44.2980083 N
115.2555167 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 43 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 50 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 5 hrs 13 min from Lewiston, ID
