Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground is located near Priest River in the [Idaho Panhandle National Forests](https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/near/idaho-panhandle-national-forests). The area features forested terrain and is accessible only by boat. Campers can explore nearby Priest Lake, known for its clear waters and opportunities for fishing and boating.

## Overview

 Surrounded by clear waters of Priest Lake, the 25 sites on Bartoo Island provide the ideal getaway for people looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding, camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. There are 24 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Sunrise Group Site. This group site has been renumbered from site #001 to site #23 for groups of 10-30 individuals. All sites are only reachable by boat. 
## Recreation

 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. The upper lake cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option. Fantastic birding and wildlife viewing is available, as well as Huckleberry picking from mid-july to early fall, when the sweet berries can be found in abundance throughout the forests of Northern Idaho. Swimming is a popular summer pastime and with beach access not far from the campground, visitors won't have any problem cooling off during warmer months. Anglers will be excited to know that the waters of Priest Lake are home to record-breaking Mackinaw trout as well as Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee. 
## Facilities

 Campers are required to bring their own portable toilets to this campground. They can check out toilet buckets at the Kalispell Boat Launch. Bartoo Island can only be access by boat. No drinking water is available and this is a pack it in, pack it out facility. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. 
## Natural Features

 Priest Lake spans 25,000-acres of incredible beauty, fed primarily by the waters of the Priest River. Named after the historical presence of Jesuit priests who settled in the lake area in the mid 19th century, Priest Lake is today a major tourist attraction, drawing water sports enthusiasts, photographers and birders alike. The group campground is located on the east side of Bartoo Island at an elevation of 2,400 feet. Bartoo, spanning 219 acres, is one of nine islands on Priest Lake. Summers at the lake are typically sunny and warm and wildlife in the area includes bears, deer and moose. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Hike the Lakeshore or Beach Trails that traverse along the west shore of Priest Lake. The Beach trail extends between Outlet Bay Campground and the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The Lakeshore Trail runs for 8 miles along the northwest shores of Priest Lake. In winter, ice fishing, shoe shoeing and snowmobiling on nearby trails entertain visitors.

Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Coolin. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Coolin campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Coolin and user-submitted reviews.

Coolin

The Best Camping Near Coolin, Idaho

If you got a boat, get to Priest Lake. The waters are a little cold but crystal clear and on a clear night, you’ll see the bulk on the Milky Way. 

Clear water and sky

Large and private, nice beach, good wind block. Will definitely be back.

Group Site 

First come, first serve sites are your best bet for getting a campsite on Priest Lake during peak season. I was able to snag one of the 10ish first come sites last minute for a weekend. With it being island camping, there is less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites. Access was easy- put in at Hill’s Resort boat launch where I could also fill up with gas and grab anything else I may have forgotten from their gift shop like beach towels and more snacks. 

It’s about a 1.5-mile boat ride to the island and there is no dock there so I just beached it since it was pure sand. I paid for my site upon arriving in cash, then set up my very private site. It had a fire ring, picnic table, and \*again, plenty of privacy\* since there is no restroom on the island. 

A couple of things to note: Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker(I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up).

Photos of Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground

Real photos from real campers