Bartoo Island Group Site/Campgrounds
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Bartoo Island Group Site/Campgrounds
Bartoo Island Group Site: This group campsite, also known as Sunrise Group Site, is a rustic group camping area on Bartoo Island, only reachable by boat. Surrounded by the clear waters of Priest Lake, Bartoo Island Group site provides the ideal getaway for groups of 10 to 30 people, looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. 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. 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. No drinking water is available and this is a pack it in, pack it out facility. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. 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. Other Sites on Bartoo Island: • Lone Pine - Day use (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) west side of island (vault toilet). • Cedars - 1 camp unit, north end of island (portable toilet required). • North Bartoo - 4 camp units, north end of island (portable toilet required). • Solo 2 - 1 camp unit, west side of island (potable toilet required). • South Bartoo - 7 camp units, south end of island (portable toilet required). • Bartoo Solo - 1 camp unit, south end of island (portable toilet required). • West Sunshine - 3 camp units, east side of island (portable toilet required). • Sunshine - 5 camp units, east side of island (vault toilet). Note that all of these sites are accessible by boat only, have a Pack it In, Pack it Out policy on all waste, and have no developed water systems. *NEW* Reservations for this campground now have a 60/40 split between reservable sites and “First-come, first-served” sites, respectively. Information is available on Recreation.gov.
Before you go
Season
Late May – Late October
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Restrictions
Pets must be leashed at all times. No glass bottles are allowed on the beaches. No bathing or washing dishes in the lake. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. No fireworks. 14 day camping limit. Maximum of 10 people per site Check-out time is 2:00 p.m Campsite must be occupied first night. Bring your own portable toilet Site is accessed by boat only No drinking water; please bring your own water Bring garbage bags; this is a "pack in-pack out" facility Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Accessibility
Accessible boat ramp within 10 miles
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.