BARTOO ISLAND GROUP SITE

For Idaho residents yearning for a truly secluded and authentic wilderness camping experience, the Bartoo Island Group Site on Priest Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity. Tucked away on Bartoo Island, one of nine islands gracing the crystal-clear waters of Priest Lake, this group campsite provides a unique and memorable escape for those willing to venture a little further. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Bartoo Island is exclusively accessible by boat, immediately setting the tone for an intimate connection with Idaho's stunning natural landscapes. This destination is perfect for groups of 10 to 30 people looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

While reviews highlight the breathtaking beauty of its beaches and water, they also offer practical insights, such as the need to be prepared for yellow jackets and the early shading from tall trees. This article aims to provide Idaho locals with a comprehensive guide to the Bartoo Island Group Site, ensuring you're well-informed about its location, unique accessibility, available services, distinctive features, and why it stands out as an ideal choice for a rugged yet rewarding group camping adventure in your home state.

Bartoo Island Group Site is majestically located on the east side of Bartoo Island, within the expansive and beautiful Priest Lake, in Coolin, ID 83821, USA. This exact address, E Shore Rd, Coolin, ID 83821, pinpoints its location within this pristine natural area. What truly defines the accessibility of this campground is its exclusivity: it is only reachable by boat. This boat-in only access means that your journey to the campsite begins on the shimmering waters of Priest Lake, adding an element of adventure and ensuring a degree of solitude rarely found in easily accessible campgrounds.

Visitors typically launch their boats from various points around Priest Lake. A common access point is the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. To reach this launch, travelers would head north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57 for approximately 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road, then turn east (right) and proceed for about 0.5 miles to West Lakeshore Road, leading to the boat launch. From there, it's a scenic boat ride across the clear waters to Bartoo Island. This unique mode of transportation not only contributes to the remote feel of the campground but also offers incredible opportunities for sightseeing, birding, and truly appreciating the scale and beauty of Priest Lake and its surrounding Selkirk Mountains. Being an island, Bartoo Island offers a distinct sense of being truly "away from it all," a characteristic highly prized by many Idaho outdoor enthusiasts.

As a rustic group camping area designed for a true wilderness experience, Bartoo Island Group Site provides essential facilities while encouraging a "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy. This means campers should come prepared with their own supplies and be ready to manage their waste responsibly.

• Group Campsite: The Bartoo Island Group Site (also known as Sunrise Group Site) is specifically designed to accommodate groups, typically ranging from 10 to 30 people. This makes it ideal for family reunions, scout groups, or gatherings of friends.
• Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite is equipped with picnic tables, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Campfire Rings: Fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires (subject to current burn bans and restrictions, which campers should always verify before their trip).
• Vault Toilets: Basic sanitation is available in the form of vault toilets. Some sources also indicate that portable toilets are required for campers and can be checked out at the Kalispell Boat Launch, indicating a more primitive setup for certain sites or emphasizing the need for personal facilities.
• No Developed Drinking Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is no developed drinking water available on Bartoo Island. Visitors must bring all their own potable water for the duration of their stay.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: This facility operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy. This means all trash and waste generated during your stay must be carried off the island by campers, maintaining the pristine condition of the environment.

Bartoo Island Group Site, located on Priest Lake, boasts several compelling features that make it a highly desirable destination for adventurous Idaho locals.

• Exclusive Boat-In Access: This is the most distinguishing feature. The fact that Bartoo Island is only accessible by boat guarantees a unique, secluded, and peaceful camping experience. It means fewer crowds and a greater sense of true wilderness immersion, appealing to those seeking an escape from more populated recreation areas.
• Beautiful Beaches and Pristine Water: Customer reviews consistently praise the "beautiful beach and water." The shores of Bartoo Island offer sandy areas perfect for lounging, swimming, and enjoying the exceptionally clear waters of Priest Lake. This pristine aquatic environment is a major draw for water enthusiasts.
• Early Sunrises and Sunsets with Tree Shade: Reviews note that "Sunrise and sunset are early with tall trees shading the beach well before the sun sets." While this might mean less direct evening sun on the beach, it also provides natural shade during the day, which can be a welcome relief during warm Idaho summers. It also suggests picturesque lighting conditions for photography.
• Excellent for Water Activities: Priest Lake itself is a hub for various water sports. Campers at Bartoo Island can easily engage in kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and power boating. The 3.5-mile thoroughfare leading to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, which is also car-inaccessible, offers further exploration by water.
• Outstanding Fishing Opportunities: Priest Lake is renowned for its fishing. Anglers can expect to find Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee. The lake has even produced record-breaking Mackinaw trout, making it a dream destination for serious fishermen.
• Wildlife Viewing and Huckleberry Picking: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests surrounding Priest Lake are home to abundant wildlife, including bears, deer, and moose. Birding is also excellent. From mid-July to early fall, visitors can enjoy picking huckleberries, a cherished North Idaho pastime.
• True Wilderness Experience: With minimal facilities (no potable water, required portable toilets, pack-it-out policy), Bartoo Island offers a rugged and self-reliant camping adventure. This appeals to experienced campers who prefer a less developed and more authentic outdoor setting.
• Potential for Yellow Jacket Activity: A crucial highlight (and a point of caution) from reviews is the presence of "insane" yellow jackets, especially during certain times of the year. Campers are strongly advised to be prepared, bring repellents, and carry an EpiPen if they have allergies. This candid information helps campers plan accordingly for a safer trip.

For current conditions, reservation details, or specific inquiries about Bartoo Island Group Site, Idaho residents should contact the managing authority, which is part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Address: E Shore Rd, Coolin, ID 83821, USA

Phone: (208) 443-2512

Mobile Phone: +1 208-443-2512

The phone number provided is for the Priest Lake Ranger District, which manages recreational sites in the area, including Bartoo Island. It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially for groups, to confirm reservation availability, current conditions (such as fire restrictions or pest alerts like yellow jacket activity), and any other information pertinent to your visit. Additionally, the official USDA Forest Service website for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (fs.usda.gov/ipnf) is an invaluable resource for checking alerts, detailed campground information, and reservation policies through platforms like Recreation.gov. Given the boat-in access and rustic nature of the site, thorough preparation and information gathering are key to a successful trip.

For Idaho locals, Bartoo Island Group Site presents a quintessential northern Idaho wilderness experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Its defining feature—being accessible only by boat—is a significant draw, offering a level of seclusion and tranquility that is increasingly rare. This appeals directly to the adventurous spirit often found in Idahoans, who appreciate the effort required to reach truly pristine natural settings. The journey across Priest Lake itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a gradual transition into a state of peace and natural immersion.

The "beautiful beach and water" are a testament to Idaho's commitment to preserving its natural wonders, providing a perfect backdrop for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. For fishing enthusiasts in Idaho, Priest Lake's reputation for record-breaking trout makes Bartoo Island a dream destination. While the note about yellow jackets and early shading is a practical consideration, it highlights the raw, untamed beauty of the environment, encouraging preparedness and respect for nature – values deeply ingrained in Idaho's outdoor culture.

Furthermore, as a group site, Bartoo Island fosters camaraderie and shared experiences, making it ideal for creating lasting memories with family and friends amidst Idaho's breathtaking scenery. It offers a genuine escape from the digital world, prompting a return to simpler pleasures like campfires, stargazing, and listening to the sounds of the wilderness. By choosing Bartoo Island Group Site, Idaho locals aren't just selecting a place to camp; they're embracing an authentic adventure that showcases the wild, untamed heart of their home state, reinforcing a deep connection to the land and its unique offerings. It’s a place where the effort of getting there is truly rewarded by the unparalleled beauty and serene isolation found only in Idaho's most cherished natural retreats.