Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Star3.94
22 reviews
7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$5 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open June 19, 2025, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Lowman Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)
$5.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include a $5 vehicle day-use fee and a $12 nightly fee for standard non-electric campsites during peak and first-come, first-served seasons.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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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Provider
208-259-3361
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanwater

"User reviews for Barneys Campground are mixed, with high praise for its scenic views, clean facilities, and privacy. However, some complaints focus on issues with campsite orientation, lack of shade at specific sites, and challenges for RVs."

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Campground Map

7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

7359 HIGHWAY 21, LOWMAN, ID 83637, USA

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17 east (Banks-Lowman Highway) to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Continue along Highway 17 over Banner Summit. Turn west on Forest Road 579. Continue on FR 579 to Deadwood Reservoir.
Access requires travel along dirt roads (Forest Road 579) which may be challenging, especially for larger vehicles or RVs. Some users have noted road conditions can be bumpy. Lacey W stated that the route through Cascade is preferable for towing campers.
Nearby places
Lowman (approximately 20 miles), Cascade (alternate route, distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Hower's Campground (nearby) provides drinking water. Supplies for camping, food, and fuel can likely be found in Lowman or Cascade.

Best Time to Camp at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Summer transforms Barneys into an outdoor paradise, with warm, dry days perfect for swimming and clear nights ideal for stargazing. Mountain breezes sweep across the reservoir, keeping temperatures comfortable even during peak season, though savvy campers come prepared for the occasional gusty afternoon. Early spring visitors should pack layers and rain gear, as the high elevation brings unpredictable weather patterns and chilly mornings that can dip well below freezing. The summer months may bring out some insects, but they're a small price to pay for the spectacular wildflower displays.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer praised for warm lake temps, swimming, scenic beauty and clear nights for stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into September with cooler temps and quieter conditions; limited specific fall data.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Pre-opening spring likely wet/buggy; campground reservations begin mid-June.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates mainly June–September; winter use/activity not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 19, 2025, to September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 19, 2025, to September 7, 2025, for reservations. First-come, first-served camping available from September 8 to September 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Tucked away on the pristine shores of Deadwood Reservoir, Barneys Campground offers a refreshing escape from the crowds that flock to more well-known sites. This hidden gem in the Boise National Forest rewards those who seek it out with uninterrupted waterfront access, peaceful mornings filled with birdsong, and the kind of tranquility that's becoming increasingly rare. While its primitive facilities might not suit everyone, visitors consistently praise the campground's ability to deliver an authentic wilderness experience where the natural beauty takes center stage.
Barneys Campground offers primitive camping with waterfront sites. Tent camping is explicitly supported based on user feedback. RV camping may not be suitable, as some reviews mention steep slopes and challenges for trailers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 11:00 am.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 pm.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Barneys Campground offers several recreational activities due to its location near Deadwood Reservoir, including fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, and mountain biking. "Fishing was great! Camp site great!" one review notes. "Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular on the lake," confirms the official description.
HikingThe area features many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding. Specific difficulty levels or lengths are not provided.
FishingFishing opportunities include Atlantic, Chinook, and Kokanee salmon, as well as rainbow and cutthroat trout. "Fishing was great!" says one camper.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Deadwood Reservoir. "The lake is the perfect temperature for swimming," according to one review. However, the beach area is minimal until the water recedes later in the summer.
BikingMountain biking trails are available in the surrounding area, though specific details on terrain or difficulty are not provided.
BoatingBoating, canoeing, and kayaking are popular activities at Deadwood Reservoir. A boat ramp is located about 2 miles away at Cozy Cove Campground. "Nice camp shore so you tie your boat," one camper noted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wind, horseflies, and mosquitoes as mentioned in user reviews (Angela B). Additionally, users reported challenging road access and occasional difficulties finding water sources.
Active AlertsNull

Weather at Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id)

Reviews

3.9
22 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Barneys Campground (Boise National Forest, Id) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Barneys Campground are mixed, with high praise for its scenic views, clean facilities, and privacy. However, some complaints focus on issues with campsite orientation, lack of shade at specific sites, and challenges for RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, waterfront sites with great views, and the spread-out nature of campsites providing privacy. "We loved how spread out the campsites are," one visitor noted.
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include challenges for RV campers, lack of potable water on-site, and specific concerns about Campsite 6. "Campsite 6 has zero shade, has no place to park a camper," was noted in one...
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Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own water, avoiding Campsite 6, and taking alternative routes for easier access when traveling with trailers. "Our camping neighbor told us to go back home the...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are praised for their scenic beauty and warm lake temperatures. However, the beach area is minimal until the water recedes later in the season, and bugs like horseflies and mosquitoes may be...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing was great! Camp site great!" "Someone took our reserved spot... ruined the weekend," "The scenery is beautiful and the lake is the perfect temperature for swimming," "Campsite 6 needs to be...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 6 is widely criticized for lack of shade, poor orientation, and lack of water access. Campsite 5 is noted for great waterfront access and proximity to bathrooms. "Campsite 6 has zero...
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Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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