Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Star3.80
57 reviews
32003 Hwy 57
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,400 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open May 29, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service 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
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The camping fee is a flat $15 per night regardless of season. Reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person) and additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-443-2512mthom@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 57 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietclean

Some mention

noisereservation

"User reviews are mixed, with sentiments ranging from appreciation for the natural beauty and quiet environment to frustration with noise, lack of privacy, and issues with reservation policies. "We love Kalispel Island! Very peaceful" (Review by KATIE N). "Zero stars for this place. Loud, obnoxious and drunk is how I would characterize the boaters" (Review by Jim Bellatty)."

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Campground Map

32003 Hwy 57

Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

32003 Hwy 57

Driving directionsAccess to the campground is by boat only. To reach various boat launches around the lake, travel north from Priest River, Idaho on State Highway 57. To access the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch, travel on Highway 57 for 31 miles to Kalispell Bay Road. Turn east (right) until you reach West Lakeshore Road. Then head south 0.5 miles to the boat launch.
Access is only via boat. The Kalispell Island campground cannot be reached by car, and visitors must use nearby boat launches such as Kalispell Bay Boat Launch.
Nearby places
Priest River (31 miles, ~45 minutes drive time to boat launch)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as ice are available at the private marina at Kalispell Bay or at Hills Resort, accessible within reasonable boating distance. No specific grocery stores or camping supply points are mentioned in the source.

Best Time to Camp at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Summer unveils Kalispell Island at its finest, with Week 37 showcasing the season's most inviting conditions. Picture-perfect days unfold with just an 11% chance of rain, while temperatures dance between a crisp 52°F morning and a comfortable 68°F afternoon. These ideal conditions create the perfect backdrop for swimming in sun-warmed waters, exploring hidden coves, and enjoying starlit evenings around the campfire without the worry of summer storms.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers best weather and activities but is busiest and can be noisy (July 4th noted).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October with quieter conditions and good scenery after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; short spring season with variable weather and fewer reviews of spring stays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter activities exist on the lake but not for island campsites.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 29, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 29, 2025 to October 31, 2025. Peak season runs May 29 to September 14, while non-peak season runs September 15 to October 31.

About Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Escape to your own private island paradise at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground, where 52 secluded campsites await those adventurous enough to arrive by water. This unique destination transforms camping into an unforgettable journey across the crystalline waters of Priest Lake, where each paddle stroke or boat ride brings you closer to untouched wilderness. Here, kayakers glide through mirror-like waters at dawn, anglers cast lines for trophy trout, and wildlife enthusiasts discover a world where eagles soar overhead and ospreys dive for their daily catch.
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground offers various camping types, including single and group campsites accessible only by boat. Primitive camping is emphasized as there are minimal facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights per rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Kalispell Island offers a range of recreational activities centered around the natural beauty of Priest Lake. Popular activities include hiking the 2.5-mile loop trail encircling the island, kayaking through the 3.5-mile thoroughfare to Upper Priest Lake, and fishing for Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, and Kokanee. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are common along the trail. Winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling on nearby trails. User reviews reflect an appreciation for these activities despite occasional disturbances.
HikingThe island features a 2.5-mile loop trail that offers stunning lake views and excellent birdwatching opportunities. "Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island."
FishingPriest Lake offers record-breaking opportunities for anglers seeking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat, and Kokanee. "The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout."
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the lake, often near campsites. Review by WILLIAM H mentions "Swimming good, right at the campsite."
BoatingThe campground is accessible only by boat, making boating a primary activity. Kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating are popular among campers. "A popular activity among visitors is to kayak, canoe, or power boat up a 3.5-mile thoroughfare."
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as an excellent activity due to the natural beauty of the island and Priest Lake. "Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail."
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, erosion from boat wakes, noise from motorized boats, and light pollution from nearby residences. Boaters not adhering to 200’ rules may create safety risks.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground

Reviews

3.8
57 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Kalispell Island Boat-In Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with sentiments ranging from appreciation for the natural beauty and quiet environment to frustration with noise, lack of privacy, and issues with reservation policies. "We love Kalispel Island! Very peaceful" (Review by KATIE N). "Zero stars for this place. Loud, obnoxious and drunk is how I would characterize the boaters" (Review by Jim Bellatty).
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the natural scenery, boating access, and scenic trails. "The trail around the island was easy and fun for a daily activity" (Review by LEOLA R). "Clean and quiet, beautiful mountain...
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Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise disturbances from boaters, lack of privacy, and dissatisfaction with reservation policies. "Loud, many other campers on the island" (Review by BECKY K). "Our selected camp...
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Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water and plan for the pack-it-in-pack-it-out policy. Consider the reservation system's limitations and potential difficulties. "Must bring in all your water!" (Review by ELIZABETH...
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Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, though reviews highlight increased noise and busyness during peak times such as July 4th. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling, but no user...
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Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice boat launch." (Review by TIMOTHY S). "Camp host was amazing. Camp spot was amazing. The weather was amazing." (Review by DAMON N). "Sites in Rocky Point are a bit small and two of them have...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews provide detailed insights. For example, Site 8 is spacious and offers sunset views, while Site 52 lacks a sandy beach but provides semi-privacy. "Site was amazing, had space for...
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Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues are noted indirectly, such as challenges with toilet setups and noise from nearby trails. "There's very little privacy at this site due to the trail passing right through the...
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Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews generally highlight disturbances caused by pets, such as barking at night and roaming. "Dogs bark and roam into your site in the middle of the night" (Review by KATE B).
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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