Plowboy Campground

4.50

18 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,526 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open June through Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Priest Lake Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,526 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open June through Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Priest Lake Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Plowboy Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This is a free campground — no fees are required for reservations or site usage.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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USFS

Provider

208-443-2512

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 18 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakesites

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and serene setting on Upper Priest Lake, the convenience of bear-proof storage, and the availability of fire pits and picnic tables. "A wonderful campground paddled our kayaks there... will definitely go again," one user remarked. Common themes include the presence of mosquitoes and the need for preparation in bear country."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Plowboy Campground

48.7689, -116.8773

Driving directionsSouthwest end of Upper Priest Lake, accessible by boat or trail.

Plowboy Campground is accessible by boat or by the Navigation Trail. It is not accessible via vehicle.

Best Time to Camp at Plowboy Campground

The seasonal tapestry at Plowboy Campground transforms dramatically throughout the year, offering distinct experiences for every type of adventurer. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and freezing temperatures, creating a serene, frozen wonderland that extends well into early spring. As late spring arrives, the warmth awakens the wilderness, though it also signals the arrival of nature's tiny ambassadors – mosquitoes – who maintain an enthusiastic presence throughout the warmer months. Savvy campers come prepared with insect protection to fully enjoy the spectacular summer days by the lake, when the water sparkles under clear mountain skies and the surrounding forest hums with life.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Open and busiest June–Sept; summer supports boating, kayaking, swimming and hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into September; likely quieter with good scenery but limited data on fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site opens in June; spring is not in-season and may be snowy/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside June–September; winter access/use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June through September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June through September.

About Plowboy Campground

Tucked away on the pristine southwest shores of Upper Priest Lake, Plowboy Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features just five thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with essential amenities including sturdy fire rings for evening gatherings, picnic tables for lakeside meals, and bear-proof storage boxes to ensure safe coexistence with local wildlife. The campground's commitment to preserving this pristine environment shines through its Pack It In, Pack It Out philosophy, inviting visitors to leave only footprints in this remarkable landscape. With direct water access and breathtaking views of the majestic Selkirk Crest, Plowboy provides an authentic backcountry experience without sacrificing essential comforts.

Plowboy Campground offers a rustic camping experience with options for both tent and primitive camping. The campground is accessible by hiking or boating, making it ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Weather and SeasonsThe seasonal tapestry at Plowboy Campground transforms dramatically throughout the year, offering distinct experiences for every type of adventurer. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and freezing temperatures, creating a serene, frozen wonderland that extends well into early spring. As late spring arrives, the warmth awakens the wilderness, though it also signals the arrival of nature's tiny ambassadors – mosquitoes – who maintain an enthusiastic presence throughout the warmer months. Savvy campers come prepared with insect protection to fully enjoy the spectacular summer days by the lake, when the water sparkles under clear mountain skies and the surrounding forest hums with life.

Natural Features and SceneryPlowboy Campground serves as your gateway to one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular natural theaters. The crystalline waters of Upper Priest Lake stretch before you, reflecting the towering peaks of the Selkirk Crest in their mirror-like surface. Dense forests of towering conifers create a verdant embrace around the campground, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Well-maintained trails wind from your campsite through this lush wilderness, inviting exploration of hidden coves, scenic overlooks, and the diverse ecosystem that thrives in this protected landscape. Whether you're watching sunrise paint the mountain peaks in alpenglow or listening to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore at dusk, the natural beauty here provides an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Geological RegionPerched on the southwest shores of Upper Priest Lake, Plowboy Campground occupies a privileged position within the dramatic geological canvas of northern Idaho. The campground offers front-row seats to the magnificent Selkirk Crest, an ancient mountain range that forms part of the larger Rocky Mountain system. This pristine alpine lake, carved by glacial forces over millennia, serves as a natural jewel nestled within the rugged terrain, its deep waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and creating a landscape photographer's paradise.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days camping limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site

Groups

No group camping sites are specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 sites, each equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof food lockers. The campground layout is oriented towards water access.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served. No reservations possible.

AccessibilityThere is no information available about specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeFive campsites are available, with no specific details on dimensions provided.

PrivacyNo detailed information on the privacy level of campsites is available.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesAll sites are located close to Upper Priest Lake and include bear-proof storage lockers.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Plowboy Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, backpacking, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. User reviews emphasize the serene lake setting and the opportunities to explore nearby trails and campsites.

HikingThe campground can be accessed via the Navigation Trail, which involves a moderately challenging 3-mile hike. User reviews describe the trail as having ups and downs with some small inclines, making it manageable for inexperienced backpackers. "You can certainly do it as an inexperienced backpacker, just be prepared for a few small inclines there and back."

SwimmingUser reviews indicate that swimming is possible in the lake, though the water is described as cold. "Lake was cold but I got in twice!"

BoatingAccessible by both motorized and non-motorized boats, the campground offers convenient shoreline access for paddlers and boaters. "A wonderful campground paddled our kayaks there." Motorized boating is also explicitly noted in the official materials.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in bear country. User reviews advise bringing bear spray and highlight encounters with bears along the trail. "You will need [bear boxes]; we encountered a bear about halfway down the trail."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is active bear country; bear-proof food lockers are provided. User reviews emphasize the importance of bringing bear spray and bug spray.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers available at all sites to ensure safety in bear country.

Weather at Plowboy Campground

Reviews

4.5

18 reviews

Recommended

Plowboy Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful and serene setting on Upper Priest Lake, the convenience of bear-proof storage, and the availability of fire pits and picnic tables. "A wonderful campground paddled our kayaks there... will definitely go again," one user remarked. Common themes include the presence of mosquitoes and the need for preparation in bear country.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praise the campground's scenic beauty, describing it as a peaceful and serene escape. The presence of bear-proof storage boxes and fire pits is also noted as a positive. "Clean...

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the abundance of mosquitoes and the lack of potable water. "Plenty of mosquitos but a beautiful campsite," noted one user. Firewood availability is another issue,...

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing plenty of bug spray, bear spray, and firewood. One reviewer advised preparing for some small inclines on the trail. "Bring your own firewood, the forest has been picked...

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during holiday weekends like Memorial Day, although it remains less crowded than other campgrounds. Mosquitoes and encounters with bears were...

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such a fun experience. A 3 mile hike in (my first time EVER backpacking), took about an hour and a half to get there with the ups and downs of the trail." "Great free hike/boat in campground, bring...

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Clean sites. 5 sites. 1 toilet. Easy to boat up to. Great view of the lake." No specific site numbers were mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User reviews note that dogs can be off-leash in most areas, though they advise ensuring pets do not stray far due to the presence of other people and wildlife. "You can have your dog off leash in...

Based on 18 reviews

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