How much does camping cost at Plowboy Campground?

Camping fees at Plowboy Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Plowboy Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Plowboy Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations possible.

What is the best time to visit Plowboy Campground?

Plowboy Campground is open June through September. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Plowboy Campground?

Plowboy Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Plowboy Campground?

Fire policies at Plowboy Campground: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Plowboy Campground have?

Plowboy Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Plowboy Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Plowboy Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Plowboy Campground?

Plowboy Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Plowboy Campground?

Popular activities at Plowboy Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Plowboy Campground

4.00

18 reviews

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

2,526 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open June through Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Plowboy Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use Single Site: $15 per night

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

208-443-2512

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Plowboy Campground

48.7689, -116.8773

Weather at Plowboy Campground

Best Time to Camp at Plowboy Campground

Summer brings the best conditions. July and August deliver daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. The water warms enough for swimming, and long days suit kayaking or hiking. Mosquitoes are thick during warm months. Bring bug spray. Winter and early spring mean snow and freezing temperatures. Late summer may bring fire restrictions. The five-site layout keeps crowds light even on busy weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Summer is best: July/Aug highs in 60s–70s, water warmer for swimming and long days for activities.

Planning Tips

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

About Plowboy Campground

Plowboy Campground sits on the southwest shore of Upper Priest Lake with five primitive sites, each with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear locker. You'll need a boat or kayak to reach it. The Selkirk Crest rises across the water, and the campground follows a Pack It In, Pack It Out policy.

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 SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions. July and August deliver daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. The water warms enough for swimming, and long days suit kayaking or hiking. Mosquitoes are thick during warm months. Bring bug spray. Winter and early spring mean snow and freezing temperatures. Late summer may bring fire restrictions. The five-site layout keeps crowds light even on busy weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryUpper Priest Lake reflects the Selkirk peaks in deep, glacial water. Dense conifer forest surrounds the campground at 2,526 feet elevation. Trails from camp lead to coves and overlooks through the Panhandle forest. The lake's cold clarity and mountain backdrop make this a photographer's location, especially at sunrise when light hits the ridgeline. The forest floor stays shaded most of the day under thick canopy.

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.

Scenic ViewsViews include the majestic Selkirk Crest and the serene waters of Upper Priest Lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 layoutFive sites face the water. Fire rings, tables, and bear lockers at each. Sites have enough spacing for privacy given the small total count, and all offer lake access for launching kayaks or canoes.

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

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

Plowboy Campground offers a basic but well-maintained camping experience, with amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, bear-proof storage boxes, and a single vault toilet. Potable water is not available, and campers must adhere to a Pack It In, Pack It Out policy for garbage. "Five campsites are furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes." User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the sites and the presence of a bear box for food storage.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; a single vault toilet is provided instead.

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

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Plowboy Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and backpackers who can handle a 3-mile hike or kayak haul in will find five clean, well-spaced lakeside sites with fire rings and big Selkirk Crest views. Pack your water, firewood, and serious bug spray.

Skip if

No boat or willingness to hike in means you simply can't get here. Car campers, RVers, anyone needing potable water or a hookup, and mosquito-averse travelers in July or August will all have a rough time.

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