Buttonhook Group Camps

For Idaho locals seeking an ideal location for group gatherings, family reunions, or organized events amidst the stunning natural beauty of North Idaho, Buttonhook Group Camps within Farragut State Park offers a truly exceptional setting. This dedicated group camping area provides a beautiful backdrop for collective outdoor adventures, whether your group is focused on boating, swimming, hiking, or simply relaxing together by the lake. It's renowned for its convenient access to the waters of Lake Pend Oreille and its well-maintained facilities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience for all.

Buttonhook Group Camps is more than just a place to pitch tents; it's a strategically designed space for fostering community and enjoying the vast recreational opportunities available within Farragut State Park. Known for its picturesque environment and its position within one of Idaho's premier state parks, it stands out as a prime choice for organized outdoor events. While the exact level of daily cleaning for restrooms might vary as noted by some, the overall consensus highlights a beautiful setting and essential amenities that contribute to a positive group camping adventure. It’s a place where shared experiences are created amidst the grandeur of Idaho’s landscapes.

Buttonhook Group Camps is located within the expansive Farragut State Park at ID-54, Athol, ID 83801, USA. This prime location places it on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, one of Idaho's largest and most magnificent lakes, surrounded by the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. For Idaho locals, Farragut State Park is easily accessible from major routes. From Athol on US Highway 95, visitors simply turn west onto Idaho State Highway 54 and travel approximately four miles to the main park entrance.

Within Farragut State Park, Buttonhook Group Camps is situated near Beaver Bay Beach, a popular swimming and fishing spot. The site benefits from "great boating docks," providing excellent accessibility for water-based activities on Lake Pend Oreille. While specific details on the exact vehicle accessibility for the group camps vary, Farragut State Park generally accommodates a range of vehicles and trailers, making it feasible for groups to bring in their necessary equipment. The park itself is well-maintained with paved roads, ensuring relatively easy navigation to the group camping areas. This blend of natural beauty and practical accessibility makes Buttonhook Group Camps an attractive and convenient choice for Idaho groups planning their next outdoor event.

• Dedicated Group Camping Areas: Buttonhook is specifically designed for group camping, providing dedicated spaces larger than individual campsites to accommodate multiple tents, RVs, and common areas for gatherings.

• Boating Docks: A significant amenity, Buttonhook features "great boating docks." These are convenient for groups looking to moor their boats, have lunch on the water, go swimming, or simply relax by the lake after a day on the water.

• Restroom Facilities: Clean and accessible restrooms are available near the docks, providing essential facilities for campers. While one review noted that cleaning might not be daily, the restrooms are maintained and stocked with toilet paper.

• Proximity to Beaver Bay Beach: Campers at Buttonhook have easy access to Beaver Bay Beach, a popular spot for swimming and other water activities on Lake Pend Oreille. Showers are available at Beaver Bay Beach.

• Access to Hiking Trails: The group camp offers access to a variety of hiking trails within Farragut State Park, allowing groups to explore the surrounding forests and enjoy scenic views.

• Fire Pits/Areas: Group camping areas typically include large fire pits or designated campfire areas for communal fires (always check for current fire restrictions).

• Picnic Areas: While specific details for Buttonhook Group Camps vary, group sites within state parks generally include large picnic tables or multiple tables to accommodate group dining.

• Farragut State Park Amenities: As part of Farragut State Park, groups staying at Buttonhook also have access to the park's broader offerings, which can include disc golf courses, a radio-controlled airplane field, fishing opportunities, biking trails, and interpretive exhibits (some may require additional fees or seasonal operation).

• Beautiful Setting on Lake Pend Oreille: Buttonhook Group Camps is praised for its "beautiful setting" within Farragut State Park, offering stunning views and easy access to the majestic Lake Pend Oreille. This is a primary draw for any group seeking a scenic outdoor experience.

• Dedicated Group Space: The key highlight is its designation as a group camp. This ensures that the facilities and layout are optimized for larger gatherings, providing ample space for communal activities and social interaction, which is often difficult to find in individual campsites.

• Excellent Boating Access: The "great boating docks" are a significant feature, making it incredibly convenient for groups to launch boats, tie up for lunch breaks, and engage in various water sports on Lake Pend Oreille.

• Cooler Climate: One reviewer noted that Buttonhook is "Cooler than all the others, I think," suggesting a potentially more comfortable camping experience during warmer months, possibly due to increased shade or proximity to the lake.

• Access to Farragut State Park Activities: Beyond just camping, groups can enjoy the extensive amenities of Farragut State Park, including over 200 campsites, 7 group camps, 10 camping cabins, miles of hiking and biking trails, disc golf, swimming areas, and a rich history as a former WWII naval training center with a museum.

• Clean Restroom Access: Despite the noted cleaning frequency, the presence of clean, functional restrooms (including availability of toilet paper) is a positive feature for a comfortable group camping experience.

• Shoreline Trail: The nearby Shoreline Trail meanders along Buttonhook Bay, offering "outstanding views of the Monarch Mountains" and a pleasant "easy, 1.5 miles hike one way."

Address: ID-54, Athol, ID 83801, USA (located within Farragut State Park)

Phone: (208) 683-2425 (This is the direct phone number for Farragut State Park, which manages Buttonhook Group Camps.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-683-2425

For all group reservations, specific availability, pricing, and detailed information about the amenities and rules for Buttonhook Group Camps, it is essential to contact Farragut State Park directly using the provided phone number. Additionally, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website for Farragut State Park is an excellent resource for current conditions, alerts, and detailed maps. Group reservations often have specific booking windows and requirements, so early contact is highly recommended.

For Idaho locals, Buttonhook Group Camps within Farragut State Park offers an unparalleled and highly suitable venue for group outdoor activities and gatherings. Its primary appeal lies in its dedicated group camping facilities, which are designed to accommodate larger parties with ease, making it a go-to choice for family reunions, club outings, or organizational retreats. This specialized focus eliminates the common challenge of trying to secure multiple individual campsites close to each other.

The "beautiful setting" on Lake Pend Oreille is a significant draw, providing local groups with access to one of Idaho's most picturesque natural playgrounds. The "great boating docks" are a standout feature, allowing for seamless transitions from land-based activities to aquatic adventures on the expansive lake. Whether it's swimming at Beaver Bay Beach, fishing, or simply cruising the waters, the lake offers endless opportunities for collective enjoyment. The reported "cooler" temperatures also suggest a more comfortable environment, especially during the peak summer months when other areas might feel too warm.

Beyond the dedicated group facilities and lake access, locals benefit from the broader amenities and activities within Farragut State Park. This includes a wealth of hiking trails, disc golf courses, and historical exhibits at the former naval training center. This diverse range of activities ensures that every member of the group, regardless of their interests, will find something engaging to do. The presence of clean restrooms, even if not cleaned daily, is a practical convenience that enhances the overall comfort of the group camping experience. For Idahoans looking to host memorable and engaging group events in a stunning and activity-rich natural environment, Buttonhook Group Camps at Farragut State Park is an exceptionally suitable and cherished local resource.

Buttonhook Group Camps

ID-54, Athol, ID 83801, USA