Big Springs Campground

Targhee National Forest

STATE: Idaho

REGION: Intermountain

RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777

DIRECTIONS:

In Island Park, ID, from intersection of Koeger/A2 and US Rt. 20, take Rt. 20 north 3 miles to campground sign and S. Big Springs Ave./Forest Rt. 059.  Turn right at sign onto Big Springs Ave. and go 4.7 miles to another campground sign.  Turn right at sign into campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

The elevation is 6,400 ft.The campground, near the crystal clear Big Springs, is a single loop running through a stand of young Lodgepole pine.  All the camping sites have pull-through aprons with limited shade and privacy between sites is fair.  Nature walks are held Saturday evenings; check fee board for locations, time and subject.  Boat

rentals, showers and laundry available at intersection of S. Big Spring Ave. and US Rt. 20 in Island Park, ID. Although the campground is not adjacent to Big Springs, it is well worth the short walk (0.1 miles) to see.  Water pours (120 million gallons a day) through the lava stones like a well designed fountain, into a pool that is crystal clear.  The bottom of the pool is speckled with black pebbles of black absidian.  Big Springs is one of the 40 largest springs in the country and is a major source for Henry's Fork of the Snake River.  The water originates from the Yellowstone Plateau and maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees.  The kids (and adults) will enjoy watching the huge Brook and Rainbow trout swimming at the bridge.  Unfortunately for anglers, fishing is not permitted in the vicinity. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Box Canyon Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park
RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
In Island Park, ID, at intersection of US Rt. 20 and County Rt. A2 (Kilgore-Yale Rd.), take Rt. 20 south 3.2 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign onto gravel road and go 0.4 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 1 mile to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,400 ft. The campground, located on a canyon rim, is convenient to Henry's Fork of the Snake River. It is a single loop among Lodgepole pine. The understory is grass with fair privacy between camping sites. This is an attractive campground waiting to be discovered. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Buffalo Campground

STATE: Idaho

REGION: Intermountain

RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park

RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-linereservation

DIRECTIONS:

In Island Park, ID, from intersection of Koeger/A2 and US Rt. 20, take Rt. 20 south 1.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

The elevation is 6,200 ft. The campground, composed of seven loops - A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, is located primarily in Lodgepole pine of various ages. Each loop has some camping sites that either overlook or are adjacent to Buffalo River, which is popular for fishing and family floating. There are communal grey water disposal sites throughout the campground.

Loops A and B are the closest to US Rt. 20 where traffic noise is apparent. These two loops also have paved interior roads and parking aprons, some tent pads, numerous pull-throughs and flush toilets.

Loop C is the most heavily wooded with electric hook-ups, tent pads and paved parking aprons.

Loop D has the least cared-for appearance and gravel parking which create a rustic feel. This loop has vaults and flush toilets which are shared by the campers from Loop C. 

Loop E, called the Reunion Loop, is for groups and is not included in this survey.

Loop F has a pleasant mixture of Aspen and Lodgepole pine with a heavy middlestory providing the best privacy between sites in the campground. This loop also has vaults and flush toilets and paved parking aprons.

Loop G sites are more open than those found in the other loops. It is closest to the wheelchair friendly fishing dock and is comprised of grass and sagebrush understory and Lodgepole pine. It has a flush toilet and paved parking aprons.

Although wildlife is not often seen during the warmer weather, the number and variety of birds is delightful. It is not unusual to find an Osprey perched on a snag across the river from the campground looking for dinner or to spy heron standing at the river's edge. Informal "beater" trails connect the loops and provide access to the river. Nearby lodges provide an excellent opportunity for a cook's night out. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Buttermilk Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park
RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
In Island Park, ID, at intersection of US Rt. 20 and County Rt. A2 (Kilgore-Yale Rd.), take Kilgore-Yale Rd. west 1.9 miles to campground sign (Forest Rt. 126). Turn left onto Rt. 126 and go 2.8 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign to campground map board. Continue straight 0.1 miles to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,200 ft. The campground, adjacent to a channel of the Island Lake
Reservoir, is composed of two loops - A and B.

Loop A is closest to the channel with some sites overlooking it. There are private residences on the other side of the channel. This loop is heavily wooded and provides more shade than that found in Loop B. There is also a dock for mooring boats off Loop A.

Loop B has all the pull-throughs with little shade. Although privacy is minimal in this loop, it is quieter because it is further away from the channel.

Cave Falls Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Ashton
RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
From Ashton, ID, take State Rt. 47 east 5.3 miles to Yellowstone National Park/Cave Falls sign. Turn right at sign and go 18.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground. NOTE: After 5.9 miles, the access road enters Targhee National Forest and becomes Forest Rt. 582 with gravel surface. After 16.7 miles, the road becomes paved again upon entering Wyoming. Overall,  access to the campground is on RV friendly roads.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,200 ft. NOTE: The campground is physically located in Wyoming. The campground, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park and Vinegar Hole Wilderness, stretches out along Falls River among a mixture of conifers. Most camping sites overlook the river, which can be heard throughout the campground. The campground has a wilderness feel to it without the inconveniences. Two nice day trips are to the Yellowstone National Park - 0.2 miles east of campground and Cave Falls 1.1 miles from campground (in Yellowstone National Park). The campground is pack it in, pack it out. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.  There are communal food storage containers provided by the Forest Service.

Coffee Pot Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park
RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
In Island Park, ID, from intersection of Koeger/A2 and US Rt. 20, take Rt. 20 north 3.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto gravel road and go 1.1 miles to a "Y" intersection (Forest Rt. 311). Bear right onto Rt. 311 and go 0.4 miles to another campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,300 ft. The campground stretches along a floatable section of Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Some camping sites are adjacent to the river and all have a view of the river. Most of the sites are in the open with Lodgepole pine providing some shade to sites at either end of the campground. The campground is ideal for anglers who can step from some of the sites into the river or to its bank. The understory is grass and wildflowers and privacy between camping sites is minimal. Nature walks are held Saturday evenings; check fee board for locations, time and subject. Boat rentals, showers and laundry available at intersection of S. Big Spring Ave. and US Rt. 20 in Island Park, ID. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Flat Rock Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777

DIRECTIONS:
In Island Park, ID, from intersection of Koeger/A2 and US Rt. 20, take Rt. 20 north 3.5 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,400 ft. The campground is composed of two sections: Lower - A and Upper - B.

Section A is on a hillside and is the nearest to Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Some of the camping sites in this section overlook the river, are the most open and have tent pads.

Section B loops through a stand of Lodgepole pine. Most of the sites are shaded with parking aprons larger than the lower section. There are grey water disposal stations at some of the sites in this section. The understory is grass and wildflowers.  Traffic noise from US Rt. 20 can be distracting. Nature walks are held Saturday evenings; check fee board for locations, time and subject. Boat rentals, showers and laundry available at intersection of S. Big Spring Ave. and US Rt. 20 in Island Park,ID.

Henry's Lake State Park

State Park Contact Information:
Henrys Lake State Park

State Park Overview:
Located just 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, this high mountain lake is the kind of place fishermen dream about. The state park, named after explorer Major Andrew Henry, opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes October 31st, weather permitting. The park offers campfire programs and a Junior Ranger program. Anglers fish for cutthroat, brook and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. The park has a modern fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. Camping is at one of 44 sites. During winter, information on Henrys Lake can be obtained by calling Harriman State Park.

Camping:
Henry's Lake Campground
Available Campsites: Standard Campsites and Serviced Campsites/W,E
Amenities include individual sites, some with water and electricity at the site and some without electricity, and access to central water.

Standard Campsites - $12 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Serviced Campsite/W,E - $16 per night (plus daily MVEF and Idaho State Sales Tax)

Reservation Season: You may reserve campsites at Henrys Lake State Park from the Thursday prior to Memorial Day weekend through October 31st (weather permitting).
Reserve online or call 1-866-634-3246

Boating:
A boat ramp and launching docks are available in the park. Boaters should be cautious of the lake's unpredictable weather. Winds can make the surface choppy.

Fishing:
Cutthroat trout, averaging three to five pounds; cutthroat-rainbow hybrids of up to 12 pounds; and brook trout up to three pounds abound in the waters of Henrys Lake. This provides a sport fishery that challenges the float-tuber and is equally exciting for a 10-year old dunking a worm over the side of the family boat. A modern fish-cleaning station is located near the boat ramp. Excellent stream fishing can also be found in the nearby Henrys Fork, Madison and Gallatin rivers.

McCreas Bridge Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Island Park
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777

DIRECTIONS:
In Island Park, ID, at intersection of US Rt. 20 and County Rt. A2 (Kilgore-Yale Rd.), take Kilgore-York Rd. west 2.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 6,200 ft. The campground, located adjacent to an inlet of the Island Park Reservoir, is composed of two loops - A and B. One loop is closer to the reservoir with some sites overlooking the inlet. Lodgepole pine are sparsely scattered throughout the campground. Grass, wildflowers and sagebrush comprise the understory. The camping sites are mostly in the open. The parking aprons in Loop B tend to be longer. There are private residences located across the inlet.

Warm River Campground

STATE: Idaho
REGION: Intermountain
RANGER DISTRICT: Ashton-Island Park
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Ashton
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777

DIRECTIONS:
From Ashton, ID, take State Rt. 47 east 8.2 miles to campground
sign. Bear right and go 0.4 miles to campground.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 5,200 ft. The campground, divided into two family sections which are separated by a small bridge, stretches out along a shore of the Warm River. A group area is located between the two sections where a number of tent sites are also located. The first section has older, larger trees, which are Weeping willows, gravel aprons, and a gentle slopping bank. The second section, located above the river, has little shade, paved aprons, and tables and grilles anchored in cement. The campground's appearance is manicured with nicely trimmed lawns and trees.

The Warm River is a gentle flowing river providing excellent float or tubing activities for the whole family. There are several hiking trails nearby with the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls available for a day trip. All the tent sites are walk-ins. While the majority of the tent sites are located near the group area, there are some that are more secluded and private in the second section. Most of the camping sites are either adjacent to or overlook the river. Firewood is available for a fee. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Additional Forest Service Campground Information

For more information please call the Forest Service 208-558-7301

Generally, these campgrounds do not have hookups. They do however have water and outhouses. Most of them operate on a first come, first served basis but there are a few that accept reservations. Call 1-877-444-6777 to reserve a spot at McCrae, Buffalo River, Flatrock and Buttermilk campgrounds. Visit the Targhee National Forest web site.

Riverside - This campground is about seven miles south of Last Chance on the east side of the highway. As its name suggests, it is right on the river. This is probably one of the prettiest campgrounds anywhere in the U.S. It is far enough from the highway to offer campers real peace and quiet (provided you don't mind the sound of the river) and conveniently located for fishermen. Yes, the fishing right in the campground is quite good.

Box Canyon - This campground is about three miles north of Last Chance on the west side of the old highway (the road that runs NW out of Last Chance). Situated close to the rim of the Box Canyon, this is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. It usually fills up quickly on big holiday weekends.

Buffalo River Campground - This campground is located on the north side of the Buffalo River and on the east side of Highway 20. It is probably the least primitive of all the Forest Service Campgrounds. The campground is right on the banks of the Buffalo River and across the street from Pond's Lodge. There is a system of ramps and boardwalks at the eastern end of the campground that make the river accessible to folks who are disabled or have a tough time getting around.

Upper Coffeepot Campground - This campground is located about half of a mile south of Mack's Inn on the west side of the highway. A nice quiet spot on the upper Henry's Fork, this is a great place for families. The river here is slow moving, shallow and very wadable...perfect for teaching children to fish.

McCrea's Bridge Campground - This campground is located at the inlet to Island Park Reservoir. It can be reached by heading west about two miles on the Yale-Kilgore Road. Facilities include bathrooms, running water, trailer sites and a boat ramp.

Buttermilk Campground - This campground is located on Island Park Reservoir near I.P. Bill's Island. Facilities include bathrooms, running water, trailer sites and a boat ramp.

Flatrock Campground - This campground is located on the upper part of the Henry's Fork, just downstream from Mack's Inn. Facilities include bathrooms, running water and trailer sites.


Commercial Campgrounds

The following campgrounds in the area that have hookups:

Buffalo Run RV Park - Formerly the Snowy River Campground, this campground is now open and operational. It is equipped with showers, a laundromat and full hookups. They also offer espresso, pizza, and raft rentals. Buffalo Run RV Park is located at the north end of Last Chance on the east side of the highway. For reservations call 208-558-7112.

Mack's Inn - Located about twelve miles north of our shop just south of where Highway 20 crosses the Henry's Fork. Mack's Inn has a laundromat and showers. Campsites also have hookups

Red Rock R.V. and Camping Park - This campground is located above "the cliffs" on Henry's Lake. Turn west off Hwy. 20 at milepost 398 onto the Red Rock Pass Road and go five miles. The campground will be on your right. Full hookups are available. For reservations call 1-800-473-3762 or 208-558-7442.