Managed by Idaho Department of Lands, Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed sits along the shore of Henry's Lake in Island Park, where the road from the highway gives way to a network of pull-outs spread across forested pockets and open meadows. The access road has a reputation for potholes and rough patches, though reviewers note conditions smooth out considerably once you reach the waterfront. Sites range from spots tucked among trees to open-field pull-outs, giving campers some choice in how much shade or lake exposure they want.
The lake is the main draw. Several campers have pulled in lakeside spots with open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains, and the area gives direct access to fishing and kayaking from the water's edge. As Jamie C. notes, there are "ATV trails and easy boat access along the lake for fishing and kayaking," and fallen timber in the area provides ready firewood. Fire rings are present near many sites. Cell coverage runs to three or four bars of LTE on AT&T, which reviewers consistently confirm.
A few practical realities are worth knowing before arriving. Insects are a recurring theme in reviews, particularly non-biting midges and mayflies that can be thick in summer evenings. Wind is also a factor: one camper found gusts near the bluff far exceeded forecasted speeds and had to relocate down to the area near the boat access and pit toilets. Two vault toilets are on-site, and reviewers have consistently found them clean and stocked. Free roaming cattle are present, so expect to hear them at various hours. Crowds can build on weekends, with only a handful of spots remaining by Tuesday evenings in peak summer. Nearby, Henrys Lake Boat Access and Henry's Lake Boat Ramp provide additional staging options close to the water.
The campground sits roughly 30 minutes from the West Yellowstone entrance, making it a workable base for day trips into the park. Late October visitors have found the area nearly empty, which points to shoulder season as a quieter window, though cold temperatures make a fire essential. Campers interested in camping areas near Island Park will find this one of the more accessible free options in the region. If the lake is calling, this is a reasonable place to answer it.
Fee Info
FREE
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHenry's Lake BLM Dispersed is located in Idaho near Island Park
Coordinates
44.611274241033904 N
111.41553631869755 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 11 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 21 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 52 min from Helena, MT








































