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Established Camping

Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground

Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground is situated in a forested area with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and enjoy activities at Palisades Reservoir.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Calamity Campground is located along the Snake River drainage at the north end of beautiful Palisades Reservoir at an elevation of 5,700 feet, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing and canoeing.

Recreation

Palisades Reservoir offers excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular here as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp and large parking area are located on-site. The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley.

Facilities

Palisades Reservoir offers excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular here as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp and large parking area are located on-site. The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on a hillside above Palisades Reservoir, affording scenic views from many sites. A mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, aspen and maple trees partially shade the campground. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

Big Elk Creek Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at nearby Big Elk Campground and meanders up a beautiful canyon brimming with wildflowers, towering trees and views of the surrounding mountains. Swan Valley and the Snake River offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails.

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Location

Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Idaho Falls, Idaho, travel on Hwy. 26 for approximately 50 miles. Turn right off of Hwy. 26, (just before ascending grade to top of dam) and go __ mile, turn right and cross the river following signs to the campground. Distance is approximately 5 miles.

Address

TARGHEE
ID

Coordinates

43.3277778 N
111.215 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
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  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Nice and clean campground. Close to a lake

Met a few of my jeep friends here to camp for the weekend. It was easy to find on the gps. The campground was nice and clean. I was able to reserve a site online and my site was ready with my name on it when I arrived. The campground host was super friendly. I was able to have my dog with me at the site. He enjoyed playing in the water. Site has a bear box that was fully functional, picinic table, a fire ring and a place to put your camp stove on which I thought was a nice additon. They were in the process of remodeling a few sites. Would recommend this campground.

SiteA-01 which is next to the camp host
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Great Spot

The camp spots are well maintained and its easy to get to. The road in is very winding but is completely paved now.

Seems like it’s more established for trailer camping but we did tent camping and it was great. I would camp here again.

  • Review photo of Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground by Chris H., August 2, 2020
Reviewed May. 26, 2018

Beautiful

The campsite is well maintained and has amazing scenery. I felt that even with how close the sites could be, there was still privacy and trees to separate us from the neighbors.The road coming in is 4-5 miles of curve filled dirt road at various grades making it a challenge. The camp host mentioned they would be paving the road next summer.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground by J H., May 26, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground?

    Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground is located at 5638 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground?

    Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground allows vehicles up to 99 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground?

    There are 41 campsites at Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts