Fishing the Snake River draws a steady crowd to Falls Campground, a US Forest Service site in Swan Valley, Idaho, where sites 14 through 16 sit directly along the riverbank and fill up fast. Anglers are a common sight here, though as one reviewer noted, the fish don't always cooperate. Moose have been spotted in the area, and bald eagles are frequently seen overhead, giving wildlife watchers plenty to scan for between casts.
"Clean, well spaced campground next to the Snake River," writes Becbecandbunny O., and that assessment holds up across multiple visits. Sites are large, with good separation between them, and each includes a steel picnic table, prep table, and fire ring. Double sites come with two picnic tables but require a double fee, currently $24, even if it's the last site available. Site 3, near the entrance, is close to the vault toilets, which means door noise throughout the night. T-Mobile users report reliable cell coverage here, which is worth knowing if you're planning to stay connected.
A waterfall sits roughly 1.5 miles from camp and involves a steep 150-foot climb to reach. The falls are also visible from Route 26 just before the pavement ends, making them an easy stop on the way in or out. Campers who visit in mid-July report the lower elevation makes things considerably hotter than higher-altitude sites in the region. Spring and fall visits tend to avoid both the heat and the bugs, which reviewers flag as a real nuisance by midsummer. RVs up to 120 feet can navigate the layout without difficulty.
Reservations are available and recommended, particularly on weekends. Mary S. notes that campers with an RV can use the dump station at Palisades Reservoir with a validated receipt from the campground host, avoiding the standard $5 fee. First-come sites do turn over regularly on weekdays, but arriving early is essential. No pets are allowed. Campers looking at campgrounds near Swan Valley will find a handful of alternatives in the corridor, including Caribou NF Dispersed near Snake River — Swan Valley for those who want a more flexible, dispersed setup without the reservation structure.
Description
Overview
Falls Campground is located next to the Snake River in beautiful Swan Valley at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Idaho Falls, Idaho is just 45 miles west. Visitors enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Snake and viewing local wildlife.
Recreation
The Snake River offers excellent cutthroat trout fishing, canoeing, floating, rafting and kayaking. Conant Boat Ramp is nearby and open to the public.
Facilities
The campground offers one group site that can accommodate up to 150 people. Several single sites are also available, all with picnic tables, campfire rings and grills. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
The campground is situated alongside the Snake River among cottonwood trees, which provide partial shade. Grassy meadows and summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Wildlife is plentiful in the river bottom. Eagles, osprey, moose and deer are frequently spotted. Fall Creek Falls is less than 1/4 mile from the campground. This scenic cascade drops 60 feet over a travertine outcropping on the river's edge. It is visible from some parts of the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 351-1182.
Nearby Attractions
Palisades Reservoir is less than 20 miles from Falls Campground, with great boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. The Fall Creek area has many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFalls Campground is located in Idaho near Swan Valley
Directions
From Idaho Falls, travel 45 miles east on Highway 26. Turn off right before the Snake River Bridge and continue 3.5 miles on a gravel road to the campground.
Address
TARGHEE
ID
Coordinates
43.4325 N
111.3625 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/10/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/10/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/10/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 42 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 26 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 46 min from Logan, UT
- 2 hrs 59 min from Ogden, UT
