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Established Camping

Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)

Grand View Campground, near Ashton, Idaho, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty all around. With only nine sites, it’s a quiet place where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for those classic campfire evenings.

This campground is a hit for its electric hookups, which are a rarity in national forest campgrounds. Visitors rave about the cleanliness of the facilities, including the vault toilets, and appreciate the fresh water spigot available on-site. As one camper noted, “Super clean” is the name of the game here.

You’re just a stone's throw away from the breathtaking Lower Mesa Falls, making it easy to take a quick hike and soak in the views. The Upper Mesa Falls is only a short drive away, and many campers recommend the hike between the two for an up-close experience with the falls. Just remember to bring bug spray; the area can get a bit buggy during the warmer months.

With its proximity to the scenic byway and the majestic Tetons about an hour away, Grand View Campground is a fantastic base for your Idaho adventures. Whether you're tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, this spot has what you need for a memorable stay.

Description

National Forest

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Grand View Campground is located on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, adjacent to the Lower Mesa Falls Overlook, approximately 13 miles northeast of Ashton, Idaho. Upper Mesa Falls is within a mile. Visitors enjoy exploring the trails at the falls, viewing wildlife and hiking.

Recreation

Mesa Falls Recreation Area offers walkways and overlooks for all to enjoy. Upper Falls has an accessible path and close-up overlook of the falls, as well as a staffed Interpretive Center. Visitors enjoy viewing the power and beauty of the falls, as well as watching the osprey and eagles that frequent the area. An abandoned railroad bed acts as a trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding from the Bear Gulch parking lot to West Yellowstone, Montana. Several entry/exit points are found along the trail. Numerous additional trails are in the vicinity.

Natural Features

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway leads through Idaho's backcountry to the 85-foot Lower Mesa Falls and 110-foot Upper Mesa Falls, both on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. A beautiful rainbow created by sunlight passing through the mist is visible from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during sunny days at Upper Mesa Falls. The byway is home to an abundance of seasonal wildflowers. A variety of wildlife makes it home in the area, including moose, bear, deer, elk, marmots, coyotes, martens, eagles, osprey and many other small mammals and birds.

Nearby Attractions

Harriman State Park, a wildlife refuge featuring Blue Ribbon trout fishing (fly fishing, catch and release), trumpeter swans, elk, moose and various waterfowl, is located approximately 11 miles north on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Island Park is within a short drive beyond Harriman, with outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. Hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the area. Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake are nearby, with boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, boating, water skiing and fishing. Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone, Montana, are an hour's drive away. Yellowstone offers hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing in a breathtaking natural setting.

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Location

Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Ashton, Idaho, head east out on ID-47 (Mesa Falls Scenice Byway). Stay on the main road - it will make one big curve and head north, then cross Warm River (don't turn right onto the Fish Creek Road). Turn left at the Lower Mesa Falls Overlook. The campground is to the left with the overlook parking area to the right.

Address

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
Ashton, ID 83420

Coordinates

44.175 N
111.3138889 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2024

Hidden Gem!

I’ve lived in Idaho Falls almost my whole life and visited Ashton and Island Park countless times and had no idea this was here! I lucked into a first come spot because someone had cancelled their online reservation and was able to stay two nights here. Dog friendly, zero cell service like at all.

I got spot 4, right next to the delightful camp hosts! Electricity at each camp site, two double sites, all the trees you could ever want! A very very quiet and peaceful campground. 10/10. Will be back.

It’s steps away from Lower Mesa Falls! Not far from Ashton if you forget something and close enough to West Yellowstone if you want to stay somewhere further from the park!

Site4
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Nice Campground with Fantastic Host!

There's so much to see in the area. Obviously the nearby falls, but also other great opportunities not too far of a drive such as Cave Falls.  The campground itself has a hiking and vista opportunities. It was very well maintained and peaceful. We got unlucky with a flat tire out and our host was incredibly helpful to get us to the only place nearby (not nearby) to get that replaced. Above and beyond, and made an unfortunate situation much more tolerable.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Camp Comet , July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Camp Comet , July 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Camp Comet , July 11, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

Great but buggy

Gorgeous and quiet camp spot despite being off the scenic byway. You can easily walk down to the Lower Mesa Falls observation point from the campground, and Upper Falls are a 5 minute drive. Apply big spray often and enjoy this campground!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2021

What a surprise!

What a surprise. Small, intimate, but generous sites. We don't often find NF campgrounds with electricity. Only 9 sites, but all with electric. There is a spicket for fresh water. Super clean. A little road noise, but not too bad. As with all national sites, the America the Beautiful Senior pass makes it only $13 per night. What a deal. Extra vehicles are charged a $7 fee. Also, as others have said. Upper Mesa Falls is worth a visit. We went around noon and the falls produced a rainbow. Beautiful ! See photos for pictures of all sitesm

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Nancy C., June 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Nancy C., June 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Nancy C., June 7, 2021
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Hike to waterfalls

The campground is within walking distance of Lower Mesa Falls and an easy but longer hike to Upper Mesa Falls. All the usual amenities in this campground- picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets(really clean!), plus steel prep stand tables. No cell service for me here, but I think some other campers had service with a different carrier. Definitely do the hike to the falls to save yourself a parking fee($5), or be sure to take your Interagency National Parks card and the parking fee will be waived. Not far away is the Bear Gulch hike, which is very pretty, but you will likely have to share the trail with mountain bikers and dirt bikers, so be prepared.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Annie C., July 26, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2017

Small but grand

This little campground, only 9 sites, is very well kept and in a wonderful location. The Tetons are about an hour away and West Yellowstone is about the same distance. Not to mention Lower Mesa Falls is only 100 or so yards from the closest campsite. Upper Mesa Falls is just up the road as well making this a great jumping off point for almost any adventure. In regards to the actual campground, there are sites with electrical hookups and spots large enough to fit two RVs. There is also fire pits, tables, water, restrooms, and even bug traps. Since the site is so small there is also not much noise except for a car driving by every now and then. Overall, a wonderful place to stay.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Evan H., July 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Evan H., July 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Evan H., July 25, 2017
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2017

Small Idaho gem near the Tetons

This campground and the adjacent Falls were recommended to me by a local, and what a find! The campground was very small(9 sites, I think), quiet, and beautiful. The outhouse and campsites were extremely clean. All sites had electric hookup available; camping fees were $30 with hookup and $15 without. The campground is located on Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, near Ashton, Idaho, and is a short walk to The lower Falls. I will definitely return to camp at this tiny gem.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Gretchen B., June 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Gretchen B., June 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) by Gretchen B., June 20, 2017
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)?

    Camping at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) can cost between $31.00 and $62.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) has 50 amp electric hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)?

    Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) allows vehicles up to 65 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)?

    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 Grand View Campground (Targhee NF). If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF), try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)?

    There are 8 campsites at Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts