Mornings at Henrys Lake State Park Campground start with open sightlines toward the water and mountain ridges on three sides, the kind of view that makes the 16-mile drive from West Yellowstone feel like a worthwhile trade. The campground sits directly on Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho, operated by Idaho Parks and Recreation across three loops, each with a slightly different character. Campers looking for places to camp around Henrys Lake State Park will find this one of the more developed options in the area, with electric and water hookups on most sites and full sewer connections available on eight sites in the Caddis Loop.
The three loops vary in meaningful ways. Caddis Loop has water and power but many sites run unlevel. Adams and Blue Dun loops, as Vic R. notes, "have power, water, trees and most sites are level," making them the more reliable choice for RV campers. The shower facilities, particularly in the Blue Dun Loop, draw consistent praise across reviews. Restrooms and showers are cleaned daily and restocked throughout the day, a level of maintenance that stands out for a state park. Site spacing is moderate, shade is limited in some areas, and sites closer to the boat ramp may catch wind and odors from the fish cleaning station depending on conditions.
Fishing is the primary draw. Henrys Lake holds a reputation among anglers, and the campground has a boat launch on site. A neighboring marina provides rentals. Kayaking and paddle boarding are common on calmer days, though reviewers note that wind can pick up significantly and make open-fire cooking difficult. Swimming is not recommended due to leeches. Hiking trails through the park provide views of the lake and good opportunities for birdwatching, with peregrine falcons and deer sighted by multiple visitors.
Reservations are strongly advised. The campground fills quickly in summer, and booking several months ahead for July is standard practice. Mosquitoes are heavy through midsummer, so bring repellent. Cell service is inconsistent but can be found. The dump station has been out of service in recent seasons, so confirm its status before arrival if you need it. Campers with dump needs have driven into West Yellowstone as a workaround. For those wanting a no-hookup alternative nearby, Henry Lake Dispersed Camping and Targhee Forest Dispersed Camping are both within a couple of miles, while Island Park KOA Holiday sits to the east for campers who want full hookups without uncertainty.
At $60 to $70 per night, this campground makes the most sense for RV campers and families who value well-maintained facilities, direct lake access, and a convenient base for day trips into Yellowstone National Park.
Description
High in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, 90 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Henrys Lake is a stone’s throw from the Continental Divide and the western boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Situated in a wide, flat basin, and surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, this shallow alpine lake is as popular with migrating birds as it is with local sport fishers. The small state park at Henrys Lake is a great spot for spending a few days fishing, lounging and wildlife watching, or for exploring some of the area’s other attractions, including Yellowstone, Harriman State Park, Mesa Falls, and various hiking, horseback, and ATV trails.
Campers visiting Henrys Lake State Park will find more than 80 tent and RV sites situated near the lake’s eastern shore. Sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits with cooking grills. Some sites are ADA accessible. Campground amenities include flush restrooms, showers, picnic areas. A dump station is located onsite. The park also has a few camping cabins for rent. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from mid-May through mid-October. Sites are $20–$31/night; cabins are $50–$55/night; reservations are accepted.
For fishing on the lake, the park has a boat ramp and fish cleaning station. Yellowstone cutthroat is the most common at Henrys Lake, but there is also a significant number of cutthroat-rainbow (cut-bow) hybrids. Paddlers can launch from the beach area; kayak rentals are available. Wildlife watching from the park’s 3 miles of hiking and biking trails—as well as the lake’s shoreline–can be exceptional. Besides the prolific number of migrating birds, including waterfowl, eagles and hawks, there are frequent sightings of deer, moose, and antelope. The park also hosts seasonal nature programs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHenrys Lake State Park Campground is located in Idaho near Island Park
Directions
From town: Go N on US-20, then 2 mi W on access road.
Address
3917 E 5100 N
Island Park, ID 83429
Coordinates
44.6181407 N
111.36904675 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 31 usersLast on 7/27/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 7/27/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/27/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 31 usersLast on 7/27/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/27/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 50 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 7 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 32 min from Helena, MT
