Boaters and anglers gravitate toward Smokey Bear for its direct access to Alturas Lake's crystal-clear waters. This Forest Service campground sits on what one reviewer calls "the best alcove of the lake," providing multiple access points to the shoreline and a boat ramp for launching watercraft.
The campground features eight sites, including several double sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets stay clean according to multiple visitors, and potable water is available on-site. Sites offer varying degrees of lake views, with some positioned for easy water access while others provide more privacy away from the facilities. A shoreline trail connects the camping area to the lake, where the water remains stable for paddling until afternoon winds pick up.
Road conditions into the campground receive consistent praise from reviewers, making access straightforward for RVs and standard vehicles. Cell service varies by carrier, with some visitors reporting no AT&T coverage. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, and Heather R. notes it offers "better views than the reserve only one" among the four campgrounds on Alturas Lake.
Campers seeking reservable options can check North Shore Campground just 0.3 miles west on the same lake.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the__Recreation.gov__mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free__Recreation.gov__mobile app__https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app\_\_prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSmokey Bear is located in Idaho near Atlanta
Coordinates
43.9202 N
114.8611 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 24 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 4 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 23 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 38 min from Pocatello, ID
