The Ashton area offers developed campgrounds in the Targhee National Forest at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during daytime. Most campgrounds near Ashton remain accessible from late May through mid-September, with dirt or gravel access roads that can become muddy after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to Lower Mesa Falls: Located approximately 100 yards from Grand View Campground, this accessible trail provides views of the cascading water. "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," notes Annie C.
River fishing access: The Buffalo River provides excellent fishing opportunities, especially for beginners. "It was my 8 year old's first time fly fishing and this river is perfect for first-timers. Most areas are about 2-3' deep with some deeper holes. We arrived at the river just in time for a massive Caddis fly hatch and he landed himself a few 10" trout," reports Andy O. from Buffalo Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers the best opportunities for spotting moose, deer and other wildlife. "As we first got into the campground, a moose was grubbing on some shrubs. Found our camping spot and no one was around except for a few campers," mentions a Buffalo Campground reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded riverfront sites: Riverside Campground offers peaceful riverside camping with space between sites. "Good forestry in between sites. Lower A loop is closer to the river. A bit buggy mid summer but tolerable," explains Erik B., highlighting the natural separation between campsites.
Clean facilities: Campground hosts maintain exceptionally clean facilities at most Ashton area campgrounds. "The vault toilets are very clean, smell great, have hand sanitizer, and actually have rugs to make them feel more like a real bathroom," reports Randy M. about the facilities at Grand View Campground.
Electrical hookups: Unlike many forest service campgrounds, Grand View provides powered 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. As with all national sites, the America the Beautiful Senior pass makes it only $13 per night," mentions Nancy C.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: June through mid-July can bring significant mosquito activity. "When we were there, it was the first spring hatching of the mosquitoes. In other places, it was swarms of them!!! Not here. At least, not on the loop close to the river," reports Nancy C. about Riverside Campground.
First-come availability: Many campgrounds operate without reservations, requiring early arrival. "It is a first come first serve so get there early. When we got there we started to pull in to a two space campsite the host came over and directed us to his favorite site which was secluded at the back of the campground at the end of a culdesac," Linda G. advises about Riverside Campground.
Limited cell service: Service varies significantly by carrier and location. "No cell service for me here, but I think some other campers had service with a different carrier," notes Annie C. at Grand View Campground, indicating spotty connectivity throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Consider tent glamping options: Beyond the luxury canvas accommodations mentioned elsewhere, Colter Bay Tent Village offers family-friendly tent camping within driving distance. "Nice size campground. Wake up to the best view ever," describes Laura F., highlighting the appeal for families wanting a camping-focused experience.
Visit early season for fewer crowds: Late May to mid-June offers smaller crowds at most campgrounds. "We went over the 4th of July. LOTS of people, but still plenty of things to do without running into lots of people," notes Linda G. about Riverside during peak season.
Secure food properly: Bear country protocols require proper food storage. "They ask to clean up your site each evening and put grill and coolers away so as to not attract the bears. They have nice tent areas and cabins," explains Brenda L. from Headwaters Campground.
Tips from RVers
Expect dirt roads: Most glamping and camping areas near Ashton have unpaved access. "The whole area was dirt and the roads were also dirt, so things do get dirty. Our yellow Labrador was extremely dirty when we left, but she loved it there!!" shares Brenda L. about Headwaters Campground.
Consider pull-through options: Several campgrounds offer easy-access sites. "Stayed one night here and checkin was a breeze, all sites are pull through and they have laundry (honor system for payment). Utilities worked great and we were able to requested late check out," reports Reames C. from Wakeside Lake RV Park.
Varying hookup configurations: Some sites have uncommon utility setups. "Sewer connection had an odd configuration. We had to dig a bit of dirt out in order to make a connection," mentions Susan R. about Headwaters Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing adapter options.
