Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, ID

Camping areas around Bloomington, Idaho include several developed campgrounds and dispersed options in the Caribou National Forest. Bear Lake State Park Campground provides established sites with electric hookups and showers, while nearby Paris Springs Campground offers more rustic accommodations for both tent and RV camping. The region includes a mix of Forest Service sites like Emigration Campground and privately operated facilities such as Montpelier Creek KOA, which features cabin rentals and full hookup sites approximately 15 miles from Bloomington.

Road conditions vary significantly by season, with many campgrounds operating only from May through September due to winter closures. Higher elevation sites like Willow Flat Campground may have limited access during spring runoff periods. "The wildflowers are beautiful but once it hits late June they are usually gone. The campsites are great. They are close together but it doesn't feel like it because there are so many trees and the creek that runs through the campground is loud enough to drown out other's noise," noted one visitor about Willow Flat. Most Forest Service campgrounds provide basic amenities including vault toilets and potable water, while cell service remains limited throughout the region, particularly in canyon areas and remote sites.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with Bear Lake's turquoise waters attracting visitors to nearby campgrounds. Several campgrounds feature creek-side sites that provide natural sound barriers between camping areas. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing opportunities, particularly in areas like Willow Flat where stream access is readily available. Public lands near Franklin Basin offer more secluded dispersed camping options with river access. "You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views," reported one camper about the Franklin Basin area. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, though larger rigs may find limited suitable sites at some of the more remote Forest Service campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Bloomington, Idaho (154)

    1. Bear Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Fish Haven, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 945-2565

    "If coming from Idaho Falls stay on 30 Hwy till Montpelier then take 89 hwy to St Charles. If ya coming from Jackson Wy stay on 89 Hwy . If ya need Groc stop at the store in Montpelier."

    "Public outhouses are available. if you are up to walking a bit the ones near the day use area are cleaner and used less. Beautiful lake."

    2. Paris Springs Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bloomington, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $17 - $100 / night

    "The campground was in great shape, the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful, and the campground hosts were very attentive and thoughtful."

    "I chose the site near the Paris spring Trailhead. The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere! And dragon flies too!"

    3. St. Charles Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bloomington, ID
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $20 - $50 / night

    "The tent was pitched right next to Saint Charles Creek. It is currently very high (6/2017). I was worried they may get their tent wet! The camp is paved, so no dust!"

    "There is a good amount of shade at nearly all the campgrounds and they are close to the creek.  It has simple amenities like vault toilets, metal fire rings and picnic tables. "

    4. Willow Flat Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bloomington, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $20 - $120 / night

    "The hike to the headwaters is a must and if you're feeling up to it you can hike over the mountain to Bloomington Lake. There's also tons of UTV/ATV trails nearby. I love this place."

    "The creek also runs nearby which makes it nice and cool. There's vault toilets plenty of spigots, and tent pads at most spots."

    5. Montpelier Creek KOA

    6 Reviews
    Montpelier, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-7576

    "We booked a tent site online and pulled in around 8 pm on a Monday night shortly after the covid shutdown. It was raining and the temperature was 37 degrees and due to drop to 29 overnight."

    "Our cabin was right on the creek, and I found my pace and place on the porch and nature trail watching birds and listening to the creek while the kids enjoyed the pool and playground."

    6. Sunrise Campground

    12 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    $27 - $118 / night

    "We have no cell service in the campground but you can walk to the road and get service if needed. Behind the bathrooms on the South side there is a little trail with a beautiful view of the lake."

    "Sunrise Campground sites are immersed in trees to give you a surrounding cozy and comfortable feeling. Back in sites include a fire ring and sturdy picnic table..."

    7. Bear Lake North RV Park and Campground

    1 Review
    Bloomington, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 945-2941

    8. Caribou National Forest Emigration Campground

    5 Reviews
    Montpelier, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $20 - $100 / night

    "There was a little path to the bathrooms."

    "Close to lots of attractions in the Bear Lake area, but far enough from everyone else. the campground is in a beautiful forest with lots of trails and space to explore."

    9. Cloverleaf Campground

    2 Reviews
    Fish Haven, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $20 - $160 / night

    "We snagged a spot right next to Saint Charles Creek. Hearing the water run at night was nice. This year (2017) the runoff is very high and the creek was pretty swift for its size."

    "The Minnetonka Caves are nearby as well as the impressively colored Bear Lake."

    10. Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday

    7 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 946-3454

    "The store next to the entrance is amazingly well stocked with all you’d need. We stayed in an RV supersite that included a private hot tub and BBQ grill."

    "Next to paid activities there are some stuff kids can do for free."

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Recent Reviews near Bloomington, ID

435 Reviews of 154 Bloomington Campgrounds


  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Albert Moser

    Cache National Forest Camping

    We got to the campground around 5:00 PM. The gates were open, but the billboard/signs were covered up. We had zero cell service so we couldn’t get online to check anything, but we assumed it was closed for the season. There were some people camping up on the hill in the loop, so we decided to do the same since we were only stopping for the night to get some rest. This area was very busy with trail riders.. a lot of OHV’s ripping thru and around made it pretty noisy, but we weren’t bothered by it. We did walk through the campground and found it to be really nice. The creek running beside it, is really great. The vault toilets in the front of the campground were unlocked, but not well kept. Each campsite had a picnic table and fire ring/pit. There is water available in the campground, but we didn’t check to see if it was still turned on. If we’re ever back in the area, we’d definitely camp here!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    South Eden Campground — Bear Lake State Park

    View of Bear Lake

    Great view of the lake, little chilly for October. Quiet lots of deer near the campsite #12. Very large space, picnic table. Only 3 campers here at this time. Would visit again this time of year.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    A one spot stop

    Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful location

    I first visited this area in the spring, and have since been there around 4-5 times. It’s very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon. The road is dirt and bumpy so be prepared for that but I’ve never had a problem finding a spot. 10/10 would recommend (though in the spring the river is loud because it is more rushing)

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Portneuf Bend Campground

    Trains and ATv

    If your looking for a quiet wilderness experience don’t come here ATV are pain in the arse and trains roll 24 /7 very nosy! Sites are close together so you’d better like your nabour

  • Valerie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salt River Pass

    Fire

    We were headed to camp there, and we're met be fire crews. The mountain side is burned. It may be a while until you can camp there

  • Rod D.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Lower portneuf campground

    Exactly what I was looking for

    Saw this campground on Dyrt while heading to Grand Teton NP and needed a layover spot to catch some ZZZZs for a night. It's a no frills campground with 8 sites with tables and fire pits. There is a pit toilet in the picnic area (a very short walk). Train tracks are 30 yards away, no biggie, but yes, they blow their horn at the track crossing into the campground. A few came by throughout the night. Honestly, they really didn't bother me. I didn't realize what a great spot it was until the next morning when exploring the river area. WOW! Awesome! This is a real hidden gem!

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Lava Hot Springs West KOA

    Best KOA I ever stayed

    I have stayed at a lot of KOAs but this one would be #1 on my list. It is clean and well manicured. The bathrooms are spacious and clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. They are across the street from the rustic hot springs but a short walk or drive to the other side of town are the more modern pools. The town is super cute and very clean. You can also rent tubes to float down the creek that runs parallel to the town. Big beautiful park with lots of outdoor barbecue pits. This is a hidden jewel in my book. Definitely would come back.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Salt River Pass

    Do not go here

    The suggestion that you need a high clearance vehicle is an understatement. The service road is incredibly rocky with one side a sheer drop. Went down with our campervan and barely made it down and back up in one piece. Looks like a nice spot but the other entrance was blocked so you’d have to get out via the same horrendous route in. Avoid.


Guide to Bloomington

Camping sites near Bloomington, Idaho offer access to diverse terrain ranging from creek-side forests to lakefront settings at elevations between 5,900-7,000 feet. The camping season typically runs May through September with late June bringing peak wildflower displays followed by drier conditions in July and August. Many campgrounds feature creek access with natural sound barriers between sites.

What to do

Explore Minnetonka Cave: Located a short drive from St. Charles Campground, this limestone cave system makes for a cool day trip. "The Paris Ice Cave...is very interesting and I recommend visiting!" noted one camper about nearby attractions.

Fish mountain streams: Stream fishing opportunities abound with easy access from several campsites. "Great fishing and hiking. The hike to the headwaters is a must and if you're feeling up to it you can hike over the mountain to Bloomington Lake," reported a visitor about Willow Flat Campground.

UTV trail riding: Many forest roads and established trails accommodate off-road vehicles. "There's also tons of UTV/ATV trails nearby," mentioned one camper about the Willow Flat area. These trails connect multiple campgrounds throughout the Caribou National Forest.

What campers like

Creek-side camping: The sound of running water creates natural noise buffers between sites. "The creek was 10 ft from our tent. Trail for hiking right there and the cleanest bathrooms! My boys could have stayed two weeks fishing the creek!" shared a visitor at Willow Flat.

Alpine wildflowers: Early season campers enjoy impressive floral displays in meadows and forests. "We passed through this campground late May. It's very secluded, located at the end of the road. The drive in from Paris is pretty," noted one visitor about Paris Springs Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The forested areas support diverse animal populations. "Saw a moose!" reported a camper at Willow Flat, while others mentioned frequent hummingbird and dragonfly sightings at Paris Springs, where "There were hummingbirds everywhere! And dragon flies too!"

What you should know

Limited cell coverage: Service varies dramatically by location with most forest sites having spotty reception. "I had 2 bars of Verizon," reported one visitor to Emigration Campground, but coverage drops in valleys and densely forested areas.

Water availability: Many campgrounds post water notices early in the season. "They had signs posted stating the water at the provided spigots was not tested yet, therefore it should not be consumed," reported a camper at Cloverleaf Campground.

Road conditions: Access roads vary from paved to rough dirt tracks. "The road through the campground has a lot of deep potholes. The sites are small; some are pull through. I don't think I'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there," warned a visitor to Paris Springs.

Tips for camping with families

Water safety: Creek water levels fluctuate throughout the season. "This year the runoff is very high and the creek was pretty swift for its size. Too fast to fish," noted a Cloverleaf visitor, making adult supervision essential.

Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "My boys thought this was the greatest spot we've ever found... Trail for hiking right there and the cleanest bathrooms! Camp host was friendly and helpful with questions about exploring the area," shared a parent from Willow Flat.

Bear awareness: While not common, bears inhabit the region. "There are no bear boxes, but bears didn't seem to be an issue. We just kept our food in the car," reported an Emigration Campground visitor. Several campgrounds provide poles for hanging food supplies.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Many forest campgrounds have size restrictions. "I wouldn't take big rigs in here because most of the sites aren't long enough," advised an Emigration visitor, while another noted the campground has "a camp host up front that has firewood for sale."

Hookup options: For those requiring utilities, Bear Lake North RV Park and Campground provides full hookups. One visitor simply noted "Full Hookups. Nice staff," making it a convenient alternative to more rustic forest service sites.

Parking surfaces: Site conditions vary by location and season. "Road is very weathered asphalt, bumpy in spots. I didn't see tent pads," reported an Emigration Campground visitor, highlighting the need for leveling equipment for trailer camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV camping options near Bloomington Lake?

While Bloomington Lake itself has limited RV access due to mountain roads, several RV-friendly options exist in the surrounding area. Bear Lake Venture Park offers deluxe RV sites with more space and privacy, plus standard sites arranged in a loop. Traveland RV Park provides level sites with gravel pads just off the highway but tucked behind a hotel to minimize road noise. For those wanting to stay in the Bear Lake area while visiting Bloomington Lake, both Bear Lake/Trail Side KOA Journey and Epic RV Park & Marina provide additional options, though you'll need to drive to reach the lake.

Where exactly is Bloomington Lake camping located in Idaho?

Bloomington Lake is located in southeastern Idaho, near the Idaho-Utah border in the Bear River Range of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The lake sits at a higher elevation and is accessible via Forest Service roads. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides access to this area, where you can follow the gravel road from Utah into Idaho for about 30 minutes to reach camping areas near Bloomington Lake. The road is generally 2WD friendly, though conditions can vary seasonally. Many campers access the area from nearby towns like Montpelier or St. Charles, which are close to Bear Lake.

What amenities are available at Bloomington Lake campground?

Bloomington Lake camping areas are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Most camping near the lake is dispersed, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient. Beaver Creek in the same region offers a similar wilderness experience with isolated sites but minimal facilities. For more amenities, Willow Flat Campground in the broader area provides established campsites with access to creek water, though you'll still need to pack in most supplies. Most camping near Bloomington Lake requires pack-in/pack-out waste management, and visitors should bring their own drinking water, food, and camping supplies. Cell service is limited or non-existent in these remote mountain locations.