Camping options near Caribou-Targhee National Forest range from established RV parks to dispersed sites along the Snake River. The area includes Snake River RV Park & Campground in Idaho Falls with full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations, as well as Snake River Dispersed camping with primitive sites accessible by drive-in routes. Several campgrounds in the region support mixed camping styles including tent sites, RV pads, and occasional glamping options, particularly at locations like South Tourist Park Campground which sits directly along the Snake River.
Road conditions and access points vary considerably across the region, with many dispersed sites requiring adequate ground clearance. The Snake River area offers both developed and undeveloped camping options within a short drive from towns like Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, and Shelley. A recent review noted, "Dirt road with easy access goes to a wide open gravel area but opportunities to be right next to the river with an AWD vehicle." Camping season generally extends from late spring through early fall, though some RV parks operate year-round. Cell service is typically available near populated areas but can be limited at more remote dispersed sites. Visitors should note that many dispersed areas have no amenities such as water, toilets, or trash services, requiring self-sufficiency.
Waterfront access represents a significant attraction for campers in the area, with multiple reviews highlighting the Snake River views. Several campgrounds feature riverside locations that provide scenic settings and recreational opportunities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, train noise can affect some campgrounds near Idaho Falls, with one camper mentioning "a VERY LOUD train that went by a few times during the night, blowing its whistle." The region also offers access to unique natural features, including nearby lava fields with hiking trails. Despite minimal amenities at some locations, campers frequently mention appreciating the convenience of sites that provide proximity to towns while still offering natural settings. The campgrounds closest to Idaho Falls provide a mix of urban accessibility and outdoor experiences, with some featuring bike paths connecting to downtown areas.
$25 - $64 / night
"Location great close to town for shopping and stay the night if you’re heading to the Tetons. Does not have any access to snake river. The showers were hot. Has a cute little snack and gift shop."
"Relatively quiet even with the major roads around. The grounds are kept clean and neat. A great base location for seeing the surrounding attractions!"
"This all campsite for an overnight if you're making your way down through Idaho via the 15. You will hear a train, but there's also the sound of the flowing river and wind that makes it okay with me."
"Make sure to close the gate behind you! Then drive down the road and find your spot. We have a truck camper I wouldn’t recommend a trailer and definitely not a class A!"
$40 / night
"Not sure when they made that change but I wouldn’t say it’s quite worth that given proximity to highways and trains."
"Right on the snake river and great food close by."
"No hookups but easy to get any size rig in and out and there is a nice paved walking path around the area. Also there is a large area to turn around near the archery range."
"This was 4 minutes off the highway. It is just a big, flat open space next to a couple of ponds."
$80 - $100 / night
"We recently stayed at Idaho Falls Luxury RV Resort and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The staff was incredible, helpful, and kind."
"Nice change with all the grass around the asphalt site pads. There is access to a walkway along the Snake river that heads to downtown."
"Nice location away from the highway to spend the night. Dirt road that is a little rough but accessible by low clearance car. Several pull outs to car camp."
"Fairly level area with a fire ring, picnic tables under a shelter, metal charcoal grill and easy access to the lava field (Hells Half Acre) hiking trails. "
$40 / night
"I like if bike path runs through the place."
"You're able to launch kayaks canoes or even boats from this location at the ramp. The water in this area is very wide and slow moving so easy to swim and safe."
$15 - $25 / night
"Very friendly people to talk with, with plenty of shade to enjoy being outside. There is a “Frisbee golf course “ for all ages and great paths to take your dog for a walk."
"Easy access to pull through sites with ample space between the sites. Nice clean bathrooms with showers! Electric and water worked great. Would definitely stay again."
"Our timing worked out for the Idaho Falls area and Wolverine Canyon came up as an option. It’s all paved road until you get to the mouth of the Canyon, then it’s a well maintained gravel road."
"About thirty minutes outside of Blackfoot before you hit gravel road. We only drove a short distance on gravel before we parked in a wide spot that had a fire pit."
LegendI can't give it a 5 because it doesn't have electricity or water, but as a place to stop for ten bucks a night, it's fantastic. They do provide trash pickup, level spots, shade pit toilets and some recreational items like volleyball space, a dock and a boat ramp and a frisbee golf course.
LegendSurprisingly, large and private campground, with spots in the shade. Consider there to be no services. There are pit toilets a frisbee golf course and some bike trails the best maintained of any of it is the bike trails. The trash hasn't been picked up in a while. And you can find level spots, but there just isn't much else here, but good for a night.
GuideThis all campsite for an overnight if you're making your way down through Idaho via the 15. You will hear a train, but there's also the sound of the flowing river and wind that makes it okay with me.
GuideGreat place, great hosts
TravelerThere are spots along the river, a few back from the river and then a separate loop with some spots. This is a campground ran by the city parks and recreation. There is a camp host. Payment for the night is either cash or check. You place it in an envelope and drop it in a box in front of the camp host's site. After staying in several different campsites the past 10 days and comparing the amenities of all, $40 is too much. 1. No showers 2. Fire pits not at all sites 3. Bathrooms closed for construction, three port-a-potties instead 4.Safety concerns...Questionable people at some of the sites, especially towards the back. If you read about the campground on the internet, states they have had issues with homeless people. Should have spent a little bit more money and had full hookups. Won't stay here again. Didn't feel entirely safe. Could hear a very loud train. Some pros: beautiful view of the river out the side of our RV. A picnic table
GuideEach campsite is off the road and offers remote camping. The ones next to the water get taken up quickly but we found one next to a cliffside and loved it as well. The road can be loud, there’s a lot of 4 wheelers and they speed by like crazy several times a day. You can also hear highway noise. But you are 40 mins from Idaho Falls and the Heise pizza & hot springs nearby is LOVELY- we went twice lol! Fall creek falls nearby is also breathtaking. There was a lot of trash and glass at our site though so be aware. The dirt road getting in is crappy and long btw. But bonus there’s a big trash bin before heading onto it.
GuideOne of our pooches has been unwell and appeared to be making a comeback so before heading to the nearby National Parks, we wanted to stage ourselves near one of the few emergency vets in the area in case he had a setback.
We like city/county parks for their unpretentiousness and low cost. This gem is pretty special with its location along the Snake River for $40 a night (read more on that below).
If you don’t need full hook ups at your site, this is worth a short stay. Our 24 ft van fit well in the best site (#5) nestled between shady trees with a fantastic view of the river. Many of the other 15 sites can easily accommodate big rigs. It’s FCFS and was pretty unoccupied when we were here (mid-week after Labor Day). There are lots of grassy areas which the pooches enjoyed.
There is a central dump station. I like that the two drinking water refill stations are well separated from the dump station. That said, we didn’t discover there was no water at the until our second day. There are no signs indicating such, making the cost high for just a spot.
The restrooms were closed due to remodeling and that’s probably why the water is shut off. It’s annoying there aren’t signs also at the water pumps. We likely would have still stayed here but the $40 a night for just a spot is high.
There is some road and train noise but very light at night. We enjoyed walks along the river on the multi-use paved path. It’s conveniently located to stores, laundry and pretty much any facilities you need.
ScoutPlanned this trip for over a week. No where on any app or site does it say it’s closed for renovations. Drive an hour at 9mph on an unpacked gravel road and get here and it’s closed.
ScoutCame without a reservation, had plenty of sites. Bathrooms were great, host was very pleasant.
Camping options around Caribou-Targhee National Forest include both developed campgrounds and dispersed sites at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 6,000 feet. The area experiences wide temperature variations with summer highs averaging 85°F and overnight lows sometimes dropping below 40°F even in July. Winter camping is limited as most undeveloped sites become inaccessible due to snow accumulation from November through April.
Hiking lava fields: Explore unique volcanic landscapes at Lava Hiking Trailhead where trails wind through ancient lava flows. Access includes "a gravel road that is a little rough but accessible by low clearance car" with "several pull outs to car camp," according to jsbeezg.
River trail biking: Access paved riverside paths directly from Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park connecting to downtown areas. "There is access to a walkway along the Snake river that heads to downtown," notes Patrick J., making this convenient for cyclists wanting to explore without driving.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the wetland areas near North Bingham County Park during early morning or dusk. "There are great paths to take your dog for a walk" where visitors often spot waterfowl and small mammals, according to Bill B., with the park's location providing habitat for various bird species.
Spacious sites: North Bingham County Park offers "pull through sites with ample space between the sites," as Randy P. mentions, providing more room than many alternatives in the area. The park features recently paved surfaces with level spots.
Water access: Many campers appreciate riverfront locations with boating opportunities. "Nice BLM area right next to the Snake River and only 10 minutes from Shelley," reports Abner H. about Snake River Dispersed camping areas, which provide direct water access.
Stargazing conditions: The rural settings around Blackfoot offer excellent night sky viewing. At Bingham County Park, one camper notes, "The stars are absolutely breathtaking!" Minimal light pollution in outlying areas creates prime conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Train noise impacts: Railroad tracks near several campgrounds create significant noise disturbances. At Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park, Leah mentions "super loud railroad tracks, but they give you ear plugs lol," indicating management acknowledges this ongoing issue.
Seasonal fee variations: Prices fluctuate based on residency status and time of year. At North Bingham County Park, "the nightly rate is $25/night for Bingham County Residents and $45/night for Non-Residents," according to Abner H., representing a substantial difference.
Access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas have changing access conditions. Jessica B. reports that at Snake River Dispersed, "private property signs have been put up all over just past the first opening so you can't get to the open area that is good for larger RVs," showing how access can change unexpectedly.
Disc golf options: Bingham County Park offers free disc golf courses suitable for children and beginners. Bill B. mentions there's "a 'Frisbee golf course' for all ages," making it an affordable activity option for families camping in the area.
Playground availability: Snake River RV Park & Campground includes "a park for the kids and plenty of space for longer rigs," according to LeAnn M., providing recreation space directly within the campground for younger campers.
Creek camping for natural play: Wolverine Canyon offers streamside sites where "we could hear the babbling creek all night. So soothing," as Mary M. describes, creating natural play opportunities for children to explore water features safely.
Cell service quality: Service varies significantly by carrier across the region. At North Bingham County Park, Abner H. tested multiple providers and found "T-Mobile is 3 bars of 5G and my speediest showed 310.58 Mbps download speed" while "AT&T Service is 3 bars and bounces between 5G+ and LTE."
Big rig access notes: Snake River RV Park accommodates larger vehicles with "spaces very big and flat," according to Debbie M., though some areas require special consideration. At Snake River Dispersed camping, Jesse W. notes, "I have a 35 foot motorhome and I have plenty of space to turn around and find parking towards the back."
Dump station logistics: Several campgrounds offer dump stations with varying convenience. South Tourist Park Campground has "a dump site, fresh water and toilets," according to Kenyon, while at North Bingham County Park "the dump station is just past the sites" with "a separate potable water fill 50' from the dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Caribou Campground in Idaho?
While specific Caribou Campground information is limited, similar campgrounds in the area offer baseline amenities. Mink Creek Group Site Campground features well-separated sites with picnic tables, charcoal grills, fire pits, and toilet buildings at regular intervals throughout the grounds. For RV campers seeking more amenities near the Caribou-Targhee region, Mountain River Ranch provides flat sites with hookups, clean bathrooms, and is located near hot springs. Most forest service campgrounds in this area typically include vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and some access to water, though facilities vary by location and season. Always check with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest office for the most current information.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Caribou-Targhee National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Caribou-Targhee National Forest following Forest Service regulations. Wolf Flats Recreation Area is a popular dispersed camping location about 45 minutes from Idaho Falls with numerous sites along the river. Some sites have limited bathroom facilities. For those seeking a unique dispersed camping experience, Honeys Park offers free dry camping on private property bordering forest land. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, stay on existing sites, pack out all waste, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Always check for fire restrictions and obtain any necessary permits before your trip.
Where are the best camping spots in Caribou-Targhee National Forest?
Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Falls Campground is a small, peaceful site (less than 25 sites) located near the Snake River, making it perfect for fishing enthusiasts and those who appreciate waterfall views. For a more secluded experience, Scout Mountain Campground provides quiet sites with convenient amenities like vault bathrooms and water spigots nearby. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season. The forest's diverse terrain offers camping experiences ranging from riverside locations to mountain settings, with many areas providing access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation.
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