Tom J.
Traveler
TravelerSouth Tourist Park Campground
On the Snake Riverer
Very clean campground with sizable sites that include picnic tables, firepits and grills. No hookups but they have a dump and (currently not working) fresh water.
Camping near Caribou-Targhee National Forest
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Caribou-Targhee National Forest (73)
1. Snake River RV Park & Campground
18 ReviewsIdaho Falls, ID16 milesWebsite+1 (208) 523-3362$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."
"Short drive from the campground to some restaurants, gas stations, grocery store, etc in the area. There are 2 bar/grills walking distance from the campground. Has a Heated pool."
2. Snake River Dispersed
7 ReviewsFirth, ID10 miles"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!"
"Nice BLM area right next to the Snake River and only 10 minutes from Shelley."
3. South Tourist Park Campground
9 ReviewsIdaho Falls, ID16 milesWebsite+1 (208) 612-8479$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."
4. Bingham County Park Rose Campground
3 ReviewsBlackfoot, ID12 milesWebsite+1 (208) 782-0085"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."
5. Idaho Falls Luxury RV Park
5 ReviewsIdaho Falls, ID15 milesWebsite+1 (208) 881-4562$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."
6. Lava Hiking Trailhead
2 ReviewsCaribou-Targhee National Forest, ID11 miles"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. "
7. Southeast Tourist Campground/RV
3 ReviewsIdaho Falls, ID16 miles$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."
8. North Bingham County Park
4 ReviewsBlackfoot, ID17 milesWebsite+1 (208) 782-3191$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."
9. Fairway RV Park
1 ReviewBlackfoot, ID15 milesWebsite+1 (208) 785-248010. Wolverine Canyon
5 ReviewsFirth, ID22 miles+1 (208) 478-6340"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Caribou-Targhee National Forest
29 Photos of 73 Caribou-Targhee National Forest Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Caribou-Targhee National Forest
322 Reviews of 73 Caribou-Targhee National Forest Campgrounds
- WWalter B.Traveler
Snake River RV Park & Campground
Open year round
For me it was great.., it’s in the heart of the city and has a lot of shade for tents and plenty of water and electricity hook ups for your RV
- BBrian B.
ScoutFalls Campground
Quiet and peaceful
We stayed for nine days and in late August and it rained for seven of them. We had a very peaceful and enjoyable time. The host is very kind and does a great job of keeping the campground and restrooms very clean. Moose, Swans and an occasional cow are wildlife seen in and around the campground. Highly recommend Falls campground. There’s waterfalls also 😁
- CChuck W.Traveler
Mountain View RV Park and Restaurant
Big Rig Friendly
FHU. Easy in and out. Nice space between rigs. Small bar and restaurant on site. Perfect for our 40 ft MH pulling a car.
- AAlice H.Scout
Juniper Group Campsite — City of Rocks National Reserve
Bring your Boat
Tidy and clean campsite, has flush toilets and showers. Hook ups for power water and waste available. $30 per night. You can book a site but there is a lot of first in sites as well, the booked sites seem to have better views over the cliff to the water though. Boat ramp close by for lake boating, we went swimming but it's a bit of a rock scramble to get to the water - it was nice though.
- JJeffrey D.Traveler
Falls Campground
Happy camping
Great location next to Snake River - big - private campsites- it’s gorgeous here. Make sure you bring what you need - limited services. Cool camp host sells firewood. $3 a bundle.
Lisa M.
LegendBonneville County Juniper Campground
So peaceful and beautifully maintained
We planned on staying here for two nights, but ended up staying for four as it was such a great spot. There are full hook ups at almost every site for $30 per night. Loop a is reservations only online but loops B and C first come first serve. We stayed two nights in loop A but our spot had already been reserved so we moved up to a spot in loop C, which I actually preferred better. There are quite a few pull through spots as well. There is a huge reservoir just below the campground. Seems to be popular for fishing. The campground has lots of trees and grass and is very well maintained. There are shower and bathroom facilities at each loop. Clean, great, hot water and good pressure. The town of Ririe about 5 miles away has a very nice little laundromat that was very reasonably priced as well. We also took a trip into Idaho Falls and went to the Idaho Museum and had lunch on the Riverwalk.
- Rachel M.
GuideBig Springs - Caribou
First time camping as an adult
The wind and rain was ridiculous. Can’t say it was the worst thing ever. It definitely was an experience. Utah took over the other sites nearby so we ended up here. The tent pad had grass clumps that were terrible. The second night, we moved under the shelter in the gravel. It was so much better. Trails nearby, water spigot, vault toilets. Camp hosts were so amazingly nice. Close enough to Lava to go into town during the day. Road to the campground is long and gravel. Train crossing at the turn from the main road. Lots of noise during the loud hours from atvs. People having fun. $20 per tent site. Picnic table under shelter with concrete and metal fire pit.
- NNameTraveler
Caribou National Forest
Quiet creek side camping great views
We stayed here on the way out of Yellowstone. Lots of room many spots you can be selective. It might be alluring to go all the way down the dirt road, but best spots are towards entrance. Big power lines that overtake the area further down road.
Guide to Caribou-Targhee National Forest
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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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