224 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Island Park, Idaho serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences, with options ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The area includes Henrys Lake State Park Campground, which accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts, while dispersed camping opportunities can be found at locations like Targhee Creek and Henry's Lake BLM areas. Several campgrounds in the region feature waterfront access to rivers and lakes, providing opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes this area particularly popular during summer months, with many campgrounds situated within 30 minutes of the West Yellowstone entrance.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly by season, with most campgrounds operating from late May through mid-October. Winter snowfall can be substantial, with some areas receiving up to 11 feet of snow by January. Many established campgrounds offer amenities such as electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, while dispersed sites typically provide no services. Campground fees range from free at dispersed sites to approximately $30 per night at developed locations, with non-resident fees at state parks reaching up to $71 per night. Cell service throughout the area is inconsistent, with visitors reporting varying levels of connectivity. A visitor noted, "This area gets pretty full in season, but we still found a spot pretty easily, and an even better spot down in a meadow by a creek with the help of a neighbor."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites along Henry's Fork of the Snake River and Henry's Lake. Campers frequently mention fishing access as a primary draw, with several reviewers highlighting the quality of fly fishing opportunities. Wildlife sightings, including moose, are commonly reported at campgrounds throughout the area. Standing water in early summer can create significant mosquito populations, particularly in June, while August visits typically encounter fewer insects. Proximity to recreational trails for hiking, ATV riding, and mountain biking enhances the camping experience for many visitors. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many campers use Island Park as a base for exploring nearby attractions including Harriman State Park, Mesa Falls, and Yellowstone National Park, with the location offering a quieter alternative to staying within Yellowstone itself.
"Beautiful spot near both West Yellowstone and Island Park. Lots to do including: fishing, hiking, floating the river in Island Park, driving through Yellowstone, horseback riding, etc."
"This campground is situation on Henrys Lake and provides amazing views from the campground. There are trails to explore without going too far."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"I enjoy all the amenities, the only thing I wish it had was a sewer at the individual sites, but it’s ok because they have a couple within the park located towards the exits."
"9/6/19 Conveniently located, 6 miles from west entrance of park. We had a pull thru site, 45,. Level gravel site."
from $35 - $120 / night
Check Availability"This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."
"We originally wanted to stay farther south in Idaho after leaving Jackson but we weren’t happy with the location."
"It’s a bit of a drive off the beaten path, and you may find yourself thinking “is it really out here?” but it is. I promise."
"Yes it is about a 30 minute drive outside of the west entrance, but absolutely worth it."
"Only a couple of miles.from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It borders a forest with plenty of trails. Big campground and very busy."
"It is pristine, close to everything (including Yellowstone entrance and town). You could even walk into town if you wanted."
"Great location. Close to the park entrance and West Yellowstone. Pit toilets were in really good shape. And the camp host went way beyond to help us with a situation."
"Just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone (I think it's only 3-4 miles away from the entrance) is a good backup campground in case you can’t get a campsite in the park (a common problem in the summer"
"It’s isolated and quiet yet still so close to the action of Yellowstone NP & West Yellowstone. Every employee we encountered was so friendly and helpful."
"The side by side trails w were amazing. We saw moose and elk while staying at this location. Beautiful and close to Yellowstone!"
from $68 - $369 / night
Check Availability"These spots all look great, but it’s May and the snow piles on the sides of the road keep you from accessing any of the trails for camping."
"Came in around 6pm on a Sunday."
"5/18/26 Three highway signs, entrance gate wide open and no signage anywhere that said campground was closed."
"Site access to river for fishing, tubing or kayaking. Great hiking too!"
from $25 - $62 / night
Check Availability"Campground is in a great location close to Yellowstone entrance. It’s a big campground and as expected it can be a little cramped."
"This campground was an excellent place to get away from the crowds and relax after a day in the park."
GuideThis campground was basic and fairly busy but it was right on the Madison River! The vault toilet was awful, someone made a real mess, stuff of nightmares. Fairly level site, basic picnic table and fire ring.
GuideThe description said water and electric available but the host said neither are available. There is a shared water source or faucet. Really nice sites, big rig friendly, in the trees, right off the highway about a mile. Quiet and secluded in the trees. Lovely.
RangerWanted a place to chill before the Yellowstone/Tetons gauntlet, and this did the trick. Plenty of sites that are a little close to each other, but not bad when there are only two other campers. Nice breeze off the lake and elevation made for very comfortable conditions. Just wish the water was closer.
GuideThere’s a good amount of camp spots before the lake, it’s kinda a far drive down the road. After we entered the national forest, we took the second left turn. Small, rocky road down to the shore. I saw someone leave with out putting out their fire. I went over an poured water on it until it was safe to leave.
LegendWe secured a one night stop in Yellowstone. We were warned of a bear frequently seen in the campground and were disappointed that she didn’t choose to visit while we were there. Staff were very friendly and efficient at check in. Campground was full but still quite pleasant with everyone respecting the quiet hours. Spaces were close but we still felt we had some privacy. Facilities were clean and the fresh potable water at the restroom tasted like fresh spring water.
ScoutThis is an easy access campground off the Bear-tooth highway. Very nice Campsites in loop a and b, hosts did an outstanding job keeping things clean. Bathrooms A+, Negatives for me would be traffic in campground looking for sites etc, No direct access from camps for the lake to launch. Watercraft needs to be driven to put in. Highway noise was another negative. Lake was very pretty but very shallow. Fishing so so.
ScoutWe came here with a large group of friends and family and had such a good experience. There are public bathrooms with nice showers, shade trees and a playground for our little ones. Camp hosts were so friendly. We will definitely be back for years to come!
TravelerWe were looking for a place close to Yellowstone national Park. We weren’t really sure driving down that gravel road while we were getting in to. We’ve mark this place as a definite destination for the future. Very (VERY) well kept and clean vault facilities. Bob the host is fantastic.
GuideI'd been wanting to camp here for YEARS, and the planets finally aligned (did this as a break from the chaos in Yellowstone, highly recommend - only 50 minutes from West!). It is as, or perhaps even more, beautiful than its reputation. Got an amazing site along but above the river, so no concerns in rain/about flooding.
Site 4 is directly across from a bathroom, bear box, and potable water, but this little row (sites 1-5 I believe) is one-way and only for registered campers, so it's not at all busy. Fit our SUV with tons of room, would easily accommodate an RV or multiple vehicles. Very cool overnight in mid-July, hot during the day but plenty of shade around (plus of course the water!). Heard elk bugling early in the morning and saw a snake slither off into the bushes down by the water, so wildlife is definitely around.
Note the no cell service thing is very real, there's even a sign warning you as you drive in. There's also no trash service available (but there is up by Cliff Lake), and the camp host had a sign that they don't sell firewood.
Pro tip: after check out, enjoy the day use area for awhile before leaving.
Island Park, Idaho sits at an elevation of about 6,500 feet in the caldera of an ancient volcano. The area receives significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 30s-40s°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Dispersed camping areas like Henry Flats offer waterfront access without facilities, while established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities from basic vault toilets to full hookups.
Fly fishing access: Near Targhee Creek, visitors can explore a 13-mile trail with seasonal wildflowers. "We saw some wild strawberries!" notes Cheyenne P., who found the location perfect at about 20-30 minutes from Yellowstone's west entrance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping at Henrys Lake State Park Campground provides opportunities to see moose and other wildlife right from your campsite. "Wildlife can be viewed from inside RV," according to James S., who has stayed at the park numerous times.
Paddling on calm water: The multiple lakes in the area provide paddling opportunities with stunning backdrops. "The free Kayak rentals are a plus also. We also saw a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground," reports George B. about his experience at Henrys Lake State Park.
Mountain biking: Several trails throughout the area accommodate mountain bikes, with routes of varying difficulty. Areas around Island Park have connections to broader trail systems that continue into surrounding public lands.
Proximity to attractions: Staying near Island Park gives easy access to multiple destinations. "Very close to other places to visit; Yellowstone NP, Mesa Falls, Harriman State Park, Earthquake Lake, Big Spring, really too many to list," notes James S. from Henrys Lake State Park Campground.
Lake views: Henry Flats Dispersed Spot provides waterfront camping with mountain backdrops. "An easy to get to, beautiful, quiet, and peaceful lake setting. Cows mowing in the distance, bird sounds on the water and sunset over the hills," writes Steve B. about this free camping area.
Peace and privacy: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping options near Island Park. At Bootjack - Dispersed Camping, one reviewer mentioned, "I stayed here one night and loved it. I'm a solo female traveler and felt super safe which is important to me. There are quite a few surrounding campers, but not to the point where it feels overcrowded."
River access: Several camping sites near Island Park, Idaho provide direct river access. The Madison River at Bakers Hole Campground receives particularly high marks from anglers.
Weather preparation: Wind can be significant at lakeside campgrounds. At Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, a camper noted: "Tried to set up on the bluff having read the weather reports of only 8 mph winds, but up in the bluff overlooking the lake, gusts were at least 30mph. Had to pack up and move down by the boat access/pit toilets."
Early arrival recommended: Most dispersed camping sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. For popular areas like Bakers Hole Campground, campers advise: "Get there early for a spot. They have firewood available for purchase."
Insects: Depending on timing, insects can be problematic. At Henry's Lake BLM, a camper reported: "We loved it here, it was quiet for the most part and the lake was beautiful. Read in a previous review that the bugs were bad, and they definitely were but I would still recommend this place!"
Cell service variations: Connectivity varies greatly across the area. At Targhee Creek, reviews mention "Excellent Verizon service was a bonus that we don't get at a lot of dispersed sites," while other campgrounds report spotty coverage.
Playground access: For families with children, Red Rock RV Park offers dedicated play spaces. According to Daniel C., "It has a huge playground area for the kids. Sorry no pool but Henry's lake is within a 1/2 mile."
Educational opportunities: The proximity to natural features provides learning experiences. Craig L. notes about Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA: "We were in tent site number one which they said was unlevel, but it was fine. It backed right up to the stream that gave an incredible calming sound all night long."
Safety considerations: When camping with children in this area, be aware of wildlife. At Targhee Creek, Brooke Z. advises: "If you plan on hiking, bring bear spray."
Temperature planning: Pack extra warm clothes for children even in summer, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly regardless of warm daytime conditions.
Site selection: For larger RVs, look for pull-through sites at established campgrounds. Betty G. notes about Henrys Lake State Park: "There is one grassy area for tents and smaller RVs and a new section that will accommodate all sizes."
Road condition awareness: Many dispersed camping sites have rough access roads. At Targhee Creek, Ron D. explains: "The road is quite rough but I did fine in my small two-wheel drive SUV."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. A camper at Henry Flats notes: "Location is stunning, off the main road, and feels safe. Additionally it is stunning! The lake is incredible, however it was VERY windy while we were there."
Hookup availability: Full hookup options exist but book quickly. Plan ahead for water access points if staying at dispersed sites, as most lack potable water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Island Park, Idaho?
Island Park offers several excellent campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Riverside Campground is a favorite located in the heart of Island Park, providing easy access to general stores and proximity to Harriman State Park with great hiking and birding opportunities. The riverside sites, particularly 21A, are highly desirable. Another top option is Henrys Lake State Park Campground, situated right on the water with spots for both tents and RVs, plus a few cabins. The facilities include clean bathrooms with showers and flushing toilets, and many sites offer water and electricity hookups. Both campgrounds provide excellent access to the region's natural attractions and recreational activities.
Can you camp at Island Park Reservoir?
Yes, camping is available at Island Park Reservoir with several options. Mccrea Bridge campground is conveniently located off the reservoir and close to recreational trails, offering beautiful water views and a peaceful setting. The campground has a helpful host and remains relatively quiet even during holiday weekends. Another option is Island Park Dam, which provides a large graveled parking area next to the reservoir with level spaces and pit toilets. This area can accommodate several vehicles and offers a no-frills camping experience away from road noise. Both locations provide good access to all the recreational opportunities the reservoir has to offer.
Are there RV camping options in Island Park?
Island Park offers numerous RV-friendly camping options. Bootjack Dispersed Camping provides grassy spaces that can accommodate even large rigs with a 14-day stay limit. It offers good cell coverage (Verizon 4G/4 bars, ATT 4G/3 bars) and access to dump stations and water. For those seeking more amenities, Buffalo Run Campground can accommodate full-timers in large Class A motorhomes with tow vehicles. This campground serves as a good base for exploring the area and visiting Yellowstone National Park. Most RV campgrounds in the region book up quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended, especially for those planning to use Island Park as a base for Yellowstone adventures.
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