The area surrounding Island Park, Idaho sits at an average elevation of 6,500 feet, creating cool nights even during summer months when temperatures can drop into the 30s. Located on the Henry's Fork Caldera, the region features dense lodgepole pine forests that provide natural windbreaks for many cabin camping areas. Summer daytime temperatures typically range between 70-80°F, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing access: Within walking distance of Henrys Lake State Park Campground, visitors can try their hand at catching trout. One visitor mentioned, "Trout flapping in stream behind camper lot and large fresh water pelicans in the cove a few feet from the camper." The lake is known for cutthroat and brook trout fishing.
Free kayaking: Some cabin areas offer complimentary water equipment. As one camper at Henrys Lake noted, "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."
Mesa Falls visit: Drive approximately 20 minutes from Flat Rock campground to view Upper Mesa Falls. According to a visitor, "I highly recommend a day trip to Upper Mesa Falls (your camping tag will give you access with no additional fee) and/or Earthquake Lake. We did both in one day."
What campers like
Lake views: Many cabin sites offer water views. One visitor to Madison Arm Resort commented, "Second time we had a spot on the lake, great access to the beach and a couple trails for walking the dogs... The boys enjoyed the kayak rentals."
Wildlife watching: The area around Island Park cabins provides opportunities to see various animals. At Henrys Lake, a camper reported, "Wildlife can be viewed from inside RV" while another mentioned seeing "a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground."
Tree cover: Unlike some more open campgrounds, many cabin areas offer good shade. A visitor to Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn noted, "We were thrilled to be camping in the trees after being in the deserts of Utah and a city RV park in Cody. Sites were easy to access."
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Prepare for significant temperature swings. One camper warned, "Be prepared for wind in your campsite though, although beautiful, the mountains all around make for a strong wind tunnel, make sure all is staked down." Another noted, "it snowed" in early June.
Distance to Yellowstone: Most Island Park cabins require some driving to reach the national park. A camper at Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA explained, "This campsite was the most conveniently located for us at the time to explore Yellowstone. It's about an hour from Old Faithful."
Site variations: Cabin quality varies greatly across the area. At Buffalo Run Campground, a visitor noted, "This will be a great campground in a few months. With great facilities and a restaurant. Call and see if it's all done." At another location, a camper warned about "rustic and price high for value."
Tips for camping with families
Look for play areas: Some cabin campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. A visitor to Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday shared, "Staff is always friendly and helpful. Lots of activities for the kids. Lots of trees, clean, relaxing."
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have paved paths for children. One camper mentioned, "My kids loved riding their bikes around the campsites and there are some really cool trails. Paved if your of that speed, but it looked like there was a pretty rigorous hike up along a ridge."
Wildlife education: Take advantage of opportunities to teach children about local animals. A camper reported seeing "a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground. So awesome!"
Tips from RVers
Access roads: Some cabin and RV sites have challenging approach roads. A Madison Arm Resort visitor warned, "Don't use GPS to navigate to it will take you on a brutal 6 mile unkept dirt road. There is a easy route in ask for directions."
Site leveling: Several campgrounds have issues with uneven spots. One camper noted, "The slot we have is not real level so we had to park in the middle of the slot so we barely have enough room for the pick up."
Seasonal operations: Most cabin facilities close by mid-October. Buffalo Run Campground stays open slightly longer, with one camper noting, "Nice family, seats open while most other places are closed after Oct 1."
