Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Island Park is the way to go. Finding a place to stay in Idaho while traveling with your horse has never been easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach Island Park campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Availability will go live on Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling basis for RV sites, Tent sites, and Camper Cabins. Located in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, directly between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and just minutes from both, Headwaters Campground offers the perfect basecamp for exploration. Situated in a spectacular wooded setting with rolling hills and Teton mountain views, this campground is the perfect place to unwind and unplug, as there is no cellular or internet service. Commune with nature and spot bear, moose, mule deer, and more as you stroll along nearby Polecat Creek. For avid anglers, the Snake River offers plentiful cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. While none of Headwaters campsites are on the river, all are within walking distance. The campground offers 34 tent sites, 97 full-hookup and pull-through RV sites, and 40 Camper Cabins, and is open from June to October. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and book early.
The Headwaters area is a prime location for wildlife watching and photography. Walk along the banks of Polecat Creek through wildflower meadows and conifer forests to capture that perfect photo of a beaver, moose, elk, bison, bear, or birds. (Be sure to maintain appropriate distance!) Although soaking is not permitted, Huckleberry Hot Springs is an easy 2.5-mile loop that starts at Polecat Creek. The Flagg Canyon trail is a good option for all ability levels. This 5.1-mile out and back hike winds through meadows and cliffs along the Snake River, and features a waterfall. There is plenty of wildlife to see in this area, including marmot, elk, and white-throated swift.
Headwaters at Flagg Ranch is situated in a tranquil setting along the upper reaches of the Snake River, surrounded by meadows and conifer forests. The Yellowstone Plateau rises to the north, and Huckleberry Mountain to the east. Within walking distance is Polecat Creek, which runs through forests, wildflower meadows, and thermal features. For avid anglers, the Snake River offers plentiful cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. This area is known for its remarkable fly fishing and photography opportunities. Headwaters is home to elk, moose, mule deer, wolves, black and grizzly bears, a wide variety of birds and more. Bears are often seen on trails and in the developed areas. Being prepared for an animal encounter can help ensure your safety as well as that of the wildlife that call this spectacular area home.
Between 06/01/2024 and 09/30/2024 this location is staffed. Please call (307) 543-2861 to speak with local staff. From 10/01/2024 to 05/31/2025 this location is unstaffed. Please call (800) 443-2311 for general information.
One of the many reasons visitors return to Headwaters at Flagg Ranch year after year is its close proximity to Yellowstones south entrance, just a few miles north. But while it wouldnt be difficult to spend all your time exploring our countrys very first national park (and the second-largest in the lower 48 states), there is much to see and do in the opposite direction as well. Take a self-guided tour of Grand Teton National Park via the 43-mile Scenic Loop Drive, offering an opportunity to photograph the parks famous landscape and local wildlife. Spend a few hours at Colter Bay Village, located about 30 minutes south of Headwaters Campground, where you can rent a kayak or canoe, take a guided boat ride to the majestic base of the Teton Range, or just enjoy lunch and the stunning lake view from the marina. Continue on and stop in at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge for its famous huckleberry milkshakes and spectacular Teton views through 60-foot tall wall-to-wall windows. While youre there, book a scenic raft trip or park bus tour. From there, continue south to the town of Jackson, located about 50 miles from Headwaters, where you can visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art just outside of town, walk under the famous giant elk antler archway in town center, attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, browse local shops, and dine at one of the many restaurants.
Changing Reservations: If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Deposits: A deposit made by cash, check, or credit card will be required for the full reservation utilizing the applicable approved rate with tax and applicable add-on to hold a reservation. Cancellations: Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations within 24 hours of check-in are subject to the late cancellation policy. Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first nights rate Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows: A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Early Departures: If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. Visitors may notify the call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (11 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Refunds: Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Debit or Credit Card Purchases: Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. Check or Cash Purchases: Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify the visitor using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$82 / night
Area is great for viewing wildlife and trout in the river.
Grassy Lake Road offers 20 primitive campsites, some of the campsites are suitable for small RVs.
Wapiti Cabin is a primitive, rustic, log structure open year-round for recreational enjoyment. It provides access to several trails for summer hiking and biking, and winter skiing and snowmobiling. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle in warmer weather, but snow conditions may require a six mile trek on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
The junction of Taylor Fork Road and Wapiti Creek offers several trailheads leading into the Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area. Mountain bikers will find several route options in the Wapiti Loops in Taylor Fork, including a 14-mile route that begins at the cabin. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail is within 2 miles of the cabin, and it offers some of Montana's best backcountry snowmobiling. The area around Wapiti Creek also offers good terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The cabin is open to stock, and there is a corral available for horses. A hitching rail surrounds the cabin for stock use. Please keep in mind that fall hunting season brings big game hunters to this area.
Wapiti Cabin is situated inbetween the Madison Mountain Range and the Gallatin Mountain Range at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Beyond the meadow, guests at the cabin can see dense stands of evergreens and rugged mountain ridges. Wapiti Creek flows nearby. The area around Wapiti Cabin is grizzly bear habitat, but it's also home to deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife.
Wapitit Cabin is within the vacinity of West Yellowstone, MT, home of the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. It is also close to Hebgen and Earthquake lakes as well as the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center.
$65 / night
Beyond the developed areas, Yellowstone offers a diverse, mountainous landscape that invites exploration by foot, pack stock, and boat. Hundreds of miles of trails and over 300 designated backcountry campsites facilitate travel throughout the park, and permits are required for all overnight stays.
Traveler
This is a fantastic campground with lots of empty sites along Taylor Creek. The site I stayed at had a fire pit with lots of room to setup a tent or camper if you’re interested. Lots of distance between each campsite and again, a pretty valley view with a beautiful creek.
ScoutWe stayed one night on our way back from Yellowstone. My RTT was perfect for this. There was a small corral for horses and plenty of room for a horse trailer and truck.
Traveler
The staff was great. Shop open 8-9 and had everything you might need, drinks, ice, and keep sacks. There is also a pizza shop attached. The shop delivers to your site or you can eat in.
TravelerWe stayed in a large pull through site in our van because it was all that was available during last minute booking. We enjoyed a single night here on a level gravel pad with clean private showers nearby, and we were able to sleep in because of a long travel day.
Ranger
About 8 large spots with bear boxes and picnic tables and fire pits. No toilets or trash. Good room for rvs. In jun, bring mosquito repellant, the worst I've experienced since AK.
Guide
Cutest little non-electric cabin. Included full size bunk bed, desk. Plenty of space for your things. Bathrooms were clean, showers available, outlets available in bathrooms for blow dryers. Restaurant and gift shop. Perfect stop between Grand Teton and Yellowstone
GuideAs far as KOA campgrounds go, this one was nice. The sites were close which was no surprise but we didn't spend much time at our site anyway. There are some RV sites along the creek side that have a lot more space and they also have nice swing benches. The store is well stocked and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The showers are private and clean and plenty of hot water. I didn't use the laundry machines but they look clean and updated. The location of the campground is perfect. It is very close to West Yellowstone and the entrance into the park. You could hear the traffic on the highway but it wasn't too bad. The campground was quiet at night. I would stay here again.
RangerStayed in the cabins, campground has water, clean bathrooms and showers, and coin laundry. Right across the road from the main hotel lodge that has a camp store, wifi, and restaurant.
Traveler
This site does not exist. You can find the correct coordinates if you look at the other dispersed camping spot right beside this pin (see photo)
Guide
Set back behind the Grand Teton Mountains. Camp sites are primitive, no water, toilets or other amenities. Camped next to Grassy Lake Reservoir, beautiful lake nestled in the mountains. Only drawback was the mosquitoes.
ScoutWe rolled into this road around 7pm on a Sat. Most spots were occupied but we asked to share with someone who wasn't using the tent site (spot 8). Holy moly where the other reviews right about mosquitoes - they were the thickest I've ever seen. Earlier sites (1-3) may have been ok but we were deeper in the woods. They were so bad we set up our tent and skipped dinner so we wouldn't have to leave again
GuideGreat place to stay if you didn’t book a campsite 6 months ago. Very quiet and beautiful wildflowers. Plenty of sites for trailers and great roads.
RangerWe only stayed here for one night but enjoyed it. We were in one of the rustic little cabins which consisted of a double bunk bed, table with 2 chairs, small garbage can, and lantern. All the sites were close together but if you’re in the Tetons, you probably won’t be spending much time just hanging out at camp. There is coin operated laundry, a beautiful lodge with a bistro and full restaurant, plus a little gas station/grocery. Would recommend if you’re not looking for peace and quiet!
LegendCentrally located between Yellowstone national park in the grand Teton national Park this campground really has it all.
OK, there’s no Wi-Fi but there is laundry with a change machine, they have showers with warm water and toilets, A convenience store with groceries and a gift shop, gas station, and even a restaurant.
The sites are roomy enough not too close to your neighbor. Each site is full hook up and a pull through. ATT and Verizon service worked well.
GuideWe booked a cute little cabin, even though we had a van and tents because is looked like a good experience. We had bunk beds, with a desk and chairs. Outside we had a picnic table with a fire ring. Clean sites and cabin, showers, and restroom. There are washing machines on site. I would camp her again and stay in another cabin.
Legend
This RV park is simply just a place to park. Many of the spaces do not have any tree coverage although most sites do have full hook ups. You are right on top of your neighbor if you don’t mind that there are picnic tables at each site too. But maybe only 20 sites available. This RV park is part of the motel. 
GuideBootjack Dr.
Island Park, ID
44.5781, -111.341
Dept Fish & Wildlife
14 day limit (doesn't seem to be enforced, but seems to be more seasonal campers, not permanent) Grass Spaces for even big rigs.
Verizon 4g/4 bars (no booster)
ATT 4g/3 bars
No OTA channels
Dump & water available at Henry's Lake St. Park
Amazon Locker in Idaho Falls
Large parking area as you exit I20 to Red Rock. visible from the hwy.
Good place to drop a rig & scout out (highly recommended).
Snow plow turnaround at the end of Bootjack Dr, so you can get turned around on that road.
Coordinates lead to the main area off the left on Bootjack Dr.
There are 4 offshoot roads we saw, some going way back, but most people were parked fairly close to the tree line, or just in front of them for solar.
Use Google satellite and then scout them out as the roads can get pretty rutted the further in you go.
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 (we needed sun for solar) with the help of a neighbor.
CAUTION: if you park down by the creek, watch the weather. It can get a bit mushy in spots, and the road in/out can rut out.
This is a local ATV & Fishing hole.
There will be traffic. Had a few joy riders on a Friday night, but everyone else great.
If you park by the creek, you will have fisherman coming down to fish. They were fun to talk to, and we never felt unsafe. Just be aware this IS a public area, and the local public uses it regularly. If you don't want people passing through to the creek, the meadow area might not be for you.
Wild West Pizza, Firehole BBQ, Old Town Cafe our favorites in W.Yellowstone,
Cafe Sabor in Island Park.
Groceries & Supplies are at tourist prices, come stocked if you don't want to pay them.
We loved this spot. Peaceful, friendly neighbors, cows across the creek on private land, and Moose in the creek 3 days, easy access to Yellowstone, and free. Mid 80's high, mid to low 50's at night. We did have rain, and even some pea sized hail, but mostly just gorgeous days & nights.
This one is on the 'return to' list.
TravelerI got the last site available and felt so lucky! Even the park ranger said I must be lucky lol. There is a sanitation agent who comes to clean/remove trash every day but you can opt out of it during your stay if you let them know. Park rangers also check in with you to make sure you follow the rules. My site had a clear mountain stream so it was wonderful to have a water source. I never stayed at the other sites but I know site 8 was the best! Add a vault toilet (with surprisingly nice smelling hand sanitizer!), picnic table and a fire ring...I felt so spoiled! This was the best site I had my whole trip so far and it was close to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. There is a 14 day limit and it is very difficult to get a site (I got there on a Sunday morning and someone had just left). If they are all full, Targhee National Forest offers dispersed camping with no amenities but there are several lakes with nice views. The bugs were a bit of an annoyance but bug spray and campfire smoke helped with that
GuideThis highly trafficked campground on the northern end of the Great Tetons National Park is in a good spot for anyone going to or coming from Yellowstone. All the RV sites are pull through with 50/30/20 amp electrical, water and sewer. During the summer it is quite dusty, so be aware tent campers.
The sites were a mix of dirt and gravel, not terribly deep but wide.
There is laundry, propane and fresh water available. The lodge, gas station and small store are directly across the street. The gas station has free air.
TravelerWe were able to get a FF site. It’s clean and has showers and laundry. It is a dusty campground from the dirt roads and cars driving around. It’s a bit pricey but it’s only a 30 minute drive to Colter Bay and a 1/2 mile walk to the Snake River. Lots of nice trails to walk. We walked along the river and did Huckleberry hot springs. We stayed 2 nights and had to move to a different FF site that did not have a bear box.
Guide
The last 7 miles are a well maintained road. The scenery prior to arrive is breath taking. Campground is beautiful with spacious area between sites and wonderful pavilion over the picnic table. It was quiet enough to hear the water in the creek while in our campsite. We will definitely stay here again.
GuideNice campground inside the park. Good layout , clean showers not great ventilation but not bad. If I had to complain about anything it would be not every site has a bear box. Also if people drive fast it
creates a lot of dust if it hasn’t rained in a while. So please do not speed thru the campground.
LegendThis review is specific to tent camping which I don’t think is the focus of KOA locations.
For the good, the facilities we super clean and there were personal shower/bathroom rooms for use. The shower was great after a week of car camping.
The camp store had the basic and was convenient.
The location was very close to West Yellowstone and the west part of the park.
However, the tent camping left something to be desired. Our loop was around the back of the campground, with the basics of a fire ring and picnic table, it there was no tent pad and the ground was generally pretty sloped.
The tent sites overall were sort of fit into extra spaces and had little privacy.
TravelerWe stopped here after exiting Yellowstone to rest and eat and be on the road early the next day. The restaurant at the lodge was fantastic! Our campsite was lovely with full hook ups but it was packed and the smoke from the campfires were a bit bothersome for my asthmatic family member. Beautiful trails to walk through meadows as well.
GuidePulled in at 5pm Saturday night. Not a problem finding a site. No bugs, typing from our spot. 3 bars LTE Verizon. We went more north on bootjack road before going into the wooded area west. We love our spot. Rained a few days but we did not care. Will be back. Possible to buy property! Love it here.
We had a moose every morning walk thru.
Plenty of area to buy food. Chevron south 8 miles had the best food store and cheaper that the rest. Diesel went up 30 cents over night. Shell was the cheapest, south 5/6 miles.
GuideVery large KOA. Had a tent site next to the creek/pond. Very quiet at night. Check in was a breeze. Camp store appeared to be well stocked. Bathrooms were spotless, large and well appointed. Showers are not on a timer. Note there are 2 KOAs in West Yellowstone. They're only a couple of minutes apart but your navigation may lead you to the wrong one. "Mountainside" is the one you're looking for.
This campground is about 10-15 minutes from the west entrance of the national park. Once you enter the park you still have a ways to travel before you reach the junction for the ring road. So it's better to stay at a campsite in the park if you want to maximize your time for sightseeing. The KOA could be used as a home base for visiting the national park but it will entail a lot of driving. This campground is best as an overnight before entering the park, or as a base to explore the town of West Yellowstone and it's attractions, or to partake of the countless activities in the Targhee National forest.
RangerWe tent camped for a few nights over the summer with another couple. The sites were close together and we were right by the road, though it is super convenient to either Yellowstone or Grand Tetons. Also, having a little market onsite was nice to have.. Probably would give it 3 stars if it weren't for the convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Island Park, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Island Park, ID is Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Island Park, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Island Park, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
