Best RV Parks & Resorts near Island Park, ID

Fishing Bridge is the only hard sided RV only, full hook-up campground that can accommodate big rigs inside Yellowstone National Park.  We were in loop E, which had concrete pads and picnic tables.  Every site in loop E is a pull through, which is nice.  However, there is zero shade and it gets windy.  It didn't seem to bother some of the other campers since people were still eating at their picnic tables, but I found it tedious to combat the wind whilst trying to have dinner the one night we did attempt to eat outside.  Campfires and propane fire pits are not allowed so you will find zero campfire rings in this campground.  You can have either propane grills or charcoal grills, but they have to be kept within the RV/trailer or tow vehicle at night.  Nothing should be left outside at night due to the possibility of curious bears that come looking for food.  We played it safe and  locked up everything during the day when we weren't there and at night.  Just outside the rv park is a general store with souvenirs, small grocery, camping gear, and deli.  There's also a gas station and rv/auto parts store.  Across from that is the Fishing Bridge Visitor's Center.  Fishing Bridge is located centrally in the park on the east entrance road.  The website says cell service is spotty, but I had no issues with Verizon and had decent service in the rv park and surrounding Fishing Bridge area as well as the other main attraction areas in the park (Old Faithful, Canyon Village, etc.)  Basically, if there were amenities--hotels/lodges, gas stations, campgrounds--there was cell service in and around that area.  There was little or no service between those areas.  We stayed 4 nights, Monday-Friday, and even though there were signs that said the park was full, I always saw empty spaces, at least in loop E.

Camped here many times over the years, it was our favorite place in the park. It's a bit more like a National Forest CG because it's somewhat off the beaten path and quiet. It is certainly more crowded these days than it used to be, back then it rarely filled.  

The site are good, some more private than others. It is NOT a place for Big Rigs, I think the length limit was 35' last time I was there (vehicle + trailer or whatever you're pulling) and they strictly enforced that. The volunteers at the entrance cabin actually brought out a tape measure and measured my 4Runner and 17' Casita at 31' so we got in. Many rigs behind us in line were too big and were turned away.

The creeks (Indian & Obsidian) contain small Brook Trout. For supplies, Mammoth is the closest place. 

Have been the in June, July August & September.

The campground is totally on the reservation system unlike a few years ago. No 1st come, 1st serve anymore.

Full hookup campground in the heart of Yellowstone. This is a large, busy campground with oddly shaped spots where you park beside your trailer. Big rigs may find it a tight fit but our small trailer was fine. Nearby store is well stocked and gas was available as well. Lake Lodge and Lake Hotel are nearby and offer lots of food choices. Showers were adequate but busy and expect to wait during peak season. No wifi or cell service. If you are looking for scenery you won't find it here, but it's a great base for your Yellowstone explorations due to the central location.

NOTE: Only hard-sided units are allowed here due to bears frequenting the campground.

I stumbled across this campground while driving Mesa Falls scenic by-way. This campground has 27 sites, both tent, RV and a group site right along the Warm River. It also has a day use area. This campground had new vaulted toilets but no showers. Within the campground was the trailhead for The railroad grade trail (great for mountain biking) which I was told use to take train passenger to Yellowstone’s old faithful. Tubing was very popular and the campers next to us insisted that we borrow their tubes so we could try it out for ourselves, very refreshing during our hot August stay.

I snagged the last tent site #21 across the bridge in the northern half of the campground. This large secluded tent site up on the hill had a very small tent pad, fire pit and picnic table and enough room to put up my hammock. This site is next to two double sites. Unfortunately during the 5 nights I stayed some of the RVers close to us ran their generators beyond the 10pm curfew and one RVer felt the need to pull out his noisy leaf blower and blow leafs and dirt everywhere.

There is tons of things to see and do in the area, Mesa Falls, Island Park… but the hidden gem is the close proximity (less than 25 miles) to Yellowstone National Park - Bechler Ranger Station. Bechler Ranger Station is in the far SW corner of Yellowstone National Park. This area has more streams, creeks, lakes and waterfalls than any other area in Yellowstone. There is a historic Soldier Station there that is about 100 years old and there are lots of hiking trails to beautiful waterfalls. You can see cave falls right from the parking lots. I would definitely return to this campground next time I am in the area.