Macks Inn camping areas sit in Island Park, Idaho at 6,500 feet elevation where the Snake River begins its southern journey. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging in the 70s and nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s. Most campgrounds in this area operate between May and October, with peak mosquito activity occurring in June and July.
What to do
Fishing at Buffalo River: At Buffalo Campground, the river creates excellent angling opportunities for novice fly fishers. "Our spot was right on the river and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Conveniently located near Ponds lodge if you want to grab dinner and drinks!" according to camper J H.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife, including moose, elk and bears. "We saw a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground. So awesome!" reports George B. from Henrys Lake State Park Campground.
Spring exploration: Visit Big Springs, approximately 5 miles from Macks Inn, where some of the clearest spring water emerges at 52°F year-round. As James S. notes, the area offers access to "Yellowstone NP, Mesa Falls, Harriman State Park, Earthquake Lake, Big Spring, really too many to list."
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky viewing. A camper at Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday noted the campground has "wide open views" with "amazing" stargazing opportunities.
What campers like
Natural water features: The region's lakes, rivers and springs provide cooling recreation during summer months. "The Buffalo River creates perfect opportunities for fishing while pets explore shoreline areas," with one camper mentioning that "it was my 8 year old's first time fly fishing and this river is perfect for first-timers. Most areas are about 2-3' deep with some deeper holes."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. At Targhee Creek dispersed camping area, one reviewer described "Nice sized relatively level grassy sights along the mile and a half road to the creek." Another camper appreciated that "There are plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a private camping experience!"
Bear-aware facilities: Campgrounds in this area typically provide bear boxes for food storage. At Buffalo Campground, "There are bear boxes every few spots to share if needed," making food storage more convenient in bear country.
Weather variations: The mountain setting creates diverse conditions. One camper reported: "We went while it was raining...would not recommend. It was incredibly muddy and had lots of standing water. We did see some bears and elk from our site which was fun!"
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Bring appropriate repellent, especially during June and July. At Buffalo Campground, "The area had a lot of standing water still in June, which bred massive amounts of mosquitos. The first thing the host said to us was his apologies for the mosquitos."
Wind considerations: Several campsites experience significant wind, particularly those at higher elevations or near lakes. At Henry's Lake BLM Dispersed, one reviewer warned of "gusts at least 30mph" despite weather forecasts predicting mild conditions. Another noted "Beautiful lake setting, surrounded by snow capped mountains even in July...be prepared for wind in your campsite though."
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas may have challenging conditions. At Targhee Creek, a reviewer noted "The road is quite rough but I did fine in my small two-wheel drive SUV." Another camper mentioned "the road to the area is pretty well maintained."
Pet regulations: Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units. Dogs should remain closely supervised due to wildlife presence throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly beaches: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Macks Inn provide water access where pets can safely swim. One reviewer at Henry's Lake BLM noted their dogs "love" the water access despite it being "too high and too cold for us to swim/wade in."
Playground access: For families with young children, consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. According to one visitor at Red Rock RV Park, the campground "has a huge playground area for the kids" that provides entertainment after a day of exploring.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children interested in nature and wildlife. One family spotted "moose and elk while staying" at their campsite, and another mentioned "we even saw a moose swim across the lake, get up on shore and run through the campground."
Water safety: Rivers and lakes in the area can have strong currents and cold temperatures year-round. A camper noted "Most areas are about 2-3' deep with some deeper holes," suggesting adult supervision near water is essential.
Tips from RVers
Power considerations: For RV campers needing hookups, availability varies significantly. One visitor to Bakers Hole Campground shared: "Nice campground even had electric hook ups. The most reasonable camp ground I found in the area at $35 a night for electric or $26 a night for no hook ups."
Site selection: RV campers should research site dimensions before booking. At Red Rock RV Park, "They have some buddy sites too! The road to the park almost always has some form of wildlife, and the mountain views from the park are beautiful!"
Seasonal accessibility: Many dispersed camping areas remain inaccessible during spring due to snow accumulation. One RVer warned: "It's May and the snow piles on the sides of the road keep you from accessing any of the trails for camping."
Leveling preparation: Come prepared with leveling blocks for dispersed camping. A camper at Henry's Lake BLM noted they "pulled in just before dark after drive through Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Beautiful level spot right by the boat launch. Didn't even have to unhook."
