Island Park's RV parks near Macks Inn offer camping access at 6,500 feet elevation in eastern Idaho, nestled amid dense pine forests and flowing rivers. Fall temperatures drop significantly with overnight lows near freezing starting in mid-September. The area's volcanic geology creates unique fishing opportunities with spring-fed streams maintaining consistent temperatures year-round.
What to do
Fishing access: Redrock RV Park provides excellent proximity to multiple fishing spots. One visitor notes, "Hiking, biking, fishing, Yellowstone, Jeeping, Side by Sides, ATVs, kayaking, Virginia City, Nevada City, Johnny Sack Cabin, Big Springs, Ennis, Snake River, Buffalo River, Madison River, Earthquake Lake, Henrys Lake, Hebgen Lake...list goes on and on."
Wildlife viewing: The roads leading to campgrounds often feature wildlife sightings. A camper at Redrock RV Park mentioned, "The road to the park almost always has some form of wildlife, and the mountain views from the park are beautiful!" Another visitor to Yellowstone Holiday Resort reported, "Visits from the resident bison on property."
Winter activities: Unlike many seasonal parks, some RV parks remain open into fall. A visitor at Buffalo Run Campground noted, "Nice family, seats open while most other places are closed after Oct 1." This makes the area suitable for late-season camping when crowds thin out but before heavy snow closes access routes.
What campers like
Quiet location: Many campers appreciate parks that offer peaceful settings away from highway noise. A guest at Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn reported, "We were thrilled to be camping in the trees after being in the deserts of Utah and a city RV park in Cody." The forested locations provide natural sound barriers and shade.
Playground access: Families with children value dedicated play areas. At Redrock RV Park, one camper shared, "Love our site, right by playground & these views!" Similarly, another visitor noted, "It has a huge playground area for the kids."
Laundry facilities: Clean, functional laundry facilities rank high on camper priority lists. A visitor at Valley View RV Park commented, "The laundry mat is in the main building with plenty of units." At Yellowstone Holiday Resort, guests appreciate "Great laundry and showers."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: RV parks differ significantly in how sites are arranged. At Valley View RV Park, a camper observed, "Grass on sides. Gravel to park on. Large sites. Minimal trees." Conversely, at Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North, a reviewer noted, "Very crowded. You look out your window into another camper."
Water quality differences: Water systems differ between parks. A camper at Buffalo Run RV Park mentioned during renovations, "We would have liked to be closer to Yellowstone, but CGs in the area book up quickly." Plan ahead during peak summer months when availability becomes limited.
Limited late-season facilities: As fall approaches, amenities may close. At Buffalo Run Campground, which remains open through October 15, a visitor noted the park was "Still under construction. This will be a great campground in a few months. With great facilities and a restaurant."
Tips for camping with families
Playground selection: Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North receives high marks for family-friendly amenities. One family reported, "This place is so nice! The view of the mountains is breathtaking, elk roam the campground and that supper cool!"
Swimming options: Lakefront locations provide natural swimming areas. A family staying at Yellowstone Holiday Resort shared, "The swimming area is clean, refreshing, and perfect for families." Their experience included "right on the lake" accommodations with "plenty of things for kids to do."
Entertainment access: Proximity to local entertainment options matters for families. Valley View RV Park visitors noted, "There's a little dinner and live theater place across the road that seemed sold out days in advance." Make reservations well in advance for popular attractions.
Tips from RVers
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. At Valley View RV Park, an RVer reported, "Verizon connection was really good, and could Hotspot for 120 mbps often. T-Mobile was okay, but not great. 1-3 bars, but almost always 2 bars." Meanwhile, at Yellowstone Holiday Resort, a visitor warned, "Don't count on WiFi which was pretty much nonexistent."
Satellite reception: RV campers with satellite TV equipment should consider tree coverage. One RVer at Buffalo Run Campground explained, "We were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site. There were no OTA channels to be had with our fixed omni antenna."
Late-season preparation: RV parks near Macks Inn experience early cold snaps. A September visitor at Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North warned, "Temps turned for the worst yesterday and it is only Sept. 19. Did not come prepared with heated water hose so hopefully we are good." Bring freeze protection equipment for fall camping.
