163 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Montpelier, Idaho serves as a gateway to several established campgrounds in southeastern Idaho, from the riverside Montpelier Creek KOA to the forested Emigration Campground in Caribou National Forest. The area offers a mix of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds are situated along creeks or within canyon areas, providing natural settings while remaining accessible from Highway 89. Paris Springs Campground and Bear Lake State Park provide additional options within 20 miles of town, each offering different amenities and natural surroundings.
Camping season typically runs from May through September or October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to snow and cold temperatures. Montpelier Canyon Campground provides basic amenities with vault toilets and picnic tables but limited drinking water, while KOA locations offer more developed facilities including showers, electric hookups, and swimming pools. Visitors should be aware that some campgrounds have narrow access roads unsuitable for large RVs. A review noted: "The road through the campground has a lot of deep potholes. The sites are small; some are pull through. I don't think I'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there."
Campers frequently mention the pleasant creek settings as highlights of their stays, particularly at Montpelier Creek KOA where sites are situated alongside flowing water. Summit View Campground offers lodgepole pine forests and wildflower displays in summer months, though road noise can be an issue at some locations due to proximity to highways. Several visitors commented on the variable quality of facilities between campgrounds. While Emigration Campground receives praise for its forest setting and trail access, Montpelier Canyon Campground has mixed reviews regarding site conditions and maintenance. One camper described Emigration as having "lots of sites that really have a lot of privacy and back right up to the forest," making it popular for those seeking a more secluded forest camping experience while still being within driving distance of Bear Lake's recreational opportunities.
"Some are definitely better than others - Montpelier Creek was one of the BEST. This is a beautiful KOA."
"We booked a tent site online and pulled in around 8 pm on a Monday night shortly after the covid shutdown. It was raining and the temperature was 37 degrees and due to drop to 29 overnight."
from $13 / night
Check Availability"This campground does not allow ATV's in the campground but does offer a parking area for your toys just outside the campground entrance. The sites are well spread out throughout the campground."
"We stayed at site 11 right next to the little river and it was so peaceful to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the flowing water."
from $5 - $10 / night
Check Availability"There was a little path to the bathrooms."
"Close to lots of attractions in the Bear Lake area, but far enough from everyone else. the campground is in a beautiful forest with lots of trails and space to explore."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"We were directly next to a river stream which we were able to take our camp chairs and sit in the water. Like our own private oasis."
"If coming from Idaho Falls stay on 30 Hwy till Montpelier then take 89 hwy to St Charles. If ya coming from Jackson Wy stay on 89 Hwy . If ya need Groc stop at the store in Montpelier."
"Public outhouses are available. if you are up to walking a bit the ones near the day use area are cleaner and used less. Beautiful lake."
"The campground was in great shape, the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful, and the campground hosts were very attentive and thoughtful."
"I chose the site near the Paris spring Trailhead. The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere! And dragon flies too!"
from $17 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The tent was pitched right next to Saint Charles Creek. It is currently very high (6/2017). I was worried they may get their tent wet! The camp is paved, so no dust!"
"There is a good amount of shade at nearly all the campgrounds and they are close to the creek. It has simple amenities like vault toilets, metal fire rings and picnic tables. "
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Fairly good access to this campground. Gravel road for several miles but it's wide and graded. Campground roads are gravel."
"The creek also runs nearby which makes it nice and cool. There's vault toilets plenty of spigots, and tent pads at most spots."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability
GuideTravel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone. I love it. 8000 feet and 360 views. No amenities.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
ScoutLoved this spot. Only recommendation would be to make each spot to the parking a little more clear.
GuideThe first night of our two night reserved and prepaid campsite was in a different site for an rv. The camp host was drunk and gave our site away to another family that didn’t have a reservation. Since they were all set up, we were tossed into the only other available site left. That site was a no show so I guess we got “lucky.” I paid $8 extra just to reserve. Otherwise it’s $20 a night for a tent site. The host yelled at his son in front of us, too. He wasn’t a young child and was actually super nice and tried to help. It was so uncomfortable. The campground itself was not bad. A weird layout for a few sites. I would stay again if there was a new host. We were right next to the water. The second night we were able to move into our actual reservation. Then it rained and hailed. Funny how that seems to happen on the weekends. We survived. It definitely was an experience with the weather that time. lol there’s trails and a lot of trees surrounding. Really nice location.
GuideThe campground is nice and for the most part, quiet. People don't follow the 10 mph speed limit and yesterday someone running their dog down the road next to their vehicle hit their own dog!!! The bathrooms are clean. Like the cleanest vault bathrooms I have seen anywhere!The horseshoe pit with horseshoes is a nice touch. Although we have been cleaning up after our dogs 💩 most don't. Doesn't seem to be enforced. The moose visit the area regularly and they can be easy to find once someone points out where they are. One evening they came to us! Standing in the sandbox near the main information board and bathroom area. Would stay again for sure. The tables are covered with ramadas but the birds have taken over them all. I would bring my own table.
GuideFirst, make sure to go to soda springs and see the geyser and other things. The campground has bird nests all around the tables so they more or less become unusable. The tables and fire pits sit to the back of the spots Potable water is near by (at the end of our site) but does need to be hauled or filled prior to pulling in. The lake is huge and people are fishing and waterskiing Game and Fish has been on the lake daily! We have seen moose in the evenings at the north end of the campground. The vault toilets are the cleanest I've ever seen and have hand sanitizer in them. There is also a horseshoe pit with horseshoes to play with.
TravelerEasily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities.
GuideWe camped here with our 4 boys on a Wednesday and Thursday night end of July. We almost had the place to ourselves!
Super family friendly! The kids loved the waterpark. The slides were a blast! Big water slides for our older boys, and a baby pool, splash pad and little kid water slide for the 3 year old.
The pool is on the warmer side, 90°-95°F. It can feel a bit warm on a hot day. But the kids never complained. Very budget friendly for the price. Tons of lifeguards, which was nice for added safety.
Pool has a cool history, and feels very vintage in a good way! Super charming.
We never did the hot soaking pools because it was too hot. But would be awesome in winter!
Trailer/rv sites D49-D57 seemed the best in the park. Tons of shade, and backed up to an open space for the most incredible sunsets!
Has a swing set, sandbox, basketball court and volleyball court for kids to play.
Flushing toilets in multiple spots, showers that you have to pay quarters to use. If you use the pool, free showers in the locker room.
Had a good amount of basic supplies in the main office. And a fun snack bar with ice cream, swirl cones, pizza, nuggets, burgers, etc.
The spots are pretty close together. We really lucked out and had the whole row to ourselves Wednesday night. Almost completely full on Thursday night. Felt way more cramped with all the extra trailers.
The kids absolutely loved it, and so did we! Would definitely do this trip again!
TravelerThe campground is privately owned and sits along the river. Large campground with lots of sites. Pull through and back in plus lots of dedicated tent sites with several right on the river bank. Very clean and well maintained. Walking distance to town where there are plenty of food choices and a nice local market for supplies. There is a walking trail that will take you to town.
Camping options near Montpelier, Idaho range from developed facilities to more primitive sites across elevations from 5,900 to 7,500 feet. Situated in southeastern Idaho's Bear Lake Valley, the region experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically dropping 30+ degrees at night. Most campgrounds near Montpelier remain open from late May through September, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowpack.
Explore Minnetonka Cave: Located near St. Charles Campground, this limestone cave features guided tours through rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites. "Nearby is the beautiful Minnetonka cave and Bear Lake where you can recreate in numerous ways," notes reviewer Alan B.
Fish mountain streams: Access small creeks with native trout near several campgrounds. "Great flyfishing on the Salt River" is available near Allred Flat, according to reviewer Elsewhere.
Wildlife watching: The beaver dams at Allred Flat offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Several hiking trails along the creek where beavers have made extensive dams," writes Laura M., adding that the campground is "beautiful, quiet" and "we could hardly hear the road noise."
Huckleberry picking: Gather wild berries in season at higher elevation campgrounds. "Huckleberry picking right from camp!" reported Erin M. about Caribou National Forest Emigration Campground, which also offers "trails right off the campsite."
Creek-side camping: Many sites offer water proximity for both scenery and cooling off. At Montpelier Creek KOA, Courtney T. found "the campsites are beautiful, nestled right beside the creek. The scenery all around is beautiful rolling, green hills. Very quiet and clean."
Clean facilities: Even more primitive campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms. At Paris Springs Campground, Jordan K. noted "The campground was in great shape" and mentioned a "short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools or lake access. Cameron J. highlighted Montpelier Creek KOA's amenities: "Pool is heated but not hot, due to being in the trees there is a few floating items but gets cleaned every day. Creek runs through the front of camp. You can fish in it."
Private sites: Forested campgrounds provide seclusion. "Each site had a picnic table and a fire pit, and was nicely separated from neighboring sites," wrote Laura M. about Allred Flat, adding that "Each site had a different configuration as well as parking pad length."
Seasonal water limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water access early or late in season. Jordan K. reported at Paris Springs: "The water running to each campsite wasn't drinkable so it was shut off. They discounted our nightly price in half which was nice though."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote sites can be challenging. At Montpelier Canyon Campground, Sharon noted: "Access was right off the highway on a dusty, potted dirt road. Not for large RVs."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, even in summer. Courtney T. shared an experience at Montpelier Creek KOA: "It was raining and the temperature was 37 degrees and due to drop to 29 overnight."
Cell service variability: Coverage is spotty at higher elevations. Laura M. noted "Zero cell service for any of the 3 major carriers" at Allred Flat, while Jennifer B. found "great cell service through Verizon" at Montpelier Creek KOA but added "WiFi sucks."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Alan B. described Montpelier Creek KOA: "A little bonus was the kids playground complete with swings and other toys" and Cameron J. noted the "playground is adequate for children. Plenty of dog runs."
Beach camping options: Bear Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming areas. Danielle T. called it "Beautiful Paradise" with water that's "perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies. Had my own trail straight to the water facing the sunset."
Gradual water entry: Bear Lake's shore provides safe swimming for children. Heather C. observed: "The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep. Crystal clear water."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer historical or natural features for kids to explore. Jordan K. mentioned Paris Springs has "a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning."
Length limitations: Many Forest Service campgrounds have size restrictions. At Montpelier Canyon Campground, Mark M. observed: "Stayed in #14 which is small, but suited us well (van). Other sites tend to be larger."
Pull-through availability: For easier parking, seek specific sites. Patti T. noted Allred Flat had "plenty of pull throughs and restrooms along with overflow parking, fire pits, grills and picnic tables. Our 30 ft class c + towing a ford escape was able to fit on the site."
Loop navigation challenges: Consider campground layout before bringing larger rigs. P.H. warned about Summit View Campground: "The loops to turn around at the end of the camp sites appeared challenging for some longer vehicles towing 35'+ trailers staying on the road and out of the trees."
Hookup variability: Not all sites with electric have the same amenities. Jennifer B. noted at Montpelier Creek KOA: "Sites are very close together, water pressure is not great. Lot of roadside noise. The creek has a nice flow. Site was pretty level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Montpelier, Idaho?
The Montpelier area offers several excellent camping options. Bear Lake State Park Campground is a popular choice, accessible via Highway 89 from Montpelier through St. Charles. For a more secluded experience, Beaver Creek offers a peaceful, isolated setting with beautiful surroundings – though you'll need to navigate some semi-sketchy roads to reach it. Other noteworthy options include Paris Springs Campground with reservable sites and water/toilet facilities, and Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping for those seeking free camping with 2WD-friendly access. Most campgrounds in the area are within a 30-minute drive of Montpelier, making them convenient bases for exploring the region.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Montpelier, Idaho?
Montpelier Creek KOA offers full RV hookups right next to the creek. The facility features a large office with convenience items, a dog walking area, and is conveniently located near the mouth of Montpelier Canyon. For those wanting to enjoy Bear Lake, Bear Lake Venture Park provides deluxe RV sites with more space and privacy, while standard sites are arranged in a loop. The park offers WiFi and is located across the main road from the lake. Rendezvous Village RV Park is another option near Montpelier. Many RV parks in the area are seasonal, operating primarily from late spring through early fall, with full hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations.
Is there camping available at Montpelier Canyon, and what are the facilities?
Yes, Montpelier Canyon Campground offers camping about 3 miles from town. The campground has narrow roads and short driveways that aren't suitable for large RVs, with some sites being overgrown. The best sites are in the 6-16 loop. Basic facilities are available, but there are no trash receptacles on-site. However, the Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier provides trash disposal and an RV dump station. Cell service can be limited, with no Verizon signal reported at the campground. Caribou National Forest Emigration Campground is also in the vicinity, offering reservable sites with water and toilet facilities for those seeking alternatives in the canyon area.
Keep Exploring
