RV campsites near Spencer, Idaho provide access to the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem with elevations ranging from 5,900 to 6,500 feet throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during July and August, while nights remain cool with temperatures dropping into the 40s even during peak season. Most campgrounds in this region contend with a short operating window due to heavy snowfall that can begin as early as September.
What to do
Fishing at Henry's Lake: Located about 25 miles from Spencer, this 6,000-acre alpine lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. "We were there to explore the rivers in the area. I wouldn't recommend to stay here to visit Yellowstone park as it is too far, in my opinion," notes a visitor at Yellowstone Golf Resort at Aspen Acres RV Park.
Golfing options: Several RV parks near Spencer feature on-site or nearby golf facilities. "Nestled in an Aspen grove with a 18 hole par 3 course surrounded by rolling hills of farmer's fields," mentions a camper describing Yellowstone Golf Resort.
River activities: Madison River provides opportunities for water recreation within driving distance. A visitor at Madison River Campground explains, "Great place to stay and enjoy floating, fishing, and tubing. There is a loop campground on the West side of the river, as well as some spots along the road on the East side."
Yellowstone day trips: Many campers use Spencer area campgrounds as a base for visiting Yellowstone National Park. "On one of our days, we did a 7 hour road trip to Old Faithful and down through the Tetons," shares a visitor at Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn.
What campers like
Scenic mountain views: The Spencer region offers dramatic mountain vistas from many campgrounds. At Red Rock RV Park by Open Road Resorts, campers mention "Amazing view of the mountains. It did rain, snow, and hail during our trip, which everyone says was not expected for this time of year but not shocking considering it's late September."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area around Spencer provides frequent wildlife sightings. "The road to the park almost always has some form of wildlife, and the mountain views from the park are beautiful," reports a Red Rock RV Park visitor.
Cleanliness of facilities: Many RV parks in the Spencer region maintain high standards of cleanliness. A guest at Valley View RV Park mentioned, "Bathroom remodeling went great, and is amazing facility now."
Privacy through natural settings: Campgrounds near Spencer often incorporate natural elements for site separation. At Yellowstone Golf Resort, a camper noted, "The Aspens are beautiful which makes most sites feel private."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most RV campgrounds around Spencer close by mid-October. Buffalo Run Campground "remains open until mid-October with full hookups and dedicated big rig sites."
Weather variability: Even summer months can bring unpredictable weather. A Red Rock RV Park visitor explained, "It did rain, snow, and hail during our trip, which everyone says was not expected for this time of year."
Connectivity challenges: Internet and cell service varies significantly. Valley View RV Park's WiFi faced challenges: "They advertise that their wifi is about to get an upgrade to fiber, but without that upgrade, the wifi is worthless. Less than 1 mbps on average. The Verizon connection was really good, and could Hotspot for 120 mbps often."
Distance considerations: Spencer's rural location means planning for distances between points of interest. "We were thrilled to be camping in the trees after being in the deserts of Utah and a city RV park in Cody. Sites were easy to access, even for big rigs," shares a camper at Yellowstone RV Park at Mack's Inn.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. A visitor at Red Rock RV Park mentioned, "Love our site, right by playground & these views!"
Lake activities for kids: Several parks provide lake access for family recreation. A camper at Wakeside Lake RV Park shared, "We just needed an overnight stay and this place was perfect. Easy getting in and out with a 40ft tow behind. My kids loved playing in the lake."
Limited entertainment options: Not all parks cater specifically to children. One visitor noted, "Unfortunately, there isn't much in the way of entertainment or activities for children. This could be a drawback for families looking for a more engaging camping experience."
Shared amenities: Understand the setup for utilities when traveling with family. A Wakeside Lake visitor explained, "The only thing I didn't love was that we had to share an electrical juncture box with our neighbors. So there was one 50 amp and one 30 amp on the box."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Many parks accommodate larger rigs, but specifics vary. A visitor to Wakeside Lake RV Park shared, "Easy getting in and out with a 40ft tow behind. Very level open spaces."
Electrical service considerations: Check what amperage is available at your chosen campground. A camper at Wakeside Lake noted, "Our site was large and shaded by beautiful mature trees... The only thing I didn't love was that we had to share an electrical juncture box with our neighbors."
GPS navigation warnings: Verify directions before arrival, as GPS may suggest unsuitable routes for large vehicles. Valley View campers warned, "some people did say that their RV GPS wanted to take them down a dirt road."
Site positioning: Be aware that site layout varies significantly. A Buffalo Run Campground visitor noted spaces are "positioned relatively close together according to visitor feedback."
