Established Camping
Targhee National Forest Buttermilk Campground
Targhee National Forest Buttermilk Campground, near Island Park, Idaho, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a few modern conveniences. This spot offers sites with water and electric hookups, making it easier to stay comfortable while you soak in the natural beauty around you.
The campground is well-maintained and conveniently located near attractions like Yellowstone, which is perfect for those who want to explore the area. Visitors have mentioned the spacious sites and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “The views are outstanding, and only a short walk to the water.”
You can expect to find drinking water and trash disposal on-site, which adds to the overall convenience. While there are no showers or picnic tables, the ability to have fires and bring pets makes it a welcoming place for families and friends. Just keep in mind that some campers have noted the proximity to private property, so it’s best to be respectful of the neighbors.
If you're into boating or fishing, this campground is a great launch point for those activities. With its blend of comfort and access to nature, Targhee National Forest Buttermilk Campground is a solid pick for your next outdoor adventure.
Description
Overview
Buttermilk Campground is located approximately 30 miles southwest of West Yellowstone, Montana and 32 miles north of Ashton, Idaho in beautiful Island Park, Idaho. Buttermilk sits next to Island Park Reservoir at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Recreation
The Island Park area is prized for its fishing; the Henry's Fork is known as one of the nation's best fly-fishing streams. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout and Kokanee salmon. Island Park Reservoir offers boating, water skiing and excellent fishing opportunities. The reservoir is used for irrigation so the water level recedes throughout the summer, but is generally useable all season. Henry's Lake is nearby. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails are in the area, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail. The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail offers an approximately three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, are often seen along the trail.
Facilities
The campground contains two loops for single family camping and one loop for group camping, with a total of 55 sites. The large group site can accommodate up to 150 people. Site 038 has 15-amp electric hookups. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A concrete boat ramp with docks is located between the group camping and single family camping loops. Access to the campground is on a paved road but the interior loop roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
Island Park is composed of two areas of extinct volcanic activity. The Henry's Fork Caldera sits inside the larger Island Park Caldera. The area is known for its dense forests of lodgepole pine, broad grassy meadows bursting with summer wildflowers and a wide variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, Sandhill cranes and much, much more. The campground is situated in a forest of lodgepole pine, which provides partial shade in some sites. Some areas of the campground are more open and sunny than others.
Nearby Attractions
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 13 miles south of the campground. This 28-mile road leads to scenic overlooks and trails at 110 foot Upper Mesa Falls and 85 foot Lower Mesa Falls. Harriman State Park is 15 miles south. The Henry's Fork meanders through the Harriman, offering excellent fishing. Over 20 miles of trails are available, and wildlife is abundant in this scenic park. Henry's Lake State Park is 18 miles north, offering fishing, a fish cleaning station and boat ramp. Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is just 29 miles north in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Visitors enjoy day-tripping to the park for unparalleled wildlife viewing and the beautiful and unique scenery.
Fee Info
Group Site Fees: $65.00 per night Sunday through Thursday and $130.00 per night Friday and Saturday. A weekly rate is not available.
Location
Targhee National Forest Buttermilk Campground is located in Idaho
Directions
From West Yellowstone, Montana, take Highway 20 south, southwest for approximately 25 miles and from Ashton, Idaho, take Highway 20 north for approximately 27 miles. Turn west onto the Kilgore-Yale Road #030 (across from Elk Creek Gas Station) and go about 2 miles to the Buttermilk Loop Road #126. Turn onto #126 and go approximately 3 miles to an intersection where you will see the campground sign just off the right side of the road. The road will split ahead, with boat ramp and group area on the left, and the single loops to the right.
Address
BUTTERMILK LOOP RD
Island park, ID 83429
Coordinates
44.4325 N
111.4261111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Upper Coffee Pot
18 min away
Pole Bridge Campground
52 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Idaho Falls
- 2 hrs 12 min from Pocatello
- 2 hrs 17 min from Bozeman
- 3 hrs from Helena
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
