Targhee National Forest hosts Buttermilk Campground along the shores of Island Park Reservoir, where the layout clearly favors anglers and boaters over those looking for a backcountry experience. The campground runs from late May through mid-September, and sites with electric and water hookups accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. Access involves a rough road, so drivers of larger rigs should account for that before arrival.
Water access is the defining draw here. Reviewers consistently note the short walk to the boat launch, and the campground can also be reached by boat. Fishing is the primary listed activity, and the proximity to the reservoir shapes the site selection and general atmosphere. Sites nearest the water pick up noise from lake traffic, which is worth considering when choosing a spot. Bear boxes are available at RV sites but reviewers have noted they are absent from tent-only sites, a practical gap for anyone camping without a hard-sided vehicle.
The campground maintains electric and water hookups, trash service, and allows pets and campfires. Cleanliness and water access each came up in four of the six reviews on record. One reviewer described the site as "well maintained and close to nearby attractions," though interactions with the camp host have drawn mixed feedback across multiple visits, including disputes over check-in timing and generator use policies. Reservations are available and recommended for peak summer weekends.
Campers who find Buttermilk fully booked or want to compare options can browse places to camp near Targhee National Forest, or look at nearby Mill Creek Campground roughly a mile north.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTarghee National Forest Buttermilk Campground is located in Idaho near Macks Inn
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 CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/27/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/27/26
- 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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 12 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 17 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs from Helena, MT
