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Established Camping

Island Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Island Lake Campground, near Shoshone National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning views and proximity to the lake, it’s a prime location for paddle boarding and soaking in the serene surroundings.

This campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle. Visitors rave about the well-maintained grounds and the cool temperatures, especially during the summer months. One camper mentioned, “This is the highest campground around. So it stays nice and cool. So peaceful and beautiful.”

If you’re up for some adventure, there’s a six-mile hike that leads to an incredible overlook of the dam, which many have said is well worth the trek. Plus, the beauty of Island Lake at sunrise is something you won’t want to miss. As one reviewer put it, “Island Lake is beautiful, especially at sunrise, and is only a short walk from the campground itself.”

While the campground doesn’t offer many amenities—like electric hookups or showers—it does provide essential facilities such as toilets and trash disposal. Just remember to pack your bug repellent, as the area can get a bit buggy during the warmer months. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, Island Lake Campground is a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Island Lake Campground is located in Wyoming

Detail location of campground

Directions

From\_\_Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about\_\_46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn right onto Highway 212, which is the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about\_\_20 miles to the Island Lake Campground, which will be on the left.

Coordinates

44.94074 N
109.53995 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2025

Beautiful high mountain lake

Gorgeous mountain lake, but the campsites are not lake side. It's still a nice campground. The lake is crystal clear and beautiful. No bugs either.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Jason S., September 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Jason S., September 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Jason S., September 12, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2025

Stunning & Beautiful!

Absolutely stunning... As we were leaving they said they were going to close the campground after next weekend (last weekend in August)

It is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever been to.
We paddled our dogs to the islands and had the best time, saw 2 firepits on one... the hiking scenery is amazing....

Site18
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Beautiful Beartooths!

Great Campground in the Beartooth first come first serve, relatively small sites with good space between privacy amongst the Pines. The lake is beautiful.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2025

Great campground!

Stayed here for three nights and had an absolute blast. My only resin for it not being 5 stars is when looking for out in-laws campsite we went on loop an and almost tipped out camper with how bad the dips in the road were. Scary way to start our trip but other than that it was amazing

Site14
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ben R., August 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ben R., August 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ben R., August 11, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Great campground right by the lake🏔

We stayed here for 2 nights in July. It was a great campground. Within walking distance to the lake, which made it great to go paddle boarding. There is also a store up the road about 1/2 a mile. This is a really beautiful area and a well maintained campground. Bring bug repellent, lots of bugs.

Site10
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Danae P., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Danae P., July 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Danae P., July 26, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 29, 2017

Wonderful campground!!!!

We were sent here due to a forest fire close to where we were we had reservations. This is the highest campground around. So it stays nice and cool. So peaceful and beautiful.

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2016

Perfect Spot

This campground is nice for its location in relation both to Yellowstone's NE entrance and The Beartooths. Island Lake is beautiful, especially at sunrise, and is only a short walk from the campground itself.

  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ellen F., September 19, 2016
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ellen F., September 19, 2016
  • Review photo of Island Lake Campground by Ellen F., September 19, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Island Lake Campground located in Wyoming?

Island Lake Campground is located in the Beartooth Mountains of Wyoming, along the scenic Beartooth Highway. It sits at a high elevation, making it one of the highest campgrounds in the region. The campground is situated near the beautiful Island Lake, which is just a short walk from the campsites. Its strategic position provides convenient access to both Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance and the stunning Beartooth Mountains wilderness area.

What does Island Lake Campground look like?

Island Lake Campground features wooded campsites nestled among pine trees, offering good privacy between sites. The campground has multiple loops with varying terrain (some with dips in the roads). Campsites are relatively small but provide adequate spacing. The stunning Island Lake is within walking distance, featuring crystal-clear waters and small islands that can be reached by paddling. The surrounding landscape showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Beartooth Mountains, with spectacular views, especially at sunrise when the lake is particularly beautiful. The high-elevation setting creates a cool, peaceful atmosphere with abundant natural beauty.

Is Island Lake Campground in Wyoming or Montana?

Island Lake Campground is located in Wyoming, specifically in the Beartooth Mountains. While the Beartooth Highway does cross between Wyoming and Montana, this particular campground is situated on the Wyoming side. Its location makes it a great base for exploring both states, as it provides relatively easy access to Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance while being nestled in Wyoming's spectacular mountain scenery.

Are reservations required for Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer months. The campground typically closes after the last weekend in August due to its high elevation. For the most current information on availability and seasonal closures, contact the managing agency before your trip. Plan accordingly during busy periods when this beautiful mountain campground may fill quickly.