Water activities take center stage at Island Lake Campground, where paddleboarding and fishing draw visitors to the crystal-clear mountain lake just a short walk from the campsites. The US Forest Service facility operates from late June through early September in the high-elevation Beartooth Mountains, providing drinking water, restrooms, and firewood sales during its brief but popular season.
The forested campground sits among pine trees with good spacing between sites, though campers should note the lake views are from the shoreline rather than the campsites themselves. Ben R. warns that "the dips in the road were" challenging for larger RVs on some loops. Multiple visitors mention abundant insects during peak season, making bug spray essential. The lake features small islands accessible by paddleboard, and a 6-mile hike leads to dam overlooks.
This first-come, first-served campground serves campers exploring campgrounds near Shoshone National Forest and provides convenient access to nearby Beartooth Lake for those planning multi-day stays in the area. The facility maintains a no-pets policy and stays relatively cool due to its high elevation. Island Lake Campground works best for tent campers and smaller RVs seeking lake access and mountain hiking opportunities during the short summer season.
Description
This beautiful high mountain lake campground has__21 newly remodeled sites.__There is always plenty to do at this campground; hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and beautiful wildflowers galore.__16-day stay limitWater: AvailableThis site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.No cell serviceNotes: Maximum spur 32 feet. Boat ramp closed until winter ice clears.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait, Ice; Boat Launch available
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIsland Lake Campground is located in Wyoming
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 51 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 19 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 42 min from Helena, MT
- 6 hrs 32 min from Idaho Falls, ID

















