Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park
4.4119 reviewsBIG SPRING AVE, ISLAND PARK, ID 83429, USA
Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$6.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Non-electric site available at $75 per night during the peak season (June 6 - September 15). Additional charges may apply for services like electricity hookup ($6/day).
About this campground
Twenty-two miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana, Big Springs Group Area beckons adventurers to the breathtaking Island Park of Idaho. Here, at the pristine headwaters of Henry's Fork River, anglers from around the globe cast their lines into waters teeming with legendary trout, while nature enthusiasts discover one of the West's premier wildlife viewing destinations.
Big Springs Group Area primarily caters to group camping, with one designated group site. Nearby individual campsites also exist. The area is suited for tent and trailer camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the nearby John Sack Cabin, where masterful craftsmanship tells the story of early Idaho pioneers. This remarkable historic structure stands as a testament to frontier ingenuity, with its original construction and period furnishings offering visitors a tangible connection to the region's rich heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days unfold with pleasantly mild temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration, punctuated by refreshing afternoon rain showers that keep the landscape vibrant and green. Clear mountain skies reveal countless stars at night, though visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as mosquitoes thrive during peak season in this lush, water-rich environment.
ElevationPerched at 6,300 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from summer heat. The high elevation creates an ideal climate where cool morning mists give way to sun-drenched afternoons, all while treating visitors to sweeping vistas of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering lodgepole pines create natural cathedrals, their shadows dancing across meadows painted with vibrant wildflowers each summer. This pristine wilderness serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife—from majestic grizzly and black bears to graceful moose and elk. Overhead, bald eagles soar on mountain thermals while elegant Sandhill cranes wade through nearby wetlands.
Geological RegionIsland Park tells a dramatic story written in volcanic stone, where two ancient calderas—the Henry's Fork Caldera nestled within the larger Island Park Caldera—have created a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the West. This geological wonderland nurtures dense forests of lodgepole pines that give way to expansive meadows, where each summer brings an explosion of wildflowers across this remarkable volcanic plateau.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe group site is accessible, with features like accessible vault toilets and flat terrain suitable for mobility devices.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 40 people. Individual sites nearby are noted for being heavily treed.
Sites PrivacyThe group site is surrounded by individual campsites, which some users noted limits privacy. However, the beautiful forest setting adds a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bear spray and mosquito repellents. Choose mid-week visits for fewer crowds.
Best CampsitesGroup site is the only campsite available, accommodating up to 40 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 40 people for group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 people and is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle, and tent pads. It shares proximity with parking lots and individual campsites, which some reviewers found disruptive.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutConsists of one group site surrounded by individual campsites and a parking area for John Sack Cabin.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season operates from June 6th to September 15th. Reservations are open year-round on a rolling basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews mention the campground being less occupied mid-week and filling up by the weekend. No explicit mention of walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservation dates outside of original dates incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of the arrival date for group sites) incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Big Springs Group Area can enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Popular activities include fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and water-based adventures like canoeing and rafting. The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail, accessible from the campground, offers a scenic 4.5-mile float to Mack's Inn. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing are also popular, with trails like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail nearby.
Hiking
Numerous trails crisscross the area, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail. These offer options for hiking and biking.Fishing
Henry's Fork, located near Big Springs, is renowned as one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Rainbow and brook trout can be found here.Biking
Biking is popular in the area, with multiple trails available for exploration.Boating
Tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are common activities on Henry's Fork. The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail offers a 4.5-mile float ending at Mack's Inn.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are frequent, including moose, bald eagles, and Sandhill cranes. Some campers reported seeing moose multiple times during their stay.Cultural and Educational Programs
The historic John Sack Cabin, located nearby, offers insights into local history. Volunteers provide educational talks at the site.Water Sports
Non-motorized activities such as canoeing and kayaking are popular on Henry's Fork and nearby lakes.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire circles. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of bears noted in reviews. Visitors are advised to store food securely and carry bear spray. Mosquitoes are described as 'brutal' during summer months.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Mack's Inn, 4.5 miles west, offering general amenities such as groceries, gas, and shuttle service.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6 - September 15
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. Recycling facilities were not mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresSituated near Henry's Fork River and the Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail.
Common complaintsRecurring concerns include mosquito infestations, tight maneuvering space for large RVs, and occasional water service issues.
HostHosts are described as 'helpful' and 'kind' in most reviews, though one user reported an incident of aggressive behavior.
Campground Map
BIG SPRING AVE, ISLAND PARK, ID 83429, USA
Driving directionsFrom West Yellowstone, Montana, travel 22 miles south on Highway 20 to Mack's Inn. Turn east on Big Springs Loop Road and travel 4.5 miles to the campground.
Access is via gravel roads and parking spurs. Roads may pose some challenges for larger vehicles, as noted by user reviews citing tight maneuvering for a 36' Class A RV.Nearby places
West Yellowstone, Montana: 22 miles south
Nearby supplies
Mack's Inn (4.5 miles west) offers groceries, boat rentals, shuttle service, gas, showers, and laundry facilities.
Camper Reviews
4.4
19 reviews
Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Big Springs Group Area are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and the range of available activities. Complaints are generally minor, focusing on issues like bugs and occasional water access problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful and clean campground with clean restrooms and running water." "Our camp site host are top notch! They have been taking great care of us with clean bathrooms and plenty of insight to local...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"The group site was surrounded by individual camp sites without its own vault toilet." "Mosquitoes were brutal," and reviewers noted occasional water system failures or maintenance issues. Some users...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray and bear spray. Keep food properly stored due to wildlife presence. Arrive early in the week for best site availability.
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with users enjoying fishing, water activities, and wildlife viewing. Bugs are noted as a significant issue during warmer months.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Camp hosts are clearly suffering from dementia. They accused us of not paying," - A negative review that highlights inconsistency in host interactions. "Beautiful camping spot clean toilets some...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site GS1 was noted for water not working during a stay. Another review for GS1 highlighted the brutal mosquito presence but praised the location.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground's accessibility features, such as vault toilets and level terrain, were positively mentioned, though the lack of a separate vault toilet for the group site was a drawback for some.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025