Buttermilk
4.4882 reviewsBUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA
Buttermilk
$25.00 - $130.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group site fees are $65/night Sunday–Thursday and $130/night Friday–Saturday. Individual sites range from $25 to $32 per night depending on electricity availability. Extra vehicles incur a $7 fee.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Island Park Reservoir, Buttermilk Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience Idaho's untamed beauty. This 55-site haven spreads across two intimate single-family loops and one sprawling group loop that welcomes gatherings of up to 150 adventurers. Whether you're casting a line into the reservoir's crystal waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, pedaling through pine-scented paths, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife, Buttermilk delivers the authentic wilderness experience you've been craving. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature, featuring vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and convenient boat ramp access for aquatic adventures.
The campground offers diverse accommodations including tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and group camping sites.
Historical SignificanceButtermilk Campground sits at the heart of Island Park's remarkable volcanic legacy, where ancient eruptions sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Just a short journey away, the thundering Mesa Falls showcases nature's raw power, while the pristine wilderness of Harriman State Park preserves ecosystems that have thrived here for millennia. This region stands as a testament to both geological wonder and ecological resilience, offering visitors a chance to connect with forces that shaped the American West.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Buttermilk into a temperate paradise where cool mountain mornings greet you at 50°F before warming to comfortable 77°F afternoons. Light, refreshing rainfall occasionally dusts the landscape, keeping the meadows lush and the air crisp. This perfect weather window makes summer the crown jewel of camping seasons, when wildflowers burst into bloom and outdoor activities reach their peak.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,200 feet above sea level, where the air is crisp and the mountain views stretch endlessly across the horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryA enchanting tapestry of towering lodgepole pines creates a natural cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. Emerald meadows unfold between the trees, erupting in summer with vibrant wildflower displays that paint the landscape in nature's finest palette. The shimmering expanse of Island Park Reservoir serves as your backyard, while the surrounding wilderness plays host to an impressive cast of wildlife characters—from majestic moose browsing in the shallows to black bears foraging in the forest, and bald eagles soaring overhead in search of their next catch.
Geological RegionButtermilk Campground rests within one of North America's most fascinating geological wonders—the Island Park region, where two ancient volcanic calderas nest together like Russian dolls. The Henry's Fork Caldera sits cradled within the larger Island Park Caldera, creating a unique landscape where volcanic history meets thriving ecosystem. Dense forests of lodgepole pine rise from the ancient lava flows, while verdant meadows carpet the valleys between. This remarkable convergence of geological forces has created a wildlife sanctuary where diverse species flourish in the shadow of dormant volcanoes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited to general facilities such as vault toilets and water hydrants. No further details are provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary but are described as spacious by multiple reviewers. "Most sites are spacious, shaded... with plenty of room for our 35' pull trailer."
Sites PrivacyMany user reviews highlight the privacy between campsites: "Nice spacing between sites," "Good distancing between sites," and "Quiet and well-managed."
Total Campsites55 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in Loop B for proximity to the reservoir. Sites like 031 and 045 offer lake views and spacious areas for larger RVs.
Best CampsitesSite 038 offers electric hookups. Sites near the reservoir, such as 031 and 045, were positively reviewed for accessibility and views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time: 2 PM
Check-out
Check-out time: Noon
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per stay, with no more than 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limit varies by site type, with individual sites typically accommodating up to 8 guests.
Groups
The group camping loop can accommodate up to 150 people. User reviews describe it as "a beautiful, secluded setting" with its own bathrooms and water hydrants.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo single-family loops and one group loop with gravel spurs and parking areas. Sites are well-spaced and offer partial shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 to September 14 each year for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability exists for some sites, but availability is limited during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 day before arrival for individual sites, or 14 days 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
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. "Fishing was great," one user said, and another highlighted, "Great kayaking location, close to Yellowstone." Activities are centered around Island Park Reservoir and nearby trails.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include nearby trails such as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail. Reviews also noted small trails for exploring around the lake.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at the campground, with anglers targeting rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, and Kokanee salmon. "Fishing was slow but fun," noted one camper.Biking
Biking is available within the campground and along nearby trails. "We took our bikes and rode them around the campground and the lake. So fun," said a user.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Island Park Reservoir, with a concrete boat ramp provided. Water skiing and canoeing are also mentioned in official descriptions.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a significant draw, with opportunities to see bald eagles, moose, elk, deer, and Sandhill cranes. Reviewers mentioned seeing a cow moose and hearing elk nearby.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing are accessible at Island Park Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Foraging for wood is permitted.
- Quiet hours: 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include black and grizzly bears. Moose and elk sightings are common. Vault toilets and locked dumpsters are available to mitigate risks.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 are 30 miles away in West Yellowstone, Montana, and 32 miles away in Ashton, Idaho.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 to September 14, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are well-secured against wildlife, as noted in one review: "The dumpsters were secured from wildlife." Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to Island Park Reservoir, which offers boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsCamp hosts have received mixed reviews, with some calling them friendly while others report rude behavior. Noise from nearby boaters has also been mentioned.
HostMixed reviews for hosts; some praised their friendliness and knowledge, while others criticized intrusive behavior.
Campground Map
BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access to the campground is on a paved road but the interior loop roads and parking spurs are gravel. This makes navigation relatively straightforward but may be challenging for larger vehicles due to narrow gravel spurs.Nearby places
West Yellowstone, Montana: 30 miles southwest
Ashton, Idaho: 32 miles north
Nearby supplies
Fuel and basic camping supplies are available at the Elk Creek Gas Station, 2 miles from the Buttermilk Loop Road turnoff.
Camper Reviews
4.5
82 reviews
Buttermilk is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are polarized. Positive feedback commonly highlights the campground’s cleanliness, the large and well-spaced sites, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Negative feedback often centers on issues with camp hosts, such as perceived rudeness and poor communication.
Review Summaries
Based on 82 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms, spacious sites, proximity to Yellowstone, good fishing and kayaking opportunities. Many reviewers praised the campground as "quiet, clean, and beautiful."
Based on 82 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints primarily focus on the behavior of camp hosts, with reported instances of rudeness, poor enforcement of rules, and miscommunication. "Camp hosts were invasive," noted one reviewer.
Based on 82 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra locks and cables for ATVs as parking areas are unsecured. Follow the paved road to Lakeside Lodge instead of dirt road #126 for easier access.
Based on 82 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weather reviews suggest summer is the best season for camping, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Rainy conditions and muddy roads are noted in some reviews, but gravel sites drain quickly.
Based on 82 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Absolutely beautiful campground. Hosts were so kind and very helpful." "The camp host came storming in at 10:20 and told us to go to bed or he was calling the police!" "Friendly staff and quiet...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 038 has 15-amp electric hookups. Site 031 is described as spacious and near the lake. Site 042 offers a short trail to the lake and gravel that drains well. Group site is well-loved for its...
Based on 82 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No explicit comments on disability-specific experiences.
Based on 82 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews available.
Based on 82 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025