Canyon Rim, Bear Gulch, And Mesa Falls X-Country
00 reviewMesa Falls Forest Hwy 47, Ashton, ID
Canyon Rim, Bear Gulch, And Mesa Falls X-Country
$7.50 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
A Park N' Ski permit is required. Revenues from permit sales support trail improvements, plowing parking lots, and grooming trails.
About this campground
Nestled within the spectacular Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls trail system, this dispersed camping paradise serves as your gateway to one of Idaho's most breathtaking natural wonders. By day, explore miles of scenic trails that wind along dramatic rim vistas, and by night, fall asleep under a canopy of stars in your own secluded wilderness retreat. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, this campground offers the perfect basecamp for discovering the raw beauty of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
This area is designed primarily for dispersed and primitive camping. There is no mention of designated RV sites, group camping, or luxury accommodations.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this area remains quietly tucked away in the whispers of the wind through the pines, the land itself tells an ancient story through its dramatic waterfalls and weathered ridges, inviting modern explorers to create their own memories in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this mountain wonderland, where powder-soft winters give way to sun-drenched summers. Winter adventurers will find a snowy playground with freezing temperatures perfect for cross-country skiing, while summer visitors enjoy warm, dry days ideal for hiking and exploring. The shoulder seasons paint the landscape in stunning colors, offering crisp air and fewer crowds for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience.
ElevationPerched high in the mountain wilderness, this campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and every breath connects you more deeply with the natural world around you.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by nature's raw power at Upper Mesa Falls, where water plunges an awe-inspiring 110 feet into the canyon below. Just beyond, Lower Mesa Falls continues the aquatic symphony, creating a dual waterfall experience rarely found in one location. On crystal-clear days, the mighty Teton Mountain Range emerges on the horizon like ancient sentinels, while closer at hand, pristine forests and rugged ridges create an ever-changing tapestry of wilderness beauty that transforms with every turn of the trail.
Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this remarkable campground offers front-row seats to one of the region's most spectacular geological showcases. From your vantage point overlooking the thundering Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, you'll witness millions of years of natural artistry, while distant views of the iconic Teton Mountain Range remind you that you're camping in one of the American West's most geologically fascinating corridors.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the materials.
Sites SizeNo information is available about the size of the sites.
Sites PrivacyThere is no information regarding the privacy level of the sites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo site-specific recommendations are available.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are referenced as the campground operates under dispersed camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Unknown
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping; no designated sites or layout provided.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is closed; grooming for ski trails has ended for the 2024 season.
Reservation PlatformsPermits can be obtained from Ashton/Island Park Ranger District Office, Harriman State Park, Elk Creek Station, Fremont County Motor Vehicle Division, St. Anthony, and C & C Supply.
Walk-in AvailabilityDispersed camping; walk-up availability is not specified.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not mentioned.
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity highlighted for this campground is cross-country skiing along scenic trails with stunning views of Upper and Lower Mesa Falls and, on clear days, the Teton Mountain Range. No other recreational activities are explicitly mentioned.
Winter Activities
The site is primarily designed for winter activities, with cross-country skiing as the main attraction. Trails are groomed weekly during the season to ensure good skiing conditions.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned for this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not mentioned in the sources.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsCold temperatures and snow during winter may pose hazards. Snowmobile shared-use areas may require caution. Wildlife hazards are not specified.
Active alertsThe campground is closed, and grooming has ended for the 2024 season.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ashton Ranger Station (208)652-7442
Good to know
Peak season datesUnknown
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not provide trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Upper Mesa Falls (110-foot drop) and Lower Mesa Falls.
Common complaintsNo restrooms or potable water available; some users may find this inconvenient.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
Mesa Falls Forest Hwy 47, Ashton, ID
Driving directionsFrom Ashton, travel east on Mesa Falls Forest Highway 47 for approximately 12 miles.
The campground is accessible via a paved road, Mesa Falls Forest Highway 47. No seasonal closures or difficult terrain are mentioned.Nearby places
Ashton, ID (12 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available from Ashton/Island Park Ranger District Office, Harriman State Park, Elk Creek Station in Island Park, Fremont County Motor Vehicle Division in St. Anthony, and C & C Supply in St. Anthony.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Canyon Rim, Bear Gulch, And Mesa Falls X-Country has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not provided for this campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive highlights are available due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
No common complaints are mentioned in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
There are no user-provided tips or recommendations available.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews based on seasonal trends are not provided.
Camper Quotes
There are no direct quotes from users available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are present for this area.
Accessibility Features
There are no reviews discussing accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Last updated August 10, 2025