Emigration Campground
4.2565 reviews322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Emigration Campground
$20.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from $20 to $100 per night, depending on site type and amenities. Rates exclude service fees and taxes. An additional $6 fee applies for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Tucked away in the scenic Emigration Canyon, just 17 miles west of Montpelier, Idaho, Emigration Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful mountain retreat. This versatile campground thoughtfully accommodates every type of camper, from solo adventurers and couples at intimate single sites to families gathering at spacious double sites, and larger groups celebrating together at dedicated group camping areas.
Emigration Campground accommodates various camping styles, including individual, group, tent, and RV camping. Primitive camping and glamping options are not mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and exploration, with refreshingly cool mountain evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. The typically dry climate creates excellent camping conditions, though wise campers come prepared for nature's afternoon surprises—dramatic thunderstorms occasionally roll through the canyon in late afternoon, bringing brief but spectacular light shows and the sweet scent of rain on pine needles.
ElevationNestled deep within a protective canyon embrace, the campground enjoys naturally cooler temperatures thanks to its mountainous surroundings. Towering peaks create welcome shade throughout the day, while the canyon's unique topography channels gentle breezes that whisper through the trees, providing natural air conditioning even during summer's warmest days.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of mountain beauty unfolds at every turn, where towering pines and spruce trees create a emerald canopy overhead, punctuated by the shimmering gold of quaking aspens. Summer transforms the forest floor into a painter's palette of wildflowers—vibrant lupines, delicate columbines, and cheerful mountain daisies dance in the dappled sunlight. For those visiting in mid-August, nature offers a special treat: wild huckleberries hanging heavy on the bushes, their sweet-tart flavor a perfect reward for attentive foragers.
Geological RegionEmigration Campground sits within the majestic Bear River Range, where ancient geological forces have carved a spectacular canyon sanctuary. This mountain ecosystem showcases nature's diversity with dense forests of pine and spruce standing sentinel alongside groves of quaking aspen. The varied terrain creates distinct microclimates that support rich biodiversity, making each camping spot feel like its own unique corner of wilderness paradise.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGroup Site 2 lacks wheelchair accessibility to picnic tables and fire pits according to user reviews, while other facilities such as restrooms in the parking lot are wheelchair-accessible.
Sites SizeSeveral sites can accommodate trailers up to 40 feet, and user reviews highlight spacious campsites, although some sites might be smaller than described on official pages.
Sites PrivacyThe tent sites offer enough distance between them to provide privacy, as noted in user reviews. However, some group sites are described as cramped and lacking privacy.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 003 offers a stream running through it and shade; Site 012 is less suitable for tents due to uneven terrain and stinging nettles.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time not stated.
Check-out
Official check-out time not stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Varies by site type, with group sites accommodating up to 75 people.
Groups
The group sites include picnic shelters, multiple tables, and campfire rings, but some reviews note limited capacity and accessibility issues. Group Site 2 is described as cramped, with limited parking space and challenging terrain.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 20 single-family sites, 3 double-family sites, and 2 group sites. Group Site 3 is located 1.5 miles west of the main campground, offering unique amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 6 to September 1 during reservable periods.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including online and the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites available during peak season; first-come-first-served, often less preferred sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservation changes incur a $10 fee. Cancellations are subject to fees based on timing: $10 for standard cancellations, and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.
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
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to diverse recreational activities, particularly hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The nearby Highline National Recreation Trail is a standout feature, offering multi-use trails for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, motorcyclists, and off-road vehicle riders.
Hiking
The Highline National Recreation Trail adjacent to the campground stretches 55 miles and intersects with numerous other trails. It is considered the premier trail of the Montpelier District and caters to various skill levels and vehicle types.Fishing
Local streams near the campground provide fishing opportunities as highlighted in the campground's description.Biking
The Highline Trail supports biking and is noted for its scenic views and accessibility for bikers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as squirrels and chipmunks can be seen in the campground as mentioned in user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood must be obtained locally to prevent pests.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters, steep terrain in certain group campsites, and stinging nettle plants in some sites.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Emergency services are available at Montpelier, Idaho, which is 17 miles east of the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6 to September 1
Trash and recyclingNo trash cans or bear-proof containers are available within the campground, as noted by user reviews. Campers often have to haul out their trash or burn it.
Proximity to water featuresStreams run through the campground, but no major lakes or rivers are immediately adjacent to the sites.
Common complaintsComplaints include hosts' behavior, lack of water availability, locked restrooms, and challenges with campsite maintenance such as uneven ground or nettles.
HostMixed reviews on hosts. Some campers praise hosts for cleanliness and attentiveness, while others note instances of rudeness and poor management.
Campground Map
322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Driving directionsFrom Montpelier, drive west on U.S. Highway 89 to Ovid, Idaho. At the junction of U.S. 89 and State Highway 36, take the right fork of the "Y" onto State Highway 36 and travel approximately 12 miles northwest to the campground. A left hand turn is required to enter the campground.
Roads leading to the campground are paved. The main campground is located just off State Highway 36 in Emigration Canyon, offering easy accessibility via major highways.Nearby places
Montpelier (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Ovid (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Bear Lake (approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available in Montpelier (approximately 17 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
65 reviews
Emigration Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences at Emigration Campground. While many praise the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts, others cite issues with inaccessible restrooms, locked water supply, and lack of privacy at certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 65 reviews
What Campers Love
Several reviews mention clean facilities, shaded sites, proximity to Bear Lake, paved roads, and the availability of flush toilets. The Highline Trail and scenic wilderness are highly appreciated.
Based on 65 reviewsCommon Concerns
Recurring complaints include locked or inaccessible restrooms, water supply problems, overcrowding, lack of level ground in tent sites, and unhelpful camp hosts.
Based on 65 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood as availability on-site may vary; reserve your site early, especially for weekends; consider group sites only if tent camping since RV parking might be tight.
Based on 65 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is noted for its abundance of wild huckleberries and vibrant wildflowers. However, rainy seasons pose challenges with waterlogged tent sites and flooding, as reported by users.
Based on 65 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The campground itself is great. Lots of trees for shade, little creeks, and close to Bear Lake." - Silvana Scott
"This campground was absolutely perfect! Well taken care of, beautiful, and how they...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 012: Often mentioned for stinging nettle and uneven terrain.
Site 005: Noted for lack of privacy due to proximity to neighboring sites.
GS-3 RCD: Observations of dirty pavilion and inadequate...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair accessibility is inconsistent. Group Site 2 lacks accessible picnic tables and fire pits, while restrooms in parking lots are wheelchair-accessible.
Based on 65 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and hosts sometimes emphasize keeping pets under control, as noted in certain reviews.
Based on 65 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025