Iron Bog Campground
4.806 reviewsNone
Iron Bog Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10/night for single campsites. Cash or check required. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single sites occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's high country, Iron Bog Campground offers 21 tranquil campsites where the gentle murmur of Iron Bog Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your wilderness escape. Seven coveted creekside sites let you fall asleep to the soothing sounds of flowing water, while the remaining sites spread across an open sagebrush meadow, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Four sites feature welcome shade awnings for those warm summer afternoons. Accommodating trailers up to 35 feet, this peaceful retreat operates as a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, maintaining its pristine character. Outside of holiday weekends, you'll often find yourself sharing this hidden gem with only the local wildlife and the whisper of wind through the sage.
Iron Bog Campground accommodates tent and RV campers, with some sites featuring ramada-style picnic tables.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through September, Iron Bog Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers seeking high-elevation serenity. The campground opens May 25th just as wildflowers begin dotting the sagebrush meadows, though early season visitors should pack warm layers for crisp mountain mornings. Summer brings ideal camping weather, with comfortable days perfect for exploring nearby lakes and cool nights that invite campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches and the season winds down on September 30th, golden light bathes the landscape while temperatures remind you why that extra blanket was a good idea. Winter transforms this area into a frozen wonderland, with frigid temperatures keeping the campground peacefully dormant until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, Iron Bog Campground offers that perfect high-mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, stars shine brilliantly in the thin atmosphere, and every breath reminds you that you've truly escaped to the wilderness.
Natural Features and ScenerySet atop a scenic sage-covered bluff overlooking the winding ribbon of Iron Bog Creek, this campground perfectly balances open meadow camping with pockets of shade provided by stately Douglas fir trees. The aromatic sagebrush landscape stretches in all directions, painted with subtle grays and greens that shift with the changing light. Just a short journey from camp, a trio of alpine lakes beckons to anglers and day hikers alike – Iron Bog Lake, Brockie Lake, and Fishpole Lake each offer their own unique character and fishing opportunities, creating a water-lover's paradise in this high desert setting.
Geological RegionDeep within the rugged embrace of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Iron Bog Campground sits atop its signature sage-covered bluff, carved over millennia by the persistent flow of Iron Bog Creek below. This remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces, where nearby Smiley Mountain stands sentinel over a collection of pristine alpine lakes. The surrounding terrain showcases the diverse beauty of Idaho's high country – from the aromatic sagebrush steppe to pockets of coniferous forest, all part of one of the lower 48's largest designated wilderness complexes. Iron Bog Lake, Brockie Lake, and Fishpole Lake dot the landscape like sapphires, each formed by unique geological processes that created these high-elevation fishing havens.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeMaximum trailer length is 35 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; campsites near Iron Bog Creek are more secluded, while others are in open sagebrush areas.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creek-side sites for the best views and access to the mountain stream. Covered picnic tables are available at some sites for added shade and rain protection.
Best CampsitesSites located along Iron Bog Creek are often praised for their beauty and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 16 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
One group campsite is available with a capacity of 25 persons.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop with one spur on sage-covered bluff above Iron Bog Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 25 to September 30, dependent on road conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNone. Non-reservable campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are non-reservable and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
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
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron Bog Campground is ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. A cascading mountain stream runs alongside the campground, adding to its charm. It is close to great hiking trails and lakes, making it a serene spot for exploration and picnics.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; safe food storage practices required.
Active alertsNone stated.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, emphasizing self-management of trash and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Iron Bog Creek and lakes such as Iron Bog Lake, Brockie Lake, and Fishpole Lake.
Common complaintsRoad conditions leading to the campground are gravel and need attention (user reviews). Sagebrush overgrowth in some sites makes parking aprons hard to see.
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Campground Map
None
Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 south of Mackay to the Antelope Creek Road. Turn right on the Antelope Creek Road. Follow this road 19 miles to the campground. From Arco: Take US Highway 93 north of Arco to the Antelope Creek Road. Turn left on the Antelope Creek Road. Follow this road 19 miles to the campground.
After 4 miles, Antelope Rd. becomes gravel. Roads going in could use some attention, according to user reviews.Nearby places
Mackay: 19 miles via Antelope Creek Road
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.8
6 reviews
Iron Bog Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and quiet atmosphere. However, the road leading to the campground is gravel and may require attention.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
"Many of the campsites have covered picnic tables for sun and rain protection." - L. Bryce Willis "One of my all-time favorite places to camp!!!" - Benjamin Pearson
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Road conditions leading to the campground need improvement: "roads going in could use some attention" - Arlin Stimpson.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for no cell reception and should practice bear-safe food storage techniques.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During holiday weekends, the campground sees increased usage, but remains quiet otherwise. Summer months provide rust-colored potable water via a hand-pump.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean campground, no plumbing though, just outhouses, nice roofs over some of the tables, ample wood nearby, fair price." - Taylor Costel
Based on 6 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites along Iron Bog Creek provide more scenic and secluded experiences compared to sites in the open sagebrush.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Two vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, making the campground accessible.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025