Box Canyon Campground
4.5123 reviewsBox Canyon Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Camping fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees are $8 if made online, $9 via contact center, and $3 if made in-person.
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About this campground
Perched dramatically on the canyon rim above the rushing waters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, Box Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape with 16 single and 2 double campsites that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay—sturdy tent and camper pads, crackling fire rings for evening gatherings, grills for outdoor cooking, and picnic tables perfect for meals with a view. Two single sites feature convenient pull-through access for larger rigs. Modern vault toilets, easily accessible water hydrants, and communal bear-proof dumpsters ensure your stay is both comfortable and wildlife-safe.
Box Canyon Campground primarily offers primitive camping facilities.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gloriously dry conditions that make Box Canyon a camping paradise, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. While the sunshine-filled months offer the most reliable access, adventurous souls should note that rainfall can transform the dirt access road into a slippery challenge. Early and late season visitors may wake to find a dusting of snow adorning the pines—a magical sight, but one that requires proper preparation.
ElevationFrom your clifftop perch on the canyon rim, you'll enjoy commanding views that stretch across the winding ribbon of the Henry's Fork far below. This elevated vantage point offers not just spectacular scenery, but also cooling breezes and a sense of being suspended between earth and sky.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering lodgepole pines and stately Douglas-firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite. The true star of the show, however, is the dramatic canyon itself—step to the rim and peer down at the Henry's Fork of the Snake River as it carves its ancient path through the landscape below. This stunning interplay of forest and canyon creates an atmosphere that's both intimate and awe-inspiring.
Geological RegionBox Canyon Campground sits atop one of nature's most impressive sculptures—a deep canyon carved over millennia by the persistent flow of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. This dramatic geological feature is softened by a protective canopy of lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir, creating a unique ecosystem where canyon meets forest in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, with access facilitated by well-maintained facilities and trails that lead to the Henry’s Fork.
Sites SizeCampsites include tent and camper pads. Two of the single sites are pull-through. Sites are described as relatively private but close together in some cases.
Sites PrivacyMost sites are described as relatively private, though some user reviews indicate sites are 'a little close together' (Da Real Now, 2020-06-23).
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites near the canyon rim offer more privacy and scenic vistas.
Best CampsitesSites near the canyon rim are considered desirable for their views and shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Limit unspecified
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 16 single and 2 double campsites, including 2 pull-through sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasons are not explicitly stated.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as reservations cannot be made.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up basis; campground often fills.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not offered; first-come, first-served only.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers several activities for visitors. Key highlights include hiking along short trails that lead to the Henry's Fork and waterfall viewing. The area is a peaceful retreat for observing nature and enjoying outdoor activities.
Hiking
The campground features short trails, including access to the Box Canyon Trail that leads to the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River and a nearby waterfall. User reviews highlight the trails: 'Backs up to Box Canyon Trail which goes to a waterfall' (Erin Swan, 2022-08-03).Fishing
Fishing activities are popular in this area, as described by a user: 'Nice and quiet area with most of the campers gone fishing all day' (James Rosner, 2020-07).Wildlife viewing
The serene atmosphere of the campground and its proximity to nature make it ideal for wildlife observation. Specific species are not mentioned in the source material.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires must be contained in designated fire rings; avoid late-night generator use as suggested by user reviews.
- Quiet hours are Users recommend minimizing generator noise late at night.
Hazards
General hazardsBring bear spray and utilize communal bear-proof dumpsters to mitigate wildlife risks. Dirt roads can become muddy and slick during rain.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Island Park Ranger Station is located approximately 1 mile away; nearest hospital is in Idaho Falls, 75 miles to the south.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingThe campground includes a bear-proof dumpster for trash disposal.
Proximity to water featuresShort trails lead to the Henry's Fork and a waterfall.
Common complaintsSites may be close together, larger campers face maneuverability challenges, mosquitoes can be present.
HostCampground hosts are frequently praised in user reviews as being friendly, helpful, and maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe Box Canyon Campground is located 28 miles south of West Yellowstone, MT or 75 miles north of Idaho Falls, ID. The entry way to the Campground is on the west side of Highway 20, one mile south of the Island Park Ranger Station.
The campground is accessible via Highway 20 with an entrance on the west side of the road. The access road includes a dirt portion that may become slick in rainy conditions.Nearby places
West Yellowstone, MT: 28 miles
Idaho Falls, ID: 75 miles.
Nearby supplies
Island Park Ranger Station nearby
major supplies likely available in Idaho Falls or West Yellowstone.
Camper Reviews
4.5
23 reviews
Box Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Box Canyon Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many users praising its cleanliness, serenity, and helpful campground hosts. The overall sentiment is highly favorable, with an average rating of above 4.5 stars.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently highlight the cleanliness of the campground, the peaceful atmosphere, and the helpfulness of the hosts. Some quotes include: 'Clean and friendly hosts. Beautiful site.' (Jeanette...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
A few users noted that the campsites are close together, limiting privacy, and that larger RVs or trailers may find the tight layout challenging due to numerous trees.
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray, as suggested by Erin Swan (2022). Take the trail down to the water, although it is steep. Utilize the communal bear boxes for food storage.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is quiet and serene in summer, with most campers opting to fish during the day. Winter visits may require caution due to snow and potential access issues.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Such a beautiful campground. Lots of trees and privacy. Communal bear boxes. There is potable water and two sets of vault toilets.' (Erin Swan, 2022). - 'Nice little quiet campground. Wouldn't...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst in the source materials.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is noted for its wheelchair accessibility, and this feature is appreciated by reviewers.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025