Davis Canyon Campground
4.846 reviewsHC82 BOX 1158
Davis Canyon Campground
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric sites cost $60 per night during peak season. Reservation fees ($8-$10) and other service fees may apply.
About this campground
Tucked into a serene canyon where St. Charles Creek whispers through the forest, Davis Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape in southeast Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This hidden gem features one thoughtfully designed accessible group site that seamlessly divides into three cozy individual camping areas. Towering conifers mingle with dancing aspens to create a natural cathedral overhead, while the gentle sounds of the creek provide nature's perfect soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.
Davis Canyon Campground primarily caters to group camping but also accommodates individual camping on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away lies the magnificent Minnetonka Cave, a rare underground treasure that stands as one of only two caves in the entire Forest Service system open for guided exploration. This limestone wonder has been captivating visitors for generations with its stunning formations and cool chambers. Time your visit for August to experience the beloved Raspberry Days Festival in nearby Bear Lake, where the community celebrates the ruby-red harvest with old-fashioned fun and frontier spirit.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days and cool mountain nights perfect for campfire stories, while winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice. The sweet spot for camping runs from late May through early September, when wildflowers paint the forest floor and the creek runs full with snowmelt. Plan your visit between May 23 and September 6 to experience Davis Canyon at its most welcoming, with comfortable temperatures and endless blue skies.
ElevationNestled in the heart of southeast Idaho's mountain country, Davis Canyon sits at an elevation where the air is crisp and pine-scented year-round. Here in this forested canyon sanctuary, you'll experience the perfect balance of mountain majesty and accessible comfort, with terrain that's both dramatic and welcoming to campers of all experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where St. Charles Creek meanders through a tapestry of evergreen and aspen, creating an ever-changing display of light and shadow. The majestic Wasatch Mountain range rises in the distance, painting dramatic backdrops for your morning coffee or evening stargazing. This diverse forest ecosystem comes alive with birdsong at dawn, while deer often appear at dusk to drink from the crystal-clear creek that serves as the campground's centerpiece.
Geological RegionDavis Canyon showcases the geological wonders of southeast Idaho, where ancient forces carved intimate valleys through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. St. Charles Creek has spent millennia sculpting this peaceful refuge, creating a perfect balance of rushing water, weathered stone, and fertile soil that supports the magnificent mixed forest. The surrounding canyon walls tell stories written in stone, while the interplay of conifers and aspens creates a living gallery that changes with every season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe group site is accessible and can accommodate up to 40 people.
Sites SizeThe group site can accommodate up to 40 people and includes three smaller individual sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground features a quiet area surrounded by mixed conifer and aspen forests, offering moderate privacy.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup site GS1 is ideal for families due to its large capacity and creekside location. Prepare for dry camping and bring water.
Best CampsitesSite GS1 is highly rated for its proximity to the creek and ability to accommodate large groups.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 40 people for group sites.
Groups
One accessible group site accommodates up to 40 people and is divided into three smaller individual sites. Individual sites can be used on a walk-in basis if the group site is not reserved.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne accessible group site composed of three smaller individual sites; roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 through September 6 during peak seasons; closed from September 1 to May 22 for non-bookable out-of-season periods.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySite 1 is available on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled via Recreation.gov. A $10 change fee applies for switching dates. Cancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's fees.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Davis Canyon Campground offers access to a range of recreational activities, emphasizing hiking, fishing, and group camping. The North Fork Trail and Highline Trail #316 provide extensive opportunities for exploration, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and motorcycling. The nearby St. Charles Creek supports fishing throughout the year, and big game hunting is popular during the season. The campground's natural surroundings include forests and a creek, enhancing the experience of outdoor recreation.
Hiking
"Nearby, the North Fork Trail and its associated trails access the Highline Trail #316. The Highline Trail is part of the National Trail System and stretches 55 miles along the backbone of the Wasatch Mountains." The trail accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and motorcyclists.Fishing
Fishing is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, with excellent opportunities most of the year, including in St. Charles Creek.Biking
Mountain biking is available on the Highline Trail #316 and adjacent trails, offering varied terrain for riders.Wildlife viewing
The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Bear Lake offers excellent bird watching opportunities.Cultural and Educational Programs
Minnetonka Cave guided tours are available daily every 30 minutes from early June to Labor Day, providing unique educational experiences.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for Davis Canyon Campground.Water Sports
No specific mention of water sports is associated with Davis Canyon Campground, though Bear Lake nearby may offer some possibilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but specific times are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsParking is limited; no cell phone service; wildlife caution is advised.
Active alertsNo water available; campers must bring their own water. Wildlife caution and 'pack it in, pack it out' rules advised.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Nearest water source is Porcupine Campground (2 miles away); general emergency services may be accessed in nearby St. Charles or Montpelier.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 6
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; campers must bring their own garbage bags and dispose of waste responsibly. No trash or recycling collection services are provided.
Proximity to water featuresSt. Charles Creek flows through the campground, offering scenic water views.
Common complaintsLimited water availability; parking restrictions; occasional reservation disputes as noted in reviews.
HostNo specific host details provided.
Campground Map
HC82 BOX 1158
Driving directionsTake U.S. Highway 89 north from Garden City, Utah, or south from Montpelier, Idaho, to St. Charles. Drive west from St. Charles along Forest Road 412 about 6 miles to the campground.
Roads are gravel; there is no cell phone service in the area. Off-road vehicle use is not allowed in the canyon.Nearby places
St. Charles (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes), Montpelier (30 miles, approx. 35 minutes), Garden City (25 miles, approx. 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
No water is provided on-site
nearest water is at Porcupine Campground. Limited supplies are available in St. Charles, with larger grocery stores and fuel stations in Montpelier.
Camper Reviews
4.8
6 reviews
Davis Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Davis Canyon Campground is a quiet and scenic location, well-suited for group camping despite some limitations such as the lack of running water. Clean vault toilets are consistently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, scenic location next to St. Charles Creek, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for large groups.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
No running water onsite, cell phone service is unavailable, and issues with reservation management leading to occupied reserved sites were noted.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and garbage bags. Prepare for dry camping and confirm reservations to avoid conflicts. Campsites are quiet and ideal for group gatherings.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is active during peak season from late May to early September. The availability of guided tours at Minnetonka Cave and the Raspberry Days Festival in August enhance seasonal visits....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Cleanest campground restrooms I've ever seen." (Shane Leavitt, 2021-07-04) 2. "Seems like the info in the GS1 for the Davis Canyon Campground is not accurate, we found another party occupying...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews for GS1 highlight its suitability for large groups and proximity to the creek. Issues with reservation conflicts were reported for site 7.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
The accessible group site accommodates up to 40 people and offers a reasonably flat area for navigation.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets appear to be allowed, though no specific reviews address pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025