Island Lake Campground
4.4814 reviewsIsland Lake 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
Recreation Use fees vary by activity and location: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, and $3 if made in-person. Reservation fees are non-refundable.
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About this campground
Perched high in the mountains, Island Lake Campground offers an escape to pristine wilderness where 21 thoughtfully remodeled campsites await adventurers seeking solitude above the clouds. This remote mountain sanctuary beckons hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts with its crystalline waters and endless trails, though visitors should note that the journey here requires navigating rugged terrain unsuitable for those with mobility limitations. With camping spurs accommodating RVs up to 32 feet and fresh mountain water available on-site, you'll find comfort in the wilderness—just remember to download your maps beforehand, as cell towers haven't reached these heights.
Island Lake Campground is best suited for tent camping and smaller RVs due to size limitations.
Weather and SeasonsThe dramatic seasonal shifts at Island Lake create two distinct camping experiences. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with frigid temperatures and over 3 inches of snowfall creating perfect conditions for those seeking winter solitude—though the short 9-hour days between 8:45 AM sunrise and 6:15 PM sunset mean planning accordingly. Come summer, the campground reveals its gentler side, with late August offering the sweet spot for mosquito-free adventures under clear mountain skies, making it the perfect time for families and fair-weather campers to explore.
ElevationAt over 10,000 feet above sea level, Island Lake Campground places you firmly in the realm of alpine adventure, where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly across mountain peaks and valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryIsland Lake serves as the jewel centerpiece of this high-altitude paradise, its mirror-like surface reflecting towering peaks while rainbow and cutthroat trout ripple beneath. Wildflower meadows burst with color during summer months, creating a photographer's dream landscape where deer graze peacefully in the morning mist. The diverse fishing opportunities—from fly fishing along the shoreline to ice fishing in winter's grip—make this an angler's year-round destination. Wildlife watchers should remain alert for the area's most impressive residents, including the occasional grizzly bear, reminding visitors that this remains true wilderness where nature still reigns supreme.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe maximum spur length for sites is 32 feet, accommodating smaller rigs and tents.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being well-separated with trees, offering privacy. One user noted that the sites are "large and very private."
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoops A and B are more well-spaced and better for privacy, while Loop C is smaller. The campground is more suitable for small rigs and tents.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
16-day stay limit
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops: Loop A and B are well-spaced, while Loop C is smaller.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only; no advanced reservations permitted.
Cancellation PolicyCustomers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of the reservation check-in date online, through the app, or contact center. A $10 cancellation fee may apply. Late cancellations for individual campsites will incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Island Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic beauty of the area is a highlight for visitors.
Hiking
The campground provides direct access to hiking trails, including trails leading into the lakes area and along the Beartooth Highway. One review described the scenery as "great" and the trailhead as being a favorite in the Beartooth range.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include various types of fishing such as wade, shore, and motorized boat fishing. The lake is stocked with trout, and fishing is popular among visitors.Boating
A boat launch is available, but it remains closed until the winter ice clears. Visitors can engage in motorized boating and float tubing.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently report wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears and deer. One user suggested, "Definitely want your bear spray handy and a clean camp."Winter Activities
Ice fishing is available during winter when the lake freezes over.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating such as float tubing is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsMultiple reviewers noted grizzly bear sightings and advised carrying bear spray and maintaining a clean camp. Mosquitoes are also noted as being "out of control" during some times of the year.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Island Lake. The boat ramp is closed until winter ice clears.
Common complaintsGrizzly bear sightings, mosquito infestations, cloudy potable water from the hand pump, and noise from the campground host's work generator starting at 6:30 AM were mentioned.
Host"Friendly host and great communication about bear sightings," noted one reviewer. Another mentioned the hosts were "kind" and kept the campground clean.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn right onto Highway 212, which is the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about 20 miles to the Island Lake Campground, which will be on the left.
This site can be accessed by Passenger Car.Camper Reviews
4.5
14 reviews
Island Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Island Lake Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and abundance of activities. Wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, add to the wilderness experience. However, the lack of cell phone service and mosquitoes during peak seasons are noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Many visitors praised the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and the gorgeous lake views. One user highlighted, "The cleanest vault toilets and the kindest hosts," while another described the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the presence of mosquitoes, grizzly bears, and the host's generator running early in the morning. One review noted, "The host had a work generator which he ran beginning about 6:30...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving with bear spray and maintaining a clean camp due to frequent bear sightings. They also suggest visiting late in the season to avoid mosquitoes.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busier during summer, when hiking and fishing are most popular. Late August sees fewer mosquitoes, as noted by one reviewer who visited during that time.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The lake is gorgeous and there is hiking directly from the campground." "The toilets were the cleanest I've ever been to in all my years." "Definitely want your bear spray handy and a clean camp."
Based on 14 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Loops A and B are described as having many well-spaced sites. Loop C is smaller and best suited for tents and smaller rigs.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is not accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pets are provided.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025