Caribou-Targhee National Forest/Palisades Campgrounds

Caribou-Targhee National Forest/Palisades Campgrounds

Riverside Park Campground

Situated within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest/Palisades Wilderness, within Swan Valley of Southeastern Idaho, around an hour or so drive from the city of Idaho Falls, sits the pet-friendly Riverside Park Campground alongside the Snake River. Scenic views of Calamity Point greet visitors to the campground, where a mix of 'park in a lot or 'drive to the site' parking options welcome travelers. Find tent and RV sites with several on-site amenities, including a boat ramp, picnic tables, potable water, sanitary dump, big rig friendly, sewer hookups, pull-through areas, and flush and vault restrooms. Fees apply for some activities, firewood, and extra vehicle parking; no ATVs are allowed. The Riverside Park Campground is a reservable and first come, first serve site.

Find 35 campsites and 9 RV hookup campsites. If searching for waterside sites, check out sites 22, 23, and 24. If electric hookups are the priority, ask about sites 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

The sunsets from this location can be incredible and reflect beautifully atop the river waters. During the fall, the surrounding tree life boasts a beautiful array of reds, yellow, and orange leaves. Visitors may consider bringing along the camera to help keep memories alive.

Destinations to check out while in the area might include Fall Creek Falls (a riverside seasonal waterfall), the Sidewinder Bike Path, and Kelly Canyon Mountain & Trails. The Clark Hill Rest Area and Overlook is a great outdoor adventure starting point, Fremont County Golf Course, Rainey Creek (world famous square ice cream), and Lower and Upper Palisades lakes. Striking up a conversation with the locals also may unveil information to help determine what destinations to visit while in a particular area.

Area trails include Kelly Canyon Trail, Palisades Creek Trailhead (no horses, no camping), Cress Creek Nature Trail, Sidewinder Trail, Dry Fork Trailhead, Kelly Canyon Trail, Victor to Driggs Rail-Trail, Big elk Creek Trail, Palisades Creek Trailhead, and North Indian Creek Trail.

Peak baggers, or folks who enjoy hiking to mountain peaks, may be interested in checking out Sheep Creek Peak with views of Mt. Baird, Palisades Peak, Thompson Peak, or Atkinson Peak with views of Baldy Mountain.

Area activity opportunities include the South Fork of the Snake River, most famous for fly-fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and riverside enjoyment. Additional outdoor activities popular in the vicinity include mountain biking, historical sites, horseback riding, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birding, and off-road vehicle use from the campground head east to Palisades Reservoir for other water fun.

Suppose trekking outdoors in search of some of Idaho's finest gems, including agate, jasper, petrified wood pieces, gneiss, schist, and granite, sounds fun. In that case, the area near Ashton-Tetonia Idaho Trail State Park, where forest road 26263 converges with 647 and 772, maybe just the place. As with any rockhounding activities, check in with the local forest service district ranger at the ranger's office for permission before removing any rocks, gems, minerals, or similar for personal or educational use.

If planning to explore the area trails, do not forget to charge up the e-bike, plan for gassing up ATVs and ohv vehicles, and gather emergency water and tool kit(s) and spare tires. Moreover, do not forget to make sure the spare is not flat (from experience, do not rely on others when confirming this information). Check the current air pressure in vehicle tires before leaving on a trip and accommodate any seasonal changes.

Palisades Creek Campground

Palisades Creek Campground is an ideal location for the avid outdoor adventurer searching for a campground near a trailhead that leads to alpine lakes, not to mention an excellent destination for an overwhelming sense of 'getting away. Sandwiched between Sheep Mountain and Little Baldy Mountain, the campsites boast fragrant forest pine, tall grasses, wildflowers, dense ground cover, creatures, and critters. Famous year-round, many folks visit during winter for snow activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowy fun.

Reports of the area are favorable, with phrases used such as "jaw-dropping beauty," "scenery is amazing, and "bring a camera." Now because the Palisades Creek Campground is nestled within the heart of the forest, it is necessary to arrive prepared. The area is home to bears, moose, elk, deer, and many more giant creatures that require keeping a safe distance between themselves and the animal. Disposing trash in a 'bear safe' trash receptacle, keeping a clean camp, staying aware and alert, and following safety protocol are wise. The greater area has gained a reputation for its powerful and largely unexpected lightning storms. Stay informed and stay safe!

The area trail includes Palisades Creek Trailhead. Be alert, carry bear spray, avoid hiking alone, and know what to do in an emergency scenario while out enjoying the trails. Do not forget to consider bringing a water filter, camera, mosquito repellant, or netting. When traveling on backroads and passing over a cattle guard, the presentation would resemble a slatted metal bridge; this is a good indication that there are free-range cattle/animals within the area and that to pay close attention while traveling.

Steel Creek Group Campground (Dubois)

Above-ground rock-enclosed fire pits await an evening roasting a favorite dinner or perhaps some marshmallows. The general area is lined with forest pine and provides a beautiful backdrop for weekend adventures. Discover plenty of flat places for tent camping and spaces ideal for off-road parking with an RV or camper. The campground sits along Forest Road loop 10478 near the seasonal steel creek within the Centennial Mountains Wilderness Study Area along the Montana, Idaho border.

Area activities include nature trails, off-highway vehicle use, horseback riding, birding, fishing, and camping. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, and a group area. Discover things to do from late spring through most fall months. Reviewing local blogs may help reveal uncommon destinations that only the locals may be aware of and could help make for a more exciting trip. Monument Peak and Lookout Peak are located a few miles from the campground.

When traveling in the mountains or alongside any similar terrain, be aware of rock slides, mudslides, and rocks in general that may become dislodged and tumble into the road at any time. Calling to report road conditions to the local transportation or forest services when possible to report adverse road conditions is the kind thing to do.

Stoddard Creek Campground

Home to 117 single pad sites, four double units, picnic tables, fire pits, and a few campsites offer the option of power hook up and others with partial shade. There is a fee dumpsite within the grounds.

Having someone responsible for gathering the mail and home sitting can be especially helpful with caring for pets and if weather storms pass through that may cause damage to trees or the home itself.

Resources:

https://idahoutdoors.com/rock-hounding-idaho/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ctnf/home/?cid=fseprd768371

https://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/id/riverside-park/