How much does camping cost at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Goodenough Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Goodenough Creek Campground?

Goodenough Creek Campground is open Peak visitation occurs in summer (June-August) and early fall, as noted by user reviews.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Goodenough Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Goodenough Creek Campground: Fire rings are provided at all campsites; campfires are allowed within designated rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Goodenough Creek Campground have?

Goodenough Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Goodenough Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Goodenough Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Goodenough Creek Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Goodenough Creek Campground

Q: Is Goodenough Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Goodenough Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up only, and user reviews strongly recommend arriving early due to popularity and limited availability.

4.26

110 reviews

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

Tent Camping

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,548 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management - Pocatello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,548 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management - Pocatello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Goodenough Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free to use; no fees are associated with camping or amenities.

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

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208-478-6340BLM_ID_PocatelloOffice@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 110 reviews

108 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Goodenough Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its natural beauty, seclusion, and the fact that it is free to use. Many describe it as a hidden gem, though its popularity can make finding a spot challenging."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

Goodenough Creek Campground

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

Nearby places

McCammon (~3 miles), Lava Hot Springs (~20 minutes driving), Pocatello (~45 minutes driving)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping equipment, and fuel are available in McCammon (~3 miles) and Lava Hot Springs (~20 minutes driving).

Driving directionsFrom McCammon, cross over I-15 and go west about a mile. The road connects to Marsh Creek Road; Turn left on Marsh Creek Road and travel about a quarter mile. Take a right onto Green Road. Continue about 2 miles to the recreation area.

The road is paved until nearly reaching the campground and connects to Marsh Creek Road and Green Road. Roads are generally accessible year-round; however, some user reviews mention steep hills and narrow dirt paths leading to campsite areas.

Best Time to Camp at Goodenough Creek Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with clear skies common for campfires and stargazing. Trails stay accessible and creekside wildlife viewing peaks in the long summer evenings. Autumn delivers gold and crimson foliage but shorter days. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered landscape for experienced cold-weather campers willing to bring four-season gear. Spring means muddy trails as snowmelt swells the creek, though wildflowers start appearing by late May.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Peak season: trails accessible, wildlife abundant, pleasant daytime temps; campground is busy but highly rated.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Top 18% in ID

Trails and creekside wildlife return in spring; possible wet conditions but generally good season for hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Users report beautiful fall visits; some reviewers noted occasional early fall closures so access can vary.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year‑round in principle but reviewers cite seasonal closures and no winter services; not a winter rec hub.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak visitation occurs in summer (June-August) and early fall, as noted by user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though closures may occur seasonally, as noted in user reviews (e.g., early fall closures reported).
Current Alerts: Seasonal closures may occur (e.g., September to December, as cited in user reviews).

About Goodenough Creek Campground

Goodenough Creek Campground sits at 5,548 feet in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Pocatello, offering ten first-come, first-served sites for free. The small campground fills quickly on summer weekends. Reviewers recommend arriving by mid-afternoon to secure a spot. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with trails connecting directly to the national forest trail network.

Goodenough Creek Campground offers both tent and RV/trailer camping, with a total of 10 developed sites. Five sites are designated for tent camping, while the other five accommodate RVs or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s, with clear skies common for campfires and stargazing. Trails stay accessible and creekside wildlife viewing peaks in the long summer evenings. Autumn delivers gold and crimson foliage but shorter days. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered landscape for experienced cold-weather campers willing to bring four-season gear. Spring means muddy trails as snowmelt swells the creek, though wildflowers start appearing by late May.

ElevationWhile the exact elevation remains one of nature's little mysteries, campers consistently praise the campground's gentle, accessible terrain that welcomes families and first-timers alike. The approach roads do test your vehicle's mettle with some spirited inclines, adding just enough adventure to make your arrival feel earned. Once settled in, you'll find the campground itself offers comfortable, relatively level spots perfect for pitching tents or parking RVs without the usual mountain camping gymnastics.

Natural Features and SceneryDense forest surrounds the campground in rolling hills carved by Goodenough Creek, which runs through the property with a steady murmur over smooth stones. Tall pines provide dappled shade across most sites. The creek draws wildlife at dawn and dusk during summer months. This is a transitional zone between developed recreation and wilderness, with forest cover thick enough to feel secluded but trails nearby for easy access to deeper backcountry.

Geological RegionNestled at the gateway to the magnificent Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Goodenough Creek Campground sits in a landscape sculpted by time and water. Rolling hills clothed in dense forest create a natural amphitheater around the campground, while the creek has carved its patient path through the terrain over countless seasons. This transitional zone between managed recreation and wilderness offers campers the best of both worlds—easy access to extensive trail networks while maintaining that coveted sense of being truly away from it all. The surrounding geology tells the story of ancient forests and patient streams, creating the perfect backdrop for your own outdoor adventures.

Scenic ViewsCreekside views are prominent in tent sites, creating a calming atmosphere. Some sites are described as having wooded surroundings and limited vistas of rolling hills.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is strictly for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 Days

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific limit mentioned in official sources, but user reviews indicate space for small groups and families.

Groups

No group camping accommodations are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo loops split the campground, with tent sites farther downstream and RV-friendly spots near the entrance. A narrow gravel road connects the sites. Some reviewers noted well-designed 50' x 30' raised gravel pads, while others mentioned smaller, tighter spots. Sites closer to the road trade privacy for convenience.

Reservation PlatformsNone, as reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only, and user reviews strongly recommend arriving early due to popularity and limited availability.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly mention accessibility features, but one reviewer noted, "Paved site next to restrooms for Disabled Access," suggesting some accessible facilities are present.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, with some accommodating tents and RVs. One reviewer noted, "Very well-designed 50' x 30' raised gravel sites." Another mentioned smaller sites: "Small sites, first come first serve... some spots are small.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Tent sites near the creek were noted for being "secluded," while other sites were described as "close to the road" or "connected (so less private).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a spot, particularly during summer and fall. Small trailers under 20 feet are most suitable for RV sites.

Best CampsitesTent sites downstream near the creek earn praise for seclusion and the sound of running water. Site #10 sits especially close to the creek. Some sites closer to the entrance road sacrifice privacy for easier access and work better for RVs. A few spots are small and connected, so groups wanting separation should avoid those.

Amenities available

Goodenough Creek Campground offers a variety of standard amenities that contribute to a functional and enjoyable camping experience. "This site is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings." Additionally, the site lacks dumpsters, so visitors must "pack in and out their trash." There are no water or electrical hookups or on-site utilities. Reviews indicate a clean and well-maintained environment, with one reviewer noting, "very nice campground, several clean vault toilets."

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Goodenough Creek Campground provides recreational opportunities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. A creek offers exploration and tranquility, and trails lead into the Caribou – Targhee National Forest trail system.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include yellow jackets during summer months, steep roads, and occasional wildlife sightings (e.g., moose and large cats).

Active AlertsSeasonal closures may occur (e.g., September to December, as cited in user reviews).

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the campground. Visitors rely on vault toilets, which are noted as clean and well-maintained. "Clean vault toilets are available," according to a user review.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire rings are provided at all campsites; campfires are allowed within designated rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are None explicitly stated, but user reviews suggest general awareness of noise levels due to close proximity of sites.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Pocatello (~45 minutes away), including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no dumpsters on-site. Visitors are required to pack in and pack out their trash. This is supported by both the official description and user reviews.

Water FeaturesTent sites are located next to Goodenough Creek, and user reviews describe the sound of running water as relaxing.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally described as limited, with one reviewer stating, "Limited cell service. T-Mobile has service, but Sprint doesn’t." Another reviewer mentioned, "We had blazing fast Verizon service (30M down and 6M up)."

Weather at Goodenough Creek Campground

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

110 reviews

Satisfactory

Goodenough Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Goodenough Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its natural beauty, seclusion, and the fact that it is free to use. Many describe it as a hidden gem, though its popularity can make finding a spot challenging.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the free status of the campground, well-maintained vault toilets, the peaceful and scenic environment, and access to trails. One reviewer remarked, "One of the best BLM...

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited availability of campsites due to high demand, the lack of water and trash services, and occasional issues with privacy at some sites. "Good luck finding a spot,"...

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing water and trash bags due to the lack of on-site amenities, and being prepared for limited cell service. "Arrive by mid-afternoon...

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during summer and hunting season. Some closures occur in autumn, as noted by one reviewer: "Closed from September 5th to sometime in December." Winter...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful free campsite! We stopped here on our drive between Grand Teton/Yellowstone National Parks and Salt Lake City." - Julia Randle "One of the most beautiful hidden gems in this county." -...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #10 by the creek is noted for its soothing ambiance, described as providing "perfect white noise." Campsite #7 was described as having space for tents and a well-placed fire ring.

Based on 110 reviews