Tailwaters Campground
00 reviewQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
End of May - End of ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
End of May - End of ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Tailwaters Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Fees & Passes at Tailwaters Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mountain Home Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Tailwaters Campground
Experience the best of Idaho's mountain summers at Tailwaters, where the campground welcomes visitors from late May through late September. During these golden months, you'll enjoy pleasantly warm days perfect for fishing and exploring, with temperatures typically reaching a comfortable 70-75°F. As evening falls, the mercury dips to a refreshing 50-55°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies. The dry summer climate means you can count on plenty of sunshine for your outdoor adventures. When autumn arrives, the campground closes as winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall making the area inaccessible until spring's return.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: End of May - End of September
About Tailwaters Campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Tailwaters Campground, where the pristine waters of Anderson Ranch Reservoir meet the forested shores of the Boise National Forest. This intimate, free campground offers just three secluded sites along the reservoir's western edge, creating an exclusive escape for anglers and nature enthusiasts. Cast your line for trophy trout and bass from the shore, or launch your canoe or kayak from the convenient boat ramp to explore hidden coves and quiet waters. With essential amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets, Tailwaters provides comfortable simplicity for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Please note that Elmore County regulations prohibit motorized boats on the Lower South Fork Boise River, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes this hidden gem so special.
Tailwaters Campground features 3 primitive-style campsites on the west shore of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. The facilities are minimal, with no potable water or advanced amenities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Idaho's mountain summers at Tailwaters, where the campground welcomes visitors from late May through late September. During these golden months, you'll enjoy pleasantly warm days perfect for fishing and exploring, with temperatures typically reaching a comfortable 70-75°F. As evening falls, the mercury dips to a refreshing 50-55°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies. The dry summer climate means you can count on plenty of sunshine for your outdoor adventures. When autumn arrives, the campground closes as winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall making the area inaccessible until spring's return.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, where crystal-clear waters stretch before you, reflecting the surrounding hills in a constantly changing canvas of light and shadow. The campground nestles among towering pines and firs that provide natural shade and frame spectacular views of the reservoir. From your campsite, watch osprey dive for fish, spot deer coming to drink at water's edge during twilight hours, and witness stunning sunsets painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. The forested terrain creates a perfect balance of shelter and openness, offering both intimate forest settings and expansive water vistas that showcase the raw beauty of Idaho's wilderness.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Boise National Forest, Tailwaters Campground occupies a prime position on Anderson Ranch Reservoir's western shore, where ancient geological forces have created a stunning landscape of water and stone. This region showcases the dramatic interplay between forested mountain slopes and the expansive reservoir, formed by damming the South Fork Boise River. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with granite formations and volcanic remnants creating the rugged backdrop that defines this corner of Idaho. The marriage of dense coniferous forests and open water creates diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife and offer visitors a front-row seat to nature's grand theater.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 3 campsites. No additional size specifications are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo information is available regarding the level of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Best Campsites
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Groups
There are no group sites mentioned for this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonEnd of May - End of September
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts. 'There are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout and bass,' and the location is adjacent to Anderson Ranch Reservoir, which supports activities such as non-motorized boating and picnicking. Hiking trails are available for day hikes, and the area is noted for scenic views.
Hiking
Day hiking opportunities are available, although no specific trails, distances, or difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing for trout and bass is a key recreational activity. The campground's location near the river and reservoir is ideal for anglers.Boating
Boating is supported at the Tailwaters Campground, with a boat ramp providing access for rafts and non-motorized boats. However, 'There is an Elmore county ordinance restricting any motorized equipment on the Lower South Fork Boise River.'Winter Activities
No winter recreation options such as snowshoeing or ice fishing are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground supports non-motorized water sports like rafting and boating, but no further details are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Tailwaters Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities at this site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the west shore of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. The Tailwaters boat ramp within the campground provides access to the reservoir.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Mountain Home, Idaho, travel 21 miles along State Highway 20 northeast to the FS 134 road turnoff approximately 21 miles toward Anderson Dam. Continue along FS 134 road for approximately 6 miles. When arriving at the dam, turn south on FS 121 road and go south for about a mile to Tailwaters Campground.
The campground is accessed via a mix of State Highway 20 and Forest Service roads, including FS 134 and FS 121. The final stretch is unpaved, and weather conditions may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Mountain Home (21 miles)
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Tailwaters Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are explicitly provided, so no aggregated summary can be given.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No specific highlights can be inferred from user reviews since they are not included.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are documented in the provided materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from users are available.
Seasonal Insights
No user-provided seasonal trends are mentioned.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific user reviews available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews regarding accessibility experiences are included.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific user reviews are available.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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