How much does camping cost at Big Springs - Caribou?

Camping fees at Big Springs - Caribou are $20 - $120/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Springs - Caribou first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Springs - Caribou accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Springs - Caribou before I book?

Yes! Big Springs - Caribou has 29 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Springs - Caribou?

Big Springs - Caribou is open May 22 to September 27. 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 Big Springs - Caribou?

Big Springs - Caribou does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Springs - Caribou have?

Big Springs - Caribou has 175 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Springs - Caribou?

Pets are not allowed at Big Springs - Caribou. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Springs - Caribou?

Big Springs - Caribou offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Springs - Caribou?

Popular activities at Big Springs - Caribou include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Springs - Caribou

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Springs - Caribou?

Fire policies at Big Springs - Caribou: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

135 reviews

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

C+Report Card

Featured in:Fishing Idaho

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$20 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

175 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Pinnacle Parks LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$20 - $120/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

175 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Pinnacle Parks LLC Official Website

Get Directions

Big Springs - Caribou

$20.00 - $120.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $20.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00 (+$40.00 weekend); STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $40.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-236-7500

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Big Springs - Caribou

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Big Springs - Caribou

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Nearby places

Lava Hot Springs: 16 miles

Weather at Big Springs - Caribou

Current alerts(10)

A fee of $5 will be collected on-site for extra vehicles parked in a campsite. The Allowable Vehicle/Driveway Details section has information on maximum vehicles allowed for individual campsites. Single sites: 1 vehicle, Double Sites: 2 vehicles, Triple Site: 3 vehicles
Big Springs Campground is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.
Click here for more info about the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message

Best Time to Camp at Big Springs - Caribou

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and full access to Big Springs' trails, equestrian facilities, and Pebble Creek fishing — expect pleasant alpine days around 65–75°F and cool nights near 35–45°F. Wildflower displays in the meadows and peak horseback/biking/hiking conditions occur from late June through August, and stream flows are ideal for trout fishing. Nights are crisp for campfires and excellent stargazing; expect moderate crowds (busiest on July weekends) so book early and watchfor Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season: full trail and fishing access, pleasant alpine days (65–75°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, opening May 23, 2025, and closing September 20, 2025.

About Big Springs - Caribou

Big Springs sits in mid-elevation Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Lava Hot Springs, operated by Pinnacle Parks LLC. The very large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites alongside Pebble Creek, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike forest trails, fish for trout, bike backcountry routes, and watch wildlife in meadows that bloom with wildflowers from late June through August.

Big Springs Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive, RV, tent, and equestrian camping. Group camping is available, with sites supporting up to 175 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and full access to Big Springs' trails, equestrian facilities, and Pebble Creek fishing — expect pleasant alpine days around 65–75°F and cool nights near 35–45°F. Wildflower displays in the meadows and peak horseback/biking/hiking conditions occur from late June through August, and stream flows are ideal for trout fishing. Nights are crisp for campfires and excellent stargazing; expect moderate crowds (busiest on July weekends) so book early and watchfor Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPebble Creek runs through the campground, carving a corridor between two different forest types. Loop A features Douglas fir stands that provide heavy shade, while Loop B sits among aspen groves with thinner canopy cover. Between the loops, high-altitude meadows mix sagebrush with native grasses. Wildflowers peak in summer, and the elevation keeps things cooler than the valleys below. Some sites back directly to the creek. The terrain varies. Some areas are forested, others more open and exposed.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights during a visit, applicable all year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Single sites allow 1 vehicle, double sites allow 2 vehicles, and triple sites allow 3 vehicles.

Groups

The group site can host up to 175 people and includes a shelter, tables, a campfire ring, grills, and parking.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, through their app, or phone contact.

AccessibilitySome campsites have stairs between parking spurs and site pads, and picnic shelters are available in Loop B. The group site accommodates up to 175 people with a shelter and tables.

Site SizeSites vary in size, including single, double, and group sites that can host up to 175 people. Large sites are noted to be available.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites varies, with Loop A offering partial shade from Douglas firs and Loop B situated among aspens providing limited shade. Some sites are noted to be secluded while others are closer together.

Total Campsites175 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in Loop A offer more shade from Douglas fir trees, while Loop B has picnic shelters but less shade. Sites near Pebble Creek provide tranquil natural settings.

Best CampsitesSites 27 and 29 get consistent mentions for creek proximity and views. Creek-side sites in general offer better privacy and sound. The group site earns strong reviews from users who've hosted larger gatherings there.

Need help booking Big Springs - Caribou?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Big Springs Campground offers a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience while maintaining a connection to nature. Vault toilets and potable water are available, with water spigots and drinking fountains distributed throughout the campground, although water hose bibs are not threaded for camper hookup. Each campsite is equipped with fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and shelters (in Loop B). Two equestrian sites include corrals and hitching racks. Firewood can be purchased from the host, who also provides security alongside county sheriff patrols.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Springs - Caribou

Big Springs Campground offers a range of outdoor activities tailored to nature enthusiasts. Highlights include hiking and biking trails, fishing in Pebble Creek, and wildlife viewing. The Big Springs Nature Trail provides an easy walk along the creek, while the multi-use Boundary Trail accommodates hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles. Nearby attractions like Lava Hot Springs offer additional recreational opportunities.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trails including Big Springs Nature Trail and multi-use routes cited as popular hikes.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Meadows, aspen and fir edges offer wildlife viewing and wildflower displays noted in descriptions.

Biking3.0/5

Boundary Trail and backcountry routes accommodate biking, but campground is multi-activity not a bike destination.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Campground is seasonal (open late May–Sept); winter access and facilities are limited/closed.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/56500 ft, remote national-forest setting and noted peacefulness suggest good night skies (implicit).

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; vault toilets are available instead.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingPack-it-in/pack-it-out policy applies, and no specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Cell CoverageInformation about cell phone service quality is unavailable.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Springs - Caribou

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.3

135 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Springs - Caribou is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Big Springs Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 4.0 for campground-specific experiences. Positive highlights include the peaceful environment, helpful camp host, and the variety of recreational opportunities, while complaints often focus on interactions with the camp host and road conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 135 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 135 reviews.

Site #27Loved
Site #27 was noted as spacious with proximity to the creek.
Site #023Loved
Site #023 received positive remarks for its cleanliness and proximity to trails.
Site #031Mentioned
Site #031 was frequently mentioned for its group site amenities and seclusion.

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the campground's natural beauty, privacy, proximity to the creek, and clean facilities. 'Beautiful campground with both single and double campsites,' wrote one user. Another stated,...

Based on 135 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include challenging road conditions, disputes with camp hosts, and limitations on ATV usage within the campground. Several reviewers mentioned conflicts with the camp host, including...

Based on 135 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend choosing campsites near the creek for better views and privacy. Several users emphasized the importance of adhering to the 5mph speed limit to reduce dust. Others suggested avoiding...

Based on 135 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping at Big Springs Campground, with reviews frequently highlighting the creek and hiking opportunities. Winter reviews are less common, and no specific...

Based on 135 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great place to camp! Lovely nature trail with incredible views over the floodplain.' - Chrys - 'We love Big Springs Campground. The camp hosts were very helpful.' - Lauren E - 'Campground is...

Based on 135 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some campers noted accessibility challenges due to stairs at certain sites and worn site markings. Specific reviews addressing accessibility include: 'Our 12-man tent wouldn't fit on the tent site,...

Based on 135 reviews