Buffalo (Idaho)

Star4.54
320 reviews
HIGHWAY 20, ISLAND PARK, ID, 83429, USA

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

127 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buffalo (Idaho)
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. Standard non-electric sites cost $25 per night; Standard electric sites are $31 per night, and double electric...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$31.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-558-7658 OR 208-270-0094eddyls@mindspring.com
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 320 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

"User reviews highlight diverse experiences, with strong emphasis on the campground's cleanliness, high-quality amenities, and scenic beauty. However, many reviews criticize the overbearing behavior of some camp hosts. The campground's proximity to Yellowstone is consistently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

HIGHWAY 20, ISLAND PARK, ID, 83429, USA

Buffalo (Idaho)

HIGHWAY 20, ISLAND PARK, ID, 83429, USA

Driving directionsFrom West Yellowstone, Montana, take U.S. Highway 20 south for 26 miles. From Ashton, Idaho: Take U.S. Highway 20 north for 25 miles. The campground entrance is 0.25 miles north of Ponds Lodge on the east side of the highway.
The campground is easily accessible just off U.S. Highway 20, making it simple to locate. Roads leading to the campground are paved, and the entrance is near the highway, minimizing access challenges.
Nearby places
West Yellowstone, MT (26 miles, approx. 30-40 minutes)
Ashton, ID (25 miles, approx. 30-40 minutes)
Ponds Lodge (0.25 miles, across the highway).
Nearby supplies
Ponds Lodge, located just across the highway, provides fuel, groceries, and other camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo (Idaho)

Summer transforms Island Park into an outdoor paradise where daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable 70s°F, perfect for hiking and exploration. As evening falls, the mountain air brings refreshing coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather under star-filled skies. The camping season here is a precious window of mountain magic, as winter's arrival brings dramatic snowfall that blankets the landscape in pristine white. Plan your visit during the open season to experience this high-country wonderland at its most accessible and vibrant.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season May 23–Sept 27; summer temps in 70s°F and highest visitation for fishing/floating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late Sept; good scenery but shortened season and increasing closures/colder nights.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed until May 23; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed from Sept 28 to May 22; not available for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 to September 27 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 27 during the peak season. Closed from September 28 to May 22.

About Buffalo (Idaho)

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Buffalo River, Buffalo Campground welcomes adventurers with 127 thoughtfully designed sites across six distinct loops. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site, planning a family reunion at a double site, or organizing a group retreat, this riverside haven delivers. Smooth paved roads wind through the campground, leading to fully accessible amenities that ensure comfort for all visitors. The gentle murmur of the Buffalo River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while world-class fishing opportunities await just steps from your tent or RV.
Buffalo Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites with some electrical hookups, and a large group site. Primitive camping is not emphasized.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 consecutive nights is allowed per stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities. The Buffalo River is ideal for fishing, floating, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails support hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATV activities. The region is a popular spot for birdwatching and observing moose.
HikingNumerous trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail, are located nearby. Hikers can enjoy diverse terrains and scenic views.
FishingThe Buffalo River and Henry's Fork provide excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as brook trout, rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon.
SwimmingThe Buffalo River offers spots for swimming and wading, as highlighted by a user review that mentions children enjoying the water.
BikingBiking is a popular activity in the area, with trails accommodating various skill levels.
BoatingBoating and floating along the Buffalo River and nearby reservoirs are popular. Facilities support canoeing and paddleboarding.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly observed includes moose, bald eagles, and Sandhill cranes. The area is also home to elk and deer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is home to black and grizzly bears, and strict bear safety protocols are in place. Other hazards include mosquitoes in summer months and potential theft, as noted in user reviews.

Weather at Buffalo (Idaho)

Reviews

4.5
320 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Buffalo (Idaho) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight diverse experiences, with strong emphasis on the campground's cleanliness, high-quality amenities, and scenic beauty. However, many reviews criticize the overbearing behavior of some camp hosts. The campground's proximity to Yellowstone is consistently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 320 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, especially vault toilets; scenic views of the Buffalo River; availability of electricity at some sites; friendly hosts in certain loops; and spacious sites in select areas.
Based on 320 reviews

Common Concerns

Overbearing and, at times, harassing behavior by some camp hosts; issues with potholed roads; and dissatisfaction with the removal of flush toilets.
Based on 320 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray due to mosquitoes; choose loops with electric hookups if needed (e.g., Loop C); and plan to float or fish in the Buffalo River.
Based on 320 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees the highest visitation, with activities like fishing and floating being most popular. Mosquitoes are a common nuisance during warmer months.
Based on 320 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms must be the cleanest camp bathrooms I've ever seen." "The camp host was very friendly and informative." "We loved the Buffalo campground! It is about half an hour from Yellowstone's...
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Based on 320 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites like B-12 and A-8 are noted for their proximity to the river. Loop C is highlighted for electric hookups. Some complaints involve theft or lack of privacy in certain sites.
Based on 320 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited feedback, but vault toilets and certain features appear to be accessible.
Based on 320 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not heavily discussed, though some reviews allude to leash rules being strictly enforced.
Based on 320 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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