How much does camping cost at Buttermilk?

Camping fees at Buttermilk range from $25-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buttermilk first-come first-served or reservation?

Buttermilk 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 Buttermilk before I book?

Yes! Buttermilk has 26 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 Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is open May 22 to September 15. 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 Buttermilk?

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

How many campsites does Buttermilk have?

Buttermilk has 55 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk?

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

What amenities are available at Buttermilk?

Buttermilk offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buttermilk?

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

Buttermilk

4.32

179 reviews

BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA

Top 22% in IDSummer

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$25 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$25 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Buttermilk

$25.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $100.00 (+$100.00 weekend); MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $50.00; STANDARD...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

Group Site Fee$65.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-558-7658 OR 208-270-0094

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Buttermilk

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA

Buttermilk

BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA

Nearby places

West Yellowstone, Montana: 30 miles southwest

Ashton, Idaho: 32 miles north

Driving directionsFrom West Yellowstone, Montana, take Highway 20 south, southwest for approximately 25 miles and from Ashton, Idaho, take Highway 20 north for approximately 27 miles. Turn west onto the Kilgore-Yale Road #030 (across from Elk Creek Gas Station) and go about 2 miles to the Buttermilk Loop Road #126. Turn onto #126 and go approximately 3 miles to an intersection where you will see the campground sign just off the right side of the road. The road will split ahead, with boat ramp and group area on the left, and the single loops to the right.

Weather at Buttermilk

Best Time to Camp at Buttermilk

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to the campground (open May 23–Sept 14), with cool mountain mornings around 50°F warming to pleasant afternoons near 75–80°F. Water-based activities — fishing, boating and reservoir swimming — are at their peak, and trails and bike routes are fully accessible; wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and evening. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and some reservation demand for the 55 single-family sites and the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Open May 23–Sept 14; summer described as most reliable with mild temps and best conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 14 each year for reservations.

About Buttermilk

Buttermilk sits in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park, a mid-elevation base for exploring Yellowstone's western gateway. This US Forest Service campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water across tent, RV, and group sites. Campers fish, boat, and bike nearby trails, with wildlife viewing best at dawn.

The campground offers diverse accommodations including tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and group camping sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to the campground (open May 23–Sept 14), with cool mountain mornings around 50°F warming to pleasant afternoons near 75–80°F. Water-based activities — fishing, boating and reservoir swimming — are at their peak, and trails and bike routes are fully accessible; wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and evening. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and some reservation demand for the 55 single-family sites and the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a piece of the Island Park Caldera, where the smaller Henry's Fork Caldera nests inside a much larger volcanic crater. Lodgepole pine forests grow thick on the ancient lava flows, and meadows fill the low spots between ridges. Island Park Reservoir borders the campground, offering direct water access. Wildlife sightings are common at dawn and dusk: moose, black bears, bald eagles, and smaller forest species. Elevation sits at 6,200 feet, which keeps temperatures moderate even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned within the campground's amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per stay, with no more than 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guest limit varies by site type, with individual sites typically accommodating up to 8 guests.

Groups

The group camping loop can accommodate up to 150 people. User reviews describe it as "a beautiful, secluded setting" with its own bathrooms and water hydrants.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited to general facilities such as vault toilets and water hydrants. No further details are provided.

Site SizeSite sizes vary but are described as spacious by multiple reviewers. "Most sites are spacious, shaded... with plenty of room for our 35' pull trailer.

PrivacyMany user reviews highlight the privacy between campsites: "Nice spacing between sites," "Good distancing between sites," and "Quiet and well-managed.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in Loop B for proximity to the reservoir. Sites like 031 and 045 offer lake views and spacious areas for larger RVs.

Best CampsitesSite 038 has electric hookups. Sites 031 and 045, both near the reservoir, get positive mentions in reviews for views and accessibility. Reviewers note that most sites offer good spacing and partial shade, with room enough for 35-foot trailers.

Need help booking Buttermilk?

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

Buttermilk Campground offers essential amenities including potable water, vault toilets, and drinking water. The campground includes a concrete boat ramp with docks, accessible by paved roads with gravel interior roads and parking spurs. User reviews have provided mixed feedback, with some highlighting the cleanliness of the facilities and others expressing dissatisfaction with the hosts. "Bathrooms were as clean as non-flushing toilets can be." Others noted, "The restrooms were very clean."

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. "Fishing was great," one user said, and another highlighted, "Great kayaking location, close to Yellowstone." Activities are centered around Island Park Reservoir and nearby trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead and described as "amazingly clean" by several reviewers.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers provided near campsites to prevent wildlife interactions.

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 Buttermilk

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

179 reviews

Recommended

Buttermilk is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are polarized. Positive feedback commonly highlights the campground’s cleanliness, the large and well-spaced sites, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. Negative feedback often centers on issues with camp hosts, such as perceived rudeness and poor communication.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 179 reviews.

Site 031Loved
Site 031 is described as spacious and near the lake.
Site 038Mentioned
Site 038 has 15-amp electric hookups.
Site 042Mentioned
Site 042 offers a short trail to the lake and gravel that drains well.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, spacious sites, proximity to Yellowstone, good fishing and kayaking opportunities. Many reviewers praised the campground as "quiet, clean, and beautiful."

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily focus on the behavior of camp hosts, with reported instances of rudeness, poor enforcement of rules, and miscommunication. "Camp hosts were invasive," noted one reviewer.

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra locks and cables for ATVs as parking areas are unsecured. Follow the paved road to Lakeside Lodge instead of dirt road #126 for easier access.

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather reviews suggest summer is the best season for camping, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Rainy conditions and muddy roads are noted in some reviews, but gravel sites drain quickly.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely beautiful campground. Hosts were so kind and very helpful." "The camp host came storming in at 10:20 and told us to go to bed or he was calling the police!" "Friendly staff and quiet...

Based on 179 reviews