Buttermilk

Star4.36
179 reviews
BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$25 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens US Forest Service 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
Buttermilk
$25.00 - $130.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group site fees are $65/night Sunday–Thursday and $130/night Friday–Saturday. Individual sites range from $25 to $32 per night depending on...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-558-7658
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 179 reviews

64 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA

Buttermilk

BUTTERMILK LOOP RD, ISLAND PARK, Idaho 83429, USA

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.
Access to the campground is on a paved road but the interior loop roads and parking spurs are gravel. This makes navigation relatively straightforward but may be challenging for larger vehicles due to narrow gravel spurs.
Nearby places
West Yellowstone, Montana: 30 miles southwest
Ashton, Idaho: 32 miles north
Nearby supplies
Fuel and basic camping supplies are available at the Elk Creek Gas Station, 2 miles from the Buttermilk Loop Road turnoff.

Best Time to Camp at Buttermilk

Summer transforms Buttermilk into a temperate paradise where cool mountain mornings greet you at 50°F before warming to comfortable 77°F afternoons. Light, refreshing rainfall occasionally dusts the landscape, keeping the meadows lush and the air crisp. This perfect weather window makes summer the crown jewel of camping seasons, when wildflowers burst into bloom and outdoor activities reach their peak.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; reviewers cite mild summer temps, abundant activities and best season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-September; early fall offers good weather but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens May 23 (late spring only); early spring conditions and muddy access noted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter months (open May 23–Sept 14).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 to September 14, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 to September 14 each year for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Buttermilk

Nestled along the pristine shores of Island Park Reservoir, Buttermilk Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience Idaho's untamed beauty. This 55-site haven spreads across two intimate single-family loops and one sprawling group loop that welcomes gatherings of up to 150 adventurers. Whether you're casting a line into the reservoir's crystal waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, pedaling through pine-scented paths, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife, Buttermilk delivers the authentic wilderness experience you've been craving. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature, featuring vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and convenient boat ramp access for aquatic adventures.
The campground offers diverse accommodations including tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and group camping sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time: 2 PM
Check-out
Check-out time: Noon
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per stay, with no more than 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include nearby trails such as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail. Reviews also noted small trails for exploring around the lake.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the campground, with anglers targeting rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, and Kokanee salmon. "Fishing was slow but fun," noted one camper.
BikingBiking is available within the campground and along nearby trails. "We took our bikes and rode them around the campground and the lake. So fun," said a user.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Island Park Reservoir, with a concrete boat ramp provided. Water skiing and canoeing are also mentioned in official descriptions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant draw, with opportunities to see bald eagles, moose, elk, deer, and Sandhill cranes. Reviewers mentioned seeing a cow moose and hearing elk nearby.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black and grizzly bears. Moose and elk sightings are common. Vault toilets and locked dumpsters are available to mitigate risks.
Active AlertsNo current alerts.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers provided near campsites to prevent wildlife interactions.

Weather at Buttermilk

Reviews

4.4
179 reviews
Recommended
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

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...
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Based on 179 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 038 has 15-amp electric hookups. Site 031 is described as spacious and near the lake. Site 042 offers a short trail to the lake and gravel that drains well. Group site is well-loved for its...
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Based on 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit comments on disability-specific experiences.
Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific reviews available.
Based on 179 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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