How much does camping cost at Buttermilk?

Camping fees at Buttermilk are $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

BReport Card

Summer Destination

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

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

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Provider

208-558-7658 OR 208-270-0094

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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)

4.0 / 5

Best season per park info; open May 23–Sept 14; summer offers most reliable weather and full access.

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

Things to do at Buttermilk

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing is a significant draw: bald eagles, moose, elk, deer noted as common sightings at dawn.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Biking3.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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.

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.

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

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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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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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

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

208-558-7658 OR 208-270-0094

Go if

You want a Forest Service campground with electric hookups near Yellowstone and water recreation.

Skip if

You need consistent hospitality or guaranteed quiet from nearby boaters.

Nearby Campgrounds

McCrea Bridge is a mid-sized campground in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park, operated by Aud & Di Campground Services. Set in mid-elevation forest along the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, it offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Anglers fish for world-class trout, boaters launch nearby, and wildlife viewers scan the riverbanks for moose and waterfowl during the summer season.

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

HIGHWAY 20, ISLAND PARK, ID, 83429, USA

Buffalo Campground sits along the Buffalo River in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park, Idaho. This large facility operated by the Forest Service offers electric hookups at select sites alongside traditional tent and RV camping, plus group options. Campers fish the Buffalo River and nearby Henry's Fork, hike and bike forest trails, and watch for wildlife in surrounding meadows.

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Box Canyon Campground

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Box Canyon Campground sits at 6,230 feet in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, a small 18-site mid-elevation retreat near the Henry's Fork. The Forest Service maintains this quiet spot with vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Campers fish the river, hike canyon rims, and watch wildlife in a clean, host-staffed environment that fills regularly in summer.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Upper Coffee Pot sits along Henry's Fork in Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Island Park, operated by Aud & Di Campground Services. This small mid-elevation campground offers electric hookups and riverside access for tent and RV campers who fish, boat, and explore forest trails. The setting is forested and close to the water, with a five-day stay limit during the peak summer season.

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HIGHWAY 20, ISLAND PARK, ID 83429, USA

Flat Rock sits along Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, just outside Island Park. This mid-sized campground operated by Aud & Di Campground Services offers electric hookups, hot showers, and level sites that appeal to tent campers and RVers alike. Anglers fish for trout steps from their sites, while hikers and wildlife watchers explore nearby volcanic landscapes and spot elk, moose, and eagles.

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West End Campground sits on the shores of Island Park Reservoir in Caribou-Targhee National Forest at 6,332 feet. It's dispersed camping with no amenities or maintenance, which means complete solitude but also overgrown conditions. Reviews mention it works well for family reunions if you're prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, Idaho, 83429-5182, United States

Harriman State Park sits along the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem at 6,135 feet. The park offers 10 overnight sites including group accommodations and rental cabins/yurts, plus 22 miles of trails through meadows and forest. Fees range from $7 to $50 per night. No overnight tent camping is allowed.

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Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park

BIG SPRING AVE, ISLAND PARK, ID 83429, USA

Big Springs Group Area sits in mid-elevation forest near Island Park, managed by Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This small group campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water alongside access to Henry's Fork fishing and wildlife viewing. Moose and bald eagles frequent the area, and attentive camp hosts maintain clean facilities during the summer operating season.

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TARGHEE

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Henrys Lake State Park sits on the eastern shore of a glacially-formed high mountain lake at 6,000 feet, about a short drive from Yellowstone's west entrance. The campground has 83 sites (tent, RV, and cabins) with fees ranging from $33–70/night and full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and hookups. It's a popular base camp for Yellowstone trips and serious trout fishing.

$33.00 - $70.00 / night

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Warm River Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest near Ashton, Idaho, within Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This premium rental offers a rustic escape with a natural spring flowing directly beside the cabin, abundant firewood, and a functional wood stove. Guests use the site as a base for hiking, fishing, and biking along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, with fall bringing peak foliage and wildlife viewing during the elk rut.

Grandview Campground (Idaho)

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Grandview Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Ashton, Idaho, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Operated by Aud & Di Campground Services, this small campground offers electric hookups and serves as a base for exploring Mesa Falls and surrounding trails. Reviewers praise the spacious, private sites and clean facilities, though mosquitoes can be present during summer months.

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Beaver Creek Campground

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Beaver Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near West Yellowstone, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company within Custer Gallatin National Forest. This very small campground offers spacious tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for proximity to Earthquake Lake and Yellowstone, plus hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing including elk during fall rut season.

Park Lake Campground sits at 6,388 feet beside a clear alpine lake in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. The 15-dollar-per-night sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with picnic tables scattered along the shoreline. Reviewers praise the peaceful atmosphere and lake access, though some note crowding during summer weekends and close site spacing during peak times.

Campgrounds

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Buttermilk

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 79% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 128 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Staff & hosts
Grade A-.Booking

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade C-.Safety
Grade C.Getting there

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Idaho grades overall