How much does camping cost at Calamity?

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

Is Calamity first-come first-served or reservation?

Calamity 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 Calamity before I book?

Yes! Calamity 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 Calamity?

Calamity is open May 22 to September 06. 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 Calamity?

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

How many campsites does Calamity have?

Calamity has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Calamity?

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

What amenities are available at Calamity?

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

What activities can I do at Calamity?

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

Calamity

Q: Can I have a campfire at Calamity?

Fire policies at Calamity: 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.

4.41

200 reviews

TARGHEE

C+Report Card

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Calamity

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; Walk-In Site - Priced at site: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

208-270-0150 OR 541-351-1182

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TARGHEE

Calamity

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Nearby places

Idaho Falls - 55 miles (approximately 1 hour drive)

Swan Valley - null

Jackson Hole - null.

Weather at Calamity

Current alerts(7)

A $8 fee for extra vehicles will be collected at the campground per day
ATVs/OHVs can be used only to enter and exit the campground
Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm
Click here for more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Calamity

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Palisades Reservoir—expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water recreation (boating, swimming in ~62°F water, shore and boat fishing) and trail-based activities (hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing) are at their peak, and wildflowers carpet the hillside amphitheaters. The campground is busiest in mid-July through August—book early (reservations open June 24) to secure lakeside or sheltered, in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm weather and full reservoir access for boating, fishing and swimming; busiest time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 6. Reservations available June 24 to September 6.

About Calamity

Calamity sits on the shore of Palisades Reservoir in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, an hour from Idaho Falls. Operated by Aud & Di Campground Services, this mid-sized campground offers secluded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for reservoir fishing, swimming, and boating, plus trailhead access for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest.

Calamity Campground provides a range of camping options across its three loops, accommodating both tent and RV campers. Some loops are entirely dedicated to specific types of camping, such as Loop C being tent-only.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Palisades Reservoir—expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Water recreation (boating, swimming in ~62°F water, shore and boat fishing) and trail-based activities (hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing) are at their peak, and wildflowers carpet the hillside amphitheaters. The campground is busiest in mid-July through August—book early (reservations open June 24) to secure lakeside or sheltered, in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground cascades down a hillside overlooking Palisades Reservoir, where lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir mix with aspen and maple groves. Summer wildflowers carpet the forest floor between sites. Views of the reservoir below vary by loop and site placement. The hillside terrain creates natural pockets of shade and exposure.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground. This is primarily a camping-only location.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information was provided regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unspecified in official data.

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 through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome campsites require walking down stairs, which may pose accessibility challenges. One reviewer noted, 'Possible accessibility issues, as you have to walk down stairs from where you park.' (User: REGGIE S).

Site SizeCampsites vary in size; some are small and suitable only for tents or small RVs, while others can accommodate large RVs and multiple vehicles. For example, site A5 has room for 'two medium tents,' while site B13 is 'great for an RV, only room for one small tent.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Many campsites are described as private due to vegetation and spacing. Site-specific feedback includes comments such as 'great privacy' (User: BEN B) and 'all sites are secluded and pretty private' (User: JOLENE F).

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent users, avoid loops A and B due to coarse gravel pads. Choose Loop C for proper tent pads. RV users should opt for Loop A or B where sites like B8 and A13 provide privacy and proximity to the reservoir.

Best CampsitesSite A-13 offers the best water views. Loop C works better for tent campers, with C-11 getting specific praise for shade and privacy. Site A5 fits two medium tents, while B13 accommodates RVs with room for only one small tent.

Need help booking Calamity?

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

No trailers allowed in Loop C Check-in Time is 2:00pm and Check-out time is 12:00pm

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Calamity

This campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Recreation options include boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking. Wildlife viewing is also a notable highlight. 'Palisades Reservoir offers excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular here, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominant species.' (Authoritative Source).

Hiking4.0/5

Trailhead access to Palisades Creek Trail to Upper Palisades Lake; hiking cited as a key attraction.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Campground has a boat ramp and large parking; boating, water-skiing and canoeing are common activities.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Reservoir and boat launch enable kayaking/canoeing; water recreation commonly cited.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming available in Palisades Reservoir but water can be cold; beach is rocky per user reports.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Reservoir vistas, wildflowers, wildlife (eagles) and varied forest provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground only provides vault toilets.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are present on some sites, particularly those in Loop C.

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 & RecyclingTrash collection is available. No specific details about recycling facilities were mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Cell CoverageDetails regarding cell phone service are scarce. However, one user described the service as good: 'Great cell service.' (User: LYDIA S).

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

200 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Palisades Reservoir, and a wide range of outdoor activities. However, common complaints include maintenance issues, such as unclean toilets, and occasional noise disturbances from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 200 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 200 reviews.

Site B8Loved
Site B8: 'Close to bathroom, campfire site down below, actually very private.'
Site C1Mentioned
Site C1: 'Tiny, barely any space from fire pit to tent.' (User: Aaron Clayson). 2.
Site A5Mentioned
Site A5: 'Room for two medium tents.' (User: Amy Lucas). 3.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the beautiful scenery, excellent fishing opportunities, and the variety of activities available. One user described it as 'a great hidden gem of a campground' (User: Kyle...

Based on 200 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include unclean toilets, crowded conditions during peak times, and lack of enforcement of quiet hours. 'Extremely loud and busy campground over the weekend during the summer.' (User: Katy...

Based on 200 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent, as mosquitoes can be a significant problem. If tent camping, choose Loop C as it is more suitable for tents. For boating, arrive early as the boat ramp can get crowded.

Based on 200 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busier during summer weekends, and some facilities, such as toilets, may suffer from overcrowding and delayed maintenance. Mosquito activity is higher in warmer months.

Based on 200 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Calamity is misnamed. Should have been beautifully serene or slice of paradise.' (User: Laurie Soliday). 2. 'This will be the place we go for many years to come.' (User: Amanda Godfrey).

Based on 200 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users noted accessibility challenges with some sites requiring stairs: 'You have to walk down stairs from where you park.' (User: REGGIE S).

Based on 200 reviews

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Calamity

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; Walk-In Site - Priced at site: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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

208-270-0150 OR 541-351-1182

Go if

You want affordable lakefront access with privacy and a full range of water and trail activities.

Skip if

You're tent camping and need soft ground instead of gravel pads, or you require strict quiet-hour enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Riverside Park Campground

Riverside Park Campground, South Fork of the Snake River, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Palisades Reservoir, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Riverside Park Campground sits along the South Fork of the Snake River in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, 5,300 feet up and close enough to US Route 26 that you'll hear some road noise. The 30 sites include single and double-family configurations, tent and RV spots, and a few group areas. Vault toilets stay impressively clean, camp hosts are helpful, and sites run $15-30 per night depending on whether you snag one of the limited electric hookups in the upper section.

Calamity

Quick Facts

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About Calamity

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