Palisades Creek Campground

4.80

53 reviews

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho#1 Camping Near Grand Teton National Park#1 Primitive Camping Idaho#2 +3 more

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$17 - $34/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Palisades Ranger Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$17 - $34/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open late May throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Palisades Ranger Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Palisades Creek Campground

$17.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees during the main season (Late May-Early September) are $17 for single sites and $34 for double sites. No fees apply after season closure.

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(208) 523-1412

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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 53 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, friendly host, scenic location, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. However, a few negatives include issues with seasonal workers' attitudes and crowded parking during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Palisades Creek Campground

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Driving directionsFrom Swan Valley go 7 miles east on US 26, then 2 miles northwest on Forest Road 255.

Accessible via paved and gravel roads. Most of the journey is on U.S. Highway 26, followed by Forest Road 255.

Nearby places

Swan Valley (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Chevron store, approximately 6-7 minutes away, offers basic supplies at reasonable prices.

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic tapestry of mountain seasons at Palisades Creek, where each visit paints a different portrait of wilderness beauty. Summer arrives as a gentle host, offering blissful days with temperatures hovering between 70-80°F—perfect for hiking, fishing, and lounging by the creek. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though visitors should come prepared for freezing temperatures and snow-laden weeks that turn the campground into a backcountry basecamp for the truly adventurous. Spring brings renewal, as snowmelt swells the creek and wildflowers begin their colorful emergence.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in ID

Peak season late May–early Sept; trails, fishing and full services available and highly praised by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Campground is open through early Sept; fall access and services become limited after season end.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Opens late May; early spring has limited access and fishing closures Apr 1–Jun 30.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed in winter with no water or toilets; off-season use is unmanaged.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May to early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open late May through early September, first-come/first-served. After season closure, open but with no fees, water, or toilets.
Current Alerts: No current alerts.

About Palisades Creek Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Palisades Creek Campground, where the melodic whisper of mountain waters sets the soundtrack for your alpine adventure. Perched at 5,900 feet in the heart of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this intimate campground welcomes you with seven thoughtfully spaced sites—five single-family havens and two spacious double-family retreats. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for comfort in the wilderness: sturdy picnic tables for mountain meals, fire pits for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and convenient access to vault toilets and fresh potable water. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the timeless rhythm of creek and forest.

The campground features seven total campsites, including five single-family units and two double-family units. All sites are first-come, first-served and are located adjacent to Palisades Creek.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic tapestry of mountain seasons at Palisades Creek, where each visit paints a different portrait of wilderness beauty. Summer arrives as a gentle host, offering blissful days with temperatures hovering between 70-80°F—perfect for hiking, fishing, and lounging by the creek. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though visitors should come prepared for freezing temperatures and snow-laden weeks that turn the campground into a backcountry basecamp for the truly adventurous. Spring brings renewal, as snowmelt swells the creek and wildflowers begin their colorful emergence.

ElevationAt 5,900 feet above sea level, Palisades Creek Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape summer's heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and wild herbs, while the elevation provides stunning vantage points of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering lodgepole pines create nature's own cathedral, their slender trunks reaching skyward while casting an ever-changing tapestry of shadows across the babbling waters of Palisades Creek. In summer, the forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers—Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain asters—filling the air with delicate fragrances that mingle with the earthy scent of pine needles. The creek itself serves as both companion and entertainer, its crystal-clear waters tumbling over smooth stones, creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation. For those seeking adventure, nearby trails beckon into the rugged splendor of Palisades Backcountry, where dramatic canyon walls and hidden waterfalls await discovery.

Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic Palisades Creek Canyon, this campground sits at the heart of one of Caribou-Targhee National Forest's most spectacular geological features. The canyon, carved over millennia by the persistent flow of Palisades Creek, showcases nature's artistic prowess with its steep walls and diverse ecosystems. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient story written in stone and forest—from the resilient lodgepole pines that dominate the canopy to the vibrant wildflower meadows that carpet open spaces. This rugged backcountry terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration, where each trail reveals new perspectives on the raw beauty of Idaho's mountain wilderness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Site usage is limited to the main operating season.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guest capacity per site not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive single-family sites and two double-family sites. Sites are generally creek-side, with sandy areas for tents and gravel parking spurs.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis; no reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Site SizeThe campground offers five single-family sites and two double-family sites. Parking spaces are well-situated, and the sites include sandy areas suitable for tent setup.

PrivacyThe small number of sites and their arrangement along the creek provide a secluded and private feel, as described by users. One review specifically highlighted the 'secluded' atmosphere of the campground.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend creek-side sites for privacy and views. Sites near the trailhead provide easy access to hiking trails.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Palisades Creek Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking on non-motorized trails leading to the Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes, fishing in the creek (seasonal restrictions apply), and exploring nearby Palisades Reservoir and the South Fork of the Snake River for additional fishing and boating opportunities. Winter sports such as snowmobiling are also popular in the area.

HikingThe Palisades Creek Trail starts at the campground and provides access to non-motorized trails leading to scenic destinations like Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes, which are about 4 miles and 7.2 miles away, respectively. User reviews frequently praise the trail for its beauty and accessibility.

FishingFishing is permitted in Palisades Creek, though it is closed from April 1 to June 30. The creek is described as a peaceful retreat, and nearby Palisades Reservoir and the South Fork of the Snake River offer opportunities for catching cutthroat trout.

BoatingThe nearby Palisades Reservoir and the South Fork of the Snake River provide opportunities for boating, although specific details about boat rentals or docking are not included.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is nestled in a forested area with tall lodgepole pines and is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Palisades Backcountry, making it ideal for wildlife viewing. However, specific species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards; fishing restricted between April 1-June 30.

Active AlertsNo current alerts.

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers available at each site for safety purposes.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings provided at each site; firewood available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Managed by host for quiet environment.

Emergency ServicesPalisades Ranger Office - Address: 3659 East Ririe Highway Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Phone: (208) 523-1412. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in any of the provided sources.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Palisades Creek; minutes from Palisades Reservoir and South Fork of the Snake River.

Camp HostCampground host named Nick is frequently praised for being helpful, friendly, and maintaining cleanliness. Firewood is available for purchase onsite.

Weather at Palisades Creek Campground

Reviews

4.8

53 reviews

Top-Rated

Palisades Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, friendly host, scenic location, and proximity to excellent hiking trails. However, a few negatives include issues with seasonal workers' attitudes and crowded parking during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp host, scenic sites adjacent to the creek, excellent hiking trails starting from the campground, and reliable Verizon cell phone...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Occasional issues with seasonal worker attitudes, crowded parking areas outside the campground, and potential inconsistency in toilet paper availability in vault toilets.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your own toilet paper just in case. Take advantage of the firewood sold by the camp host.

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the late spring and summer months when hiking trails and fishing opportunities are most accessible. After the main season, the campground operates without water...

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp host Nick was really friendly and welcoming. The bathrooms were spotless!' (Melissa Morejon). 2. 'Wonderful little gem, only seven sites and is first come. All sites are adjacent to the...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A8, located right on the river, received specific praise from a reviewer who described it as 'amazing' and 'never wanted to leave.'

Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not specifically addressed in user reviews, though the campground's rustic nature may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.

Based on 53 reviews