How much does camping cost at Palisades Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Palisades Creek Campground range from $17-$34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Palisades Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Palisades Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served basis; no reservations.

What is the best time to visit Palisades Creek Campground?

Palisades Creek Campground is open Late May to early September.. 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 Palisades Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Palisades Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Palisades Creek Campground: Campfire rings provided at each site; firewood available for purchase.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Palisades Creek Campground?

Cell phone service at Palisades Creek Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Palisades Creek Campground have?

Palisades Creek Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Palisades Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Palisades Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Palisades Creek Campground?

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

Palisades Creek Campground

4.63

53 reviews

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsTent Camping

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability 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

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USFS

Provider

(208) 523-1412

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Palisades Creek Campground

Palisades Creek Campground, Swan Valley, Idaho

Nearby places

Swan Valley (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

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

Weather at Palisades Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Creek Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures in the 70s–80s, nights in the 40s–50s, and full services from late May through early September. This is when wildflowers peak and the short hikes into the canyon are most accessible. Winter buries the area in snow and closes facilities, but the campground remains open for backcountry skiers and snowshoers willing to handle vault toilets without water service. Spring means high creek flows from snowmelt and muddy trails.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Best conditions late May–early Sept: full services, wildflowers and open hiking/fishing.

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.

About Palisades Creek Campground

Palisades Creek Campground sits at 5,900 feet in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, seven miles up a rugged canyon carved by Palisades Creek. The campground has seven first-come, first-served sites (five single-family, two double-family) with vault toilets, potable water, and a helpful camp host who sells firewood. Sites run $17–34 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear lockers.

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 SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions: daytime temperatures in the 70s–80s, nights in the 40s–50s, and full services from late May through early September. This is when wildflowers peak and the short hikes into the canyon are most accessible. Winter buries the area in snow and closes facilities, but the campground remains open for backcountry skiers and snowshoers willing to handle vault toilets without water service. Spring means high creek flows from snowmelt and muddy trails.

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 ScenerySteep canyon walls frame the campground on both sides, with lodgepole pines shading most sites and Palisades Creek running alongside the campsites. In summer, wildflower meadows cover open areas between the trees. The creek flows over smooth stones and forms clear pools. Trailheads lead directly from camp into Palisades Backcountry, where the canyon narrows and side drainages reveal waterfalls and additional wildflower basins.

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.

Scenic ViewsMost campsites are adjacent to Palisades Creek, offering tranquil, picturesque views. User reviews highlight the beauty of the creekside environment.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging or accommodations within the campground, only designated camping sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed in the source materials.

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 layoutSites line a single loop close to the creek. Each has a gravel parking spur and sandy tent pads. Spacing between sites and the small campground size keep things feeling secluded, though the parking area gets tight on busy weekends.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

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

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.

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.

Best CampsitesReviews consistently mention the furthest site from the entrance as the most scenic and tranquil. Creek-adjacent sites get the most praise for their water views and the sound of the stream, though weekend parking can crowd the loop.

Amenities available

Palisades Creek Campground offers a modest array of amenities designed to provide a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. There are vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and campfire rings at each site. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a full-time campground host is present during the operational season. The roads and parking spurs are gravel, and the campground is free of ATVs and motorcycles to ensure a quieter environment. It is worth noting that outside of the main operational season, the campground becomes dry camping, with no water, locked bathrooms, and no fee.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided, and these have been praised for their cleanliness and maintenance in user reviews.

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

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.

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.

Cell CoverageMultiple user reviews confirm that Verizon cell phone service is available and reliable throughout the campground. Reviewers have noted having service at their campsites, even those situated by the creek.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

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

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

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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or specific pet-related experiences are not mentioned in the available reviews.

Based on 53 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers gunning for Lower Palisades Lake (4 miles out) or Upper (7.2 miles) will have the trailhead steps from their tent. Site A8 right on the creek is the one to grab, so arrive early on summer weekends since there's no way to reserve ahead.

Skip if

Seven sites with no reservations means a real gamble on busy summer weekends. Tight parking near the lot draws consistent complaints, and a couple of reviewers found the seasonal staff attitudes notably unpleasant, so the experience can hinge on who's working.

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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.

Palisades Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Palisades Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Palisades Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Palisades Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Palisades Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Palisades Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews