Riverside Park Campground

4.46

157 reviews

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

Fishing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Palisades Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Palisades Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Riverside Park Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for single campsites are $15 per night, with an additional $5 for electric hookups. Double-family sites are $30 per night, with an additional $5...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

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

4.46

Recommended

Based on 157 reviews

142 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouswater

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and access to recreational opportunities. Commonly mentioned positives include the well-maintained vault toilets, proximity to the Snake River, and the accommodating camp hosts. However, some users noted the lack of hookups at certain sites and occasional noise from the highway."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Riverside Park Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Irwin, ID, take US Rt. 26 east 1.5 miles to Palisades Dam Power Plant sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.

Access is via U.S. Highway 26 east of Swan Valley. The roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel, making it suitable for RVs and vehicles with proper tires. Seasonal closures apply.

Nearby places

Idaho Falls (49 miles), Swan Valley (approximately 3 miles), Palisades Dam (approximately 2,000 feet south of the campground).

Nearby supplies

Phone, gas, and groceries are three miles away in Swan Valley. Fishing licenses and some supplies are available at the Rendezvous gas station nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Park Campground

Summer days at Riverside Park unfold under crystal-clear skies, with temperatures hovering pleasantly in the 70s to low 80s—perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring. As the sun sets behind the mountains, you'll want to grab a jacket as the mountain air brings refreshing coolness to the evenings. While afternoon winds occasionally dance through the cottonwoods and dramatic thunderstorms may roll through to paint the sky, these natural performances only add to the authentic wilderness experience. The campground welcomes visitors through early September, making it an ideal summer destination for those seeking to escape the heat of lower elevations.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in ID

Peak season late May–early Sept; pleasant 70s–80s temps and full amenities; best season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Early fall still open with fewer services later; good solitude but reduced amenities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens late May; late-spring (when open) is pleasant but early spring is closed or limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Seasonal closure; off-season first-come visits lack amenities and are unserviced.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Late May to Early September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from late May to early September. After the season, it operates first-come, first-served, with no fee or amenities.

About Riverside Park Campground

Nestled along the meandering banks of the South Fork of the Snake River, Riverside Park Campground offers a perfect blend of riverside tranquility and modern convenience. With 22 intimate single-family sites and 10 spacious double-family sites shaded by majestic cottonwoods, this hidden gem provides the ideal basecamp for your next adventure. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or gathering around the campfire at dusk, you'll appreciate the thoughtful amenities including vault toilets, fresh potable water, regular garbage service, and electricity at select sites. The well-maintained gravel roads wind through this angler's paradise, where the gentle rush of the river provides nature's soundtrack to your outdoor escape.

Riverside Park Campground accommodates a range of camping styles. It is ideal for both RV and tent camping, with options for single-family, double-family, and group camping. The campground is designed for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Historical SignificanceStanding in the shadow of the impressive Palisades Dam, Riverside Park Campground occupies land that has played a vital role in shaping the American West. The nearby Palisades Reservoir, a testament to human ingenuity and nature's bounty, has transformed this region into a cornerstone of agricultural prosperity and clean energy production. As you explore the area, you're walking in the footsteps of engineers, farmers, and pioneers who recognized the Snake River's potential to sustain communities and power progress throughout the region.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Riverside Park unfold under crystal-clear skies, with temperatures hovering pleasantly in the 70s to low 80s—perfect for hiking, fishing, and exploring. As the sun sets behind the mountains, you'll want to grab a jacket as the mountain air brings refreshing coolness to the evenings. While afternoon winds occasionally dance through the cottonwoods and dramatic thunderstorms may roll through to paint the sky, these natural performances only add to the authentic wilderness experience. The campground welcomes visitors through early September, making it an ideal summer destination for those seeking to escape the heat of lower elevations.

ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet above sea level, Riverside Park Campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean in your lungs. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where warm days give way to refreshingly cool nights—ideal for sleeping soundly under a canopy of stars. The altitude brings with it the invigorating feeling of being truly in the mountains, where every breath reminds you that you've escaped to something special.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to golden sunlight filtering through a canopy of rustling cottonwoods, their leaves creating a natural symphony with the gentle flow of the South Fork below. The campground's setting at 5,300 feet elevation frames stunning vistas where willow-lined riverbanks give way to sweeping open meadows, all backdropped by the shimmering expanse of Palisades Reservoir. This diverse landscape creates an ever-changing canvas—morning mists rising from the water, afternoon shadows playing across the fields, and evening alpenglow painting the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold.

Geological RegionRiverside Park Campground claims its place within the magnificent Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where the South Fork of the Snake River has carved its course through millennia. This rugged riverside terrain tells the geological story of the American West—ancient bedrock sculpted by water and time, creating the dramatic landscape you see today. Clusters of hardy cottonwoods and resilient willows have found their niche along the riverbanks, while the nearby Palisades Reservoir adds its own chapter to this ongoing natural narrative. Here, where forest meets river and meadow meets mountain, you'll discover a geological wonderland that showcases nature's artistic mastery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days

Groups

Group sites allow multiple units and accommodate larger gatherings. No specific limits on group size or vehicles were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out with gravel roads and parking spurs. Sites include single-family and double-family configurations. Electric hookups are limited to the upper section, while riverfront sites are dry camping.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for all sites. Reviewers confirm this as the only option.

AccessibilityThe campground has wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.

Site SizeThe campground offers a mix of site sizes, including large sites suitable for multiple tents and RVs. One user mentioned ample space for three cars and four tents at a larger campsite.

PrivacySites have varying levels of privacy. Riverfront sites offer partial shade from cottonwood trees, while some others are more exposed. User comments suggest that sites along the river are more secluded.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure sites with river views or electric hookups. Sites vary in size, so checking availability for larger setups is advised.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside Park Campground offers a range of recreational activities, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include world-class fly-fishing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting on the South Fork of the Snake River. Nearby Palisades Reservoir provides additional opportunities for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Hundreds of hiking and biking trails are accessible in the surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and wildlife viewing is a popular activity. Seasonal activities like hunting are also available.

HikingThe area features hundreds of miles of hiking trails, with routes accessible for various skill levels. Specific trail details and difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingThe South Fork of the Snake River is renowned for fly-fishing, particularly for rainbow and brook trout. Palisades Reservoir offers additional fishing opportunities. One user stated, 'Bring your fishing gear, lots of people on the water.'

BikingBiking opportunities are abundant, with access to numerous trails in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, but no specific trail details are mentioned.

BoatingBoating activities, including motorized and non-motorized options, are available at the nearby Palisades Reservoir. A boat ramp is located in the vicinity.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, moose, and bald eagles can be frequently observed in the area. User reviews also mentioned 'great views of the Snake River' and a tranquil environment.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area is bear country, and campers must utilize bear-proof storage boxes for food. Seasonal water hazards due to the fast-flowing Snake River.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage boxes are provided to ensure the safety of campers and wildlife.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings at campsites.

Emergency ServicesPalisades Ranger Office, 3659 East Ririe Highway, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 (Phone: (208) 523-1412), closest hospital details not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available throughout the campground, but recycling facilities were not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River and near Palisades Reservoir.

Camp HostCampground hosts are on-site during the peak season to assist with maintenance and guest needs.

Weather at Riverside Park Campground

Reviews

4.5

157 reviews

Recommended

Riverside Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground's cleanliness, scenic location, and access to recreational opportunities. Commonly mentioned positives include the well-maintained vault toilets, proximity to the Snake River, and the accommodating camp hosts. However, some users noted the lack of hookups at certain sites and occasional noise from the highway.

Review Summaries

Based on 157 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities, including 'immaculate' bathrooms - Excellent access to the Snake River for fishing and other water activities - Shaded sites and spacious layouts - Friendly...

Based on 157 reviews

Common Concerns

- No showers and limited water and sewer hookups - Noise from truck traffic on the nearby highway - Dry and dusty conditions in late summer - Mosquito presence after dark

Based on 157 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure sites with electrical hookups or larger spaces. - Sites by the river offer a soothing atmosphere but no hookups. - Bring insect repellent to deal with mosquitoes. - Be...

Based on 157 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer experiences dry conditions and increased mosquito activity. Off-season visits provide solitude but lack amenities like water and restrooms.

Based on 157 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were immaculate!' 2. 'Great spot on Snake River just before the reservoir.' 3. 'Nice and quiet, with plenty of space between campsites.' 4. 'No sewer or water hookups, but water is...

Based on 157 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites along the river are described as more secluded and shaded. - Upper sites near the road offer electrical hookups but are more exposed. - Site spacing allows for privacy in most areas.

Based on 157 reviews