Is Kelly Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kelly Island Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Kelly Island Campground?

Kelly Island Campground is open Open approximately mid-May to mid/late 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 Kelly Island Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kelly Island Campground have?

Kelly Island Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Kelly Island Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Kelly Island Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kelly Island Campground?

Popular activities at Kelly Island Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kelly Island Campground

4.22

43 reviews

1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USA

Top 18% in IDSpring

Tent Camping

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,020 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open approximately m...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Upper Snake Field Office, BLM Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,020 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open approximately m...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Upper Snake Field Office, BLM Official Website

Get Directions

Kelly Island Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$35.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-524-7500BLM_ID_UpperSnakeOffice@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USA

Kelly Island Campground

1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401, USA

Nearby places

Idaho Falls: 23 miles (~30 minutes by car)

Weather at Kelly Island Campground

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Island Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for reliably warm, sunny days (typical highs 75–90°F, nights 45–60°F) and full access to river-based recreation. This is when boating, trout fishing, and lakeside picnics beneath the cottonwoods are at their peak, and trailheads are fully accessible after spring runoff. Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and come prepared for mosquitoes and possible late-summer fire restrictions. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime (75–90°F) for river activities and fishing, though mosquitoes can be a nuisance.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open approximately mid-May to mid/late September.

About Kelly Island Campground

Kelly Island Campground sits along the Snake River near Idaho Falls, managed by the BLM's Upper Snake Field Office. This small, mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Anglers come for trout fishing, and the riverside cottonwood setting draws visitors seeking quiet, uncrowded weekends on the water.

Kelly Island Campground offers a variety of camping accommodations, including single campsites and a group campsite.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for reliably warm, sunny days (typical highs 75–90°F, nights 45–60°F) and full access to river-based recreation. This is when boating, trout fishing, and lakeside picnics beneath the cottonwoods are at their peak, and trailheads are fully accessible after spring runoff. Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and come prepared for mosquitoes and possible late-summer fire restrictions. Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5020 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a verdant strip of cottonwood forest that follows the river's path between arid uplands and the Snake River Range foothills. This ribbon of shade and greenery stands out against the surrounding landscape, creating what reviewers describe as a quiet, scenic setting. The South Fork flows past campsites, offering access to trout fishing and boating. In late summer, cottonwood seeds drift through the air like snow.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available at this campground.

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

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

5day

Groups

The group site accommodates 30-35 people and 4 large RVs and is the only reservable site at the campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations for the group site can be made by calling the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500 or visiting in person at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Site SizeThe group site accommodates 30-35 people and 4 large RVs, while single campsites appear to be standard size.

PrivacyThe group site is described as 'very private and spacious' by a user review, while general campsite privacy levels are not detailed.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSite selection near the river provides scenic views but may increase exposure to mosquitoes. Choose shaded sites for a cooler camping experience during hot months.

Amenities available

The Kelly Island Campground is a scenic, semi-developed site situated in a cottonwood gallery forest along the South Fork of the Snake River, offering views of the Snake River Range foothills. The campground is equipped with a central water spigot, vault toilets, pull-through sites, picnic tables, fire pits/rings, a day-use area, and seasonal camp hosts. It does not have electrical hookups, and ATV riding is not allowed within the campground. There are 14 single campsites and 1 group campsite available, with the group site being the only reservable option.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Kelly Island Campground provides opportunities for trout fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and OHV riding nearby. However, ATV use is not allowed within the campground itself. The location along the South Fork of the Snake River offers scenic and recreational value.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this site. Vault toilets are provided instead.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

43 reviews

Satisfactory

Kelly Island Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Kelly Island Campground are generally positive, with users praising its peaceful and scenic location, affordability, and cleanliness. Some minor complaints relate to site conditions and bugs.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground's tranquility, scenic setting along the river, affordability, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. One user noted, 'Very peaceful and clean,' while...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users complained about mosquitoes, the poor taste of the water, and the lumpiness of the campsites. One reviewer mentioned, 'All the campsites were so lumpy there was no way to comfortably put a...

Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The group site is praised for its spaciousness and privacy, making it suitable for family reunions. Individual campsite conditions were criticized by one user for being too lumpy for tent camping.

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Follow road signs rather than solely relying on Google Maps, as some users reported issues with navigation. Pack bug spray for mosquitoes, and consider alternative drinking water if the taste is a...

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes and other bugs were reported as being a nuisance during the summer months. Cottonwood seeds were described as 'annoying at times' in July. Summer temperatures can be high, and shade from...

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice and clean, on the river, spacious, and affordable at $10 a night.' - Arthur Back 2. 'We used the group site for a small family reunion. It's very private and spacious.' - Kristine Hill 3....

Based on 43 reviews