Kelly Island Campground

4.41

43 reviews

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

Quick Facts

5,020 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open approximately m...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Upper Snake Field Office, BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,020 ft

Price

$10 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open approximately m...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Upper Snake Field Office, BLM site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kelly Island Campground

$10.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee for single campsites is $10 per night, double campsites are $20 per night, and the group campsite costs $35 per night. Group site...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-524-7500BLM_ID_UpperSnakeOffice@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 43 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanfriendly

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Kelly Island Campground

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

Driving directionsApproximately 23 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Cross Heise bridge, continue towards Kelly Canyon. After 2.3 miles, continue straight onto gravel road as the paved road veers left to head up Kelly Canyon. Drive one-half mile and turn right at the Kelly Island Campground sign.

The campground can be accessed via a gravel road for approximately 0.5 miles after the paved road ends. Overall, the road conditions are manageable, but navigating might be challenging for certain vehicles during adverse weather conditions.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Idaho Falls, 23 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Kelly Island Campground

From mid-May through late September, this riverside retreat transforms with the seasons. Early summer brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while July delivers sun-drenched days ideal for river activities—though savvy campers come prepared with insect repellent for the seasonal mosquito visitors. Throughout the camping season, nature puts on a show as cottonwood trees release their ethereal white seeds, creating magical moments as they drift through the warm air like summer snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season mid-May to Sep — mild early summer and river activities; mosquitoes and cottonwood seeds noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through mid/late September so early fall is pleasant; fewer explicit fall-specific notes available.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; late-spring conditions are mild and suitable for river activities once open.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open mid-May to mid/late September; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May to mid/late September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open approximately mid-May to mid/late September.

About Kelly Island Campground

Nestled within a whispering cottonwood forest along the pristine South Fork of the Snake River, this semi-developed campground offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and comfortable amenities. Wake to the gentle murmur of the river and spend your days casting for native trout, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply relaxing beneath the dappled shade of ancient cottonwoods. The campground welcomes RVs with spacious pull-through sites and provides essential amenities including vault toilets, a central water spigot, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Adventure seekers will find endless opportunities for boating, wildlife watching, and exploring nearby OHV trails, though motorized vehicles must remain outside the peaceful campground boundaries.

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

Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through late September, this riverside retreat transforms with the seasons. Early summer brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while July delivers sun-drenched days ideal for river activities—though savvy campers come prepared with insect repellent for the seasonal mosquito visitors. Throughout the camping season, nature puts on a show as cottonwood trees release their ethereal white seeds, creating magical moments as they drift through the warm air like summer snow.

Natural Features and SceneryThis riverside sanctuary captivates visitors with its stunning natural tapestry. Towering cottonwood giants create a living cathedral overhead, their leaves rustling secrets in the breeze while providing cooling shade throughout the campground. The South Fork of the Snake River flows serenely past your campsite, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky and inviting quiet contemplation or exciting fishing adventures. Beyond the river corridor, the majestic Snake River Range foothills rise dramatically, painting an ever-changing backdrop of shadows and light that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.

Geological RegionSet within a rare cottonwood gallery forest ecosystem, the campground occupies one of the West's most precious riparian habitats along the South Fork of the Snake River. This verdant ribbon of life winds through the landscape, creating a lush oasis where the river's ancient path has carved a sanctuary between the arid uplands and the dramatic Snake River Range foothills that dominate the horizon.

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

Site layoutThe campground includes 14 single and double campsites and 1 group site. Sites are spacious and semi-developed with a mix of pull-through and standard configurations.

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.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 14 single and double campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Group sites require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyNot stated in the source material.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding area, although specific trail details are not provided.

FishingTrout fishing along the South Fork of the Snake River is highlighted as an excellent activity at this campground.

BoatingBoating opportunities are available nearby, as the campground is situated along the South Fork of the Snake River.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is noted as an activity, with the cottonwood gallery forest and proximity to the river providing a natural habitat for various species.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the proximity to the river, which could pose a risk to children, and significant mosquito presence during hotter months.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits/rings.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Idaho Falls, approximately 23 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and fire services.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesSituated directly along the South Fork of the Snake River. Water activities such as fishing and boating are popular.

Camp HostThe campground has seasonal camp hosts who have been described as knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Reviewers highlight the cleanliness of the site and the presence of a well-maintained vault toilet.

Weather at Kelly Island Campground

Reviews

4.4

43 reviews

Recommended

Kelly Island Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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