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

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

Are there showers at Goodenough Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Goodenough Creek Campground have?

Goodenough Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Goodenough Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Goodenough Creek Campground?

Goodenough Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Goodenough Creek Campground?

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

Goodenough Creek Campground

4.26

110 reviews

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

CReport Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,548 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management - Pocatello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,548 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management - Pocatello Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Goodenough Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

208-478-6340BLM_ID_PocatelloOffice@blm.gov

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Campground Map

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

Goodenough Creek Campground

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, 83204, USA

Nearby places

McCammon (~3 miles), Lava Hot Springs (~20 minutes driving), Pocatello (~45 minutes driving)

Weather at Goodenough Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goodenough Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and longest days for exploring the Caribou-Targhee trail network and enjoying Goodenough Creek; expect warm daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Trails are fully accessible, creekside wildlife viewing is excellent at dawn and dusk, and mellow evenings under clear skies make campfires (when allowed) especially pleasant. The small, ten-site campground fills on summer weekends, so plan weekday visits or reserve early to get a preferred Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season; reliable weather and busiest time for trails and creek access.

Planning Tips

About Goodenough Creek Campground

Goodenough Creek Campground is a free BLM site in the mid-elevation forest outside Pocatello, offering primitive tent and RV camping along Goodenough Creek. The Bureau of Land Management maintains vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at this very small campground, which serves as a trailhead for the Caribou-Targhee network. Visitors come for wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk, hiking, and biking in a peaceful creekside setting with cool summer nights.

Goodenough Creek Campground offers both tent and RV/trailer camping, with a total of 10 developed sites. Five sites are designated for tent camping, while the other five accommodate RVs or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and longest days for exploring the Caribou-Targhee trail network and enjoying Goodenough Creek; expect warm daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Trails are fully accessible, creekside wildlife viewing is excellent at dawn and dusk, and mellow evenings under clear skies make campfires (when allowed) especially pleasant. The small, ten-site campground fills on summer weekends, so plan weekday visits or reserve early to get a preferred Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5548 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense forest surrounds the campground in rolling hills carved by Goodenough Creek, which runs through the property with a steady murmur over smooth stones. Tall pines provide dappled shade across most sites. The creek draws wildlife at dawn and dusk during summer months. This is a transitional zone between developed recreation and wilderness, with forest cover thick enough to feel secluded but trails nearby for easy access to deeper backcountry.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is strictly for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 Days

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific limit mentioned in official sources, but user reviews indicate space for small groups and families.

Groups

No group camping accommodations are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNone, as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly mention accessibility features, but one reviewer noted, "Paved site next to restrooms for Disabled Access," suggesting some accessible facilities are present.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, with some accommodating tents and RVs. One reviewer noted, "Very well-designed 50' x 30' raised gravel sites." Another mentioned smaller sites: "Small sites, first come first serve... some spots are small.

PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Tent sites near the creek were noted for being "secluded," while other sites were described as "close to the road" or "connected (so less private).

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a spot, particularly during summer and fall. Small trailers under 20 feet are most suitable for RV sites.

Best CampsitesTent sites downstream near the creek earn praise for seclusion and the sound of running water. Site #10 sits especially close to the creek. Some sites closer to the entrance road sacrifice privacy for easier access and work better for RVs. A few spots are small and connected, so groups wanting separation should avoid those.

Amenities available

Goodenough Creek Campground offers a variety of standard amenities that contribute to a functional and enjoyable camping experience. "This site is equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings." Additionally, the site lacks dumpsters, so visitors must "pack in and out their trash." There are no water or electrical hookups or on-site utilities. Reviews indicate a clean and well-maintained environment, with one reviewer noting, "very nice campground, several clean vault toilets."

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Goodenough Creek Campground

Goodenough Creek Campground provides recreational opportunities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. A creek offers exploration and tranquility, and trails lead into the Caribou – Targhee National Forest trail system.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Moose sightings, large cat prints; creek draws wildlife at dawn and dusk.

Biking2.5/5

Winter Activities1.5/5

Some closures noted in autumn/winter; site not described as winter-sports destination.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic creek, wildlife, forest and dark skies cited—good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at the campground. Visitors rely on vault toilets, which are noted as clean and well-maintained. "Clean vault toilets are available," according to a user review.

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.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no dumpsters on-site. Visitors are required to pack in and pack out their trash. This is supported by both the official description and user reviews.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally described as limited, with one reviewer stating, "Limited cell service. T-Mobile has service, but Sprint doesn’t." Another reviewer mentioned, "We had blazing fast Verizon service (30M down and 6M up)."

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

110 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Goodenough Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its natural beauty, seclusion, and the fact that it is free to use. Many describe it as a hidden gem, though its popularity can make finding a spot challenging.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the free status of the campground, well-maintained vault toilets, the peaceful and scenic environment, and access to trails. One reviewer remarked, "One of the best BLM...

Based on 110 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited availability of campsites due to high demand, the lack of water and trash services, and occasional issues with privacy at some sites. "Good luck finding a spot,"...

Based on 110 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #10 by the creek is noted for its soothing ambiance, described as providing "perfect white noise." Campsite #7 was described as having space for tents and a well-placed fire ring.

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include arriving early to secure a campsite, bringing water and trash bags due to the lack of on-site amenities, and being prepared for limited cell service. "Arrive by mid-afternoon...

Based on 110 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during summer and hunting season. Some closures occur in autumn, as noted by one reviewer: "Closed from September 5th to sometime in December." Winter...

Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful free campsite! We stopped here on our drive between Grand Teton/Yellowstone National Parks and Salt Lake City." - Julia Randle "One of the most beautiful hidden gems in this county." -...

Based on 110 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer mentioned a "paved site next to restrooms for Disabled Access," indicating some efforts to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Based on 110 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no specific reviews detailing pet-related experiences.

Based on 110 reviews

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Goodenough Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-478-6340BLM_ID_PocatelloOffice@blm.gov

Go if

You want free primitive camping near Pocatello with direct trail access and don't mind packing out trash.

Skip if

You need water hookups, trash disposal, or guaranteed site availability during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(235)

Scout Mountain Campground

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Scout Mountain Campground sits in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Pocatello, managed by Pinnacle Parks LLC. The mid-elevation forest setting features lush greenery, abundant wildflowers, and spacious sites suited to tent campers, RVs, and groups. Visitors come for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing on surrounding trails.

Goodenough Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Goodenough Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goodenough Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Goodenough Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Goodenough Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Ask Camp Sage about Goodenough Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goodenough Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Goodenough Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews