Is Hawkins Reservoir Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Hawkins Reservoir Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hawkins Reservoir Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Hawkins Reservoir Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Hawkins Reservoir Campground?

Hawkins Reservoir Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hawkins Reservoir Campground?

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

Hawkins Reservoir Campground

2.82

11 reviews

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, USA, 83204

Top 20% in IDWinter

Summer Destination

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

5,167 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (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

5,167 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Hawkins Reservoir Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-478-6340BLM_ID_PocatelloOffice@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, USA, 83204

Hawkins Reservoir Campground

4350 Cliffs Dr, Pocatello, ID, USA, 83204

Nearby places

Virginia, Idaho (8 miles)

Weather at Hawkins Reservoir Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hawkins Reservoir Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, stable weather (daytime highs typically 45–65°F, nights 25–40°F) and the best combination of quiet lakeside camping, vivid aspen and mixed-conifer color, and excellent late-season fishing as trout and warmwater species feed before winter. OHV trails across BLM and Forest Service lands are usually still open through September and into October, so you get prime trail access with far fewer crowds than summer. Expect low-to-moderate visitor levels on weekdays and pleasantly busy ( Peak months: September, October, June, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as best: pleasant days, colorful aspens, and active trout feeding before winter.

Planning Tips

About Hawkins Reservoir Campground

Hawkins Reservoir Campground sits on BLM land near Virginia, Idaho, offering lakeside tent and RV camping at mid-elevation forest. This very small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for anglers and boaters seeking quiet access to trout fishing and swimming. Most sites feature tree canopy, and the 14-day stay limit accommodates extended visits during fall color season.

Hawkins Reservoir Campground offers 10 developed campsites that operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no reservation options. Camping types include basic developed sites for tents and RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, stable weather (daytime highs typically 45–65°F, nights 25–40°F) and the best combination of quiet lakeside camping, vivid aspen and mixed-conifer color, and excellent late-season fishing as trout and warmwater species feed before winter. OHV trails across BLM and Forest Service lands are usually still open through September and into October, so you get prime trail access with far fewer crowds than summer. Expect low-to-moderate visitor levels on weekdays and pleasantly busy ( Peak months: September, October, June, July

Elevation5167 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir fills a natural basin surrounded by dense conifer stands that blanket the hills. The forest ecosystem here mixes with ancient geological formations characteristic of this part of Idaho. Trees provide shade over most campsites, creating a canopy that frames views of the water. The terrain varies as you move between the reservoir and the backcountry trails, exposing riders to different elevations and forest types. For anglers, the southwest shores and the area near the dam offer the best fishing spots.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodge or similar accommodations mentioned for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

Group camping is not specifically mentioned, nor are any group site details available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned in the available information.

Site SizeSites are generally developed, suitable for families or small groups. Detailed dimensions or specific site sizes are not provided.

PrivacyNo details on the level of privacy provided at campsites are available. However, user reviews indicate there was only one other camper during one visit, suggesting a quiet experience.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Amenities available

Hawkins Reservoir Campground features 10 developed sites adjacent to the Hawkins Reservoir, offering fishing and boating opportunities. The campground is equipped with 2 vault toilets, 2 parking lots, picnic tables, boat ramp, dock, and shelters. However, there are no dumpsters; visitors must pack in and pack out their trash. Campground rules are posted at the site. "Most campsites have a canopy, and it looked like all of them had fire pits and picnic tables." - User Review by Wesley Cole.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hawkins Reservoir Campground offers several outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and access to nearby OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails managed by BLM and Forest Service. The site is adjacent to Hawkins Reservoir, which is well-stocked with trout, making it ideal for anglers. "Well stocked (with trout) reservoir. Had luck in the fall and winter. 15-21 inch range..." - User Review by Paxson Shelton.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.8

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hawkins Reservoir Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the peaceful setting and suitability for fishing. The lack of on-site amenities like dumpsters and potable water is noted. Average sentiment is moderate (3.0/5.0 for campground-specific reviews).

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the clean facilities (vault toilets) and the fishing opportunities at the reservoir, particularly for trout. "Most campsites have a canopy...fire pits and picnic tables." -...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No shade apart from the canopies and the lack of dumpsters for trash disposal were noted drawbacks.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not available. However, all 10 sites are described as developed and equipped with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Try the southwest shores and by the dam for fishing." - Paxson Shelton. Bring sufficient water and supplies as there are no potable water sources or nearby stores.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fishing is noted as successful in fall and winter seasons, with trout sizes ranging from 15-21 inches.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Most campsites have a canopy, and it looked like all of them had fire pits and picnic tables." - Wesley Cole. "Well stocked (with trout) reservoir. Had luck in the fall and winter. 15-21 inch...

Based on 11 reviews