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

Mccoy Creek 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 Mccoy Creek Campground?

Mccoy Creek Campground is open Fall closure after which no fees apply.. 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 Mccoy Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Mccoy Creek Campground have?

Mccoy Creek Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mccoy Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mccoy Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Mccoy Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Mccoy Creek Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mccoy Creek Campground

4.49

57 reviews

Top 18% in UTSummer

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Utah

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

5,627 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Fall closure after w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null 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

5,627 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Fall closure after w...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Mccoy Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Mccoy Creek Campground

43.1849, -111.1003

Nearby places

Alpine, WY (5 miles south on Hwy 26/89, then 7 miles west via Forest Rd 087)

Weather at Mccoy Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mccoy Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F) and full access to Palisades Reservoir for boating, swimming and top-tier trout and kokanee fishing where McCoy Creek spills into the lake. Water recreation and long daylight hours make this the peak time for families and anglers, while wildlife viewing is best in cooler mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday periods; weekdays, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in UT

Best season per notes: summer offers fishing, swimming, boating and pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Fall closure after which no fees apply.

About Mccoy Creek Campground

McCoy Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Alpine, Wyoming, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where McCoy Creek meets Palisades Reservoir. This small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Anglers target trout and kokanee where the creek spills into the reservoir, while boaters launch directly into the lake during the summer season.

McCoy Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. Sites are first-come, first-served.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F) and full access to Palisades Reservoir for boating, swimming and top-tier trout and kokanee fishing where McCoy Creek spills into the lake. Water recreation and long daylight hours make this the peak time for families and anglers, while wildlife viewing is best in cooler mornings and evenings. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday periods; weekdays, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5627 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where McCoy Creek enters Palisades Reservoir, creating a zone of excellent fishing and wildlife activity. Forested slopes rise from the water's edge, framing the reservoir's expanse. Deer and elk appear regularly along the shoreline and in nearby meadows. Moose occasionally pass through, and eagles hunt above the water. The surrounding terrain is rugged, with the reservoir carved into the landscape by geological forces that left steep hillsides and pockets of dense forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available; the campground is focused on traditional camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsWalk-up only as reservations are not accepted.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, and user Shelby Hanning notes that spots "come in all shapes and sizes.

PrivacyThe level of privacy is generally good; Christina Coloradoan notes that "everyone was respectful of space and with noise.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend camping within designated spots at the campground, avoiding the firepits below during low water levels, and selecting sites on the south side for privacy and access to trees.

Best CampsitesSites directly on the beach with reservoir access are the most sought-after. These spots put you steps from the water for fishing, swimming, and boat launches.

Amenities available

McCoy Creek Campground offers basic amenities in a scenic location near Palisades Reservoir. All campsites have gravel surfaces. There are vault toilets that are "clean and do not smell horrible" (user review by Corrie Dashnaw). Cleanliness is frequently highlighted in user reviews, with comments like "cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen" (Eric Hampshire) and "the restrooms were clean and smelled nice" (Maryann Williams). Fresh water is available through a hand pump, described as requiring physical effort but functional (review by Bonnie Oz). Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

McCoy Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It is located near the Palisades Reservoir, which provides opportunities for water-based recreation. Hiking and exploring the surrounding natural areas are popular among visitors.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided and described as clean and well-maintained.

Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with bear boxes for food storage, described by a user as 'really nice.'

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

57 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, natural beauty, and proximity to outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean facilities ("cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen" - Eric Hampshire), scenic views ("gorgeous views" - Chad Jorgenson), and excellent fishing opportunities ("great fishing" -...

Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Few complaints are mentioned, though Shelby Hanning advises campers to avoid unauthorized firepit areas below the campground during low water levels, as they may be evicted by the Forest Service.

Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Shelby Hanning notes that the spots come in various sizes and warns against using unauthorized firepits below the campground. Andrew Schrum mentions an upper campground with about 5 spots, 2 of which...

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade as the campground has limited natural coverage. Stick to designated sites to avoid conflicts with the Forest Service. Ideal for water-based activities and wildlife enthusiasts.

Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is most enjoyable in warmer months, with summer offering the best conditions for fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen!" - Eric Hampshire. "Beautiful sites on the lake, not many people... no mosquitos." - Maryann Williams. "Extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful... a place not to...

Based on 57 reviews

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Go if

You want fishing and boating access on Palisades Reservoir with clean facilities and don't need heavy shade.

Skip if

You require paved roads, shaded sites, or prefer campgrounds with full hookups and developed amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.0

(58)

Blowout Campground

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Blowout Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Palisades Reservoir in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, a short drive from Idaho Falls. This small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets and direct access to the reservoir for boating and fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of facilities and friendliness of hosts, though Highway 26 noise and occasional unleashed dogs are common complaints.