St. Charles Campground
4.4911 reviewsAUD & DI CAMPGROUNDS HC-82 BOX 1158
Quick Facts
Price
$20 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Open from May 23 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$20 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Open from May 23 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSt. Charles Campground
$20.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites cost $20 per night, while group sites cost $50 per night during peak season. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$70.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-351-1182info@sceniccanyons.com
What Campers Say
4.49
Recommended
Based on 11 reviews
22 Google reviews
Most mentioned
lake
Some mention
noise
"Overall, users highlight the campground's scenic beauty and peaceful location. However, recurring issues include the presence of cows, bathroom cleanliness, and small campsite sizes. The average general sentiment rating is 4.44, while the campground-specific sentiment is 3.91."
Fees & Passes at St. Charles Campground
$20 - $50/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive nights
Cancellation: Cancellations must be made as far in advance as possible. $10 cancellation fee applies, and late can...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Scenic Canyons Recreational Services website.
Best Time to Camp at St. Charles Campground
Summer brings perfect camping weather with warm, sun-drenched days and cool mountain nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the aspens transform into a golden tapestry before winter blankets the canyon in pristine snow. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, though mountain weather can surprise with its quick changes during these transitional seasons.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 1, 2025, for peak season reservations.
- Current Alerts: None reported.
About St. Charles Campground
Tucked away in the shadow of majestic peaks, St. Charles Campground offers an intimate escape where the whisper of St. Charles Creek mingles with the rustle of aspen leaves. This hidden gem near the crystalline waters of Bear Lake serves as your gateway to adventure, whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring mysterious cave systems, or setting off on mountain trails that lead to breathtaking vistas.
St. Charles Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences. It includes six single standard non-electric sites and one group site, which can host up to 20 people.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away, the legendary Minnetonka Cave beckons with its labyrinth of limestone chambers and ancient formations. This geological wonder has captivated visitors for generations, offering guided journeys through cathedral-like rooms adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that tell a 500-million-year story etched in stone.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings perfect camping weather with warm, sun-drenched days and cool mountain nights ideal for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the aspens transform into a golden tapestry before winter blankets the canyon in pristine snow. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflower blooms and rushing snowmelt, though mountain weather can surprise with its quick changes during these transitional seasons.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable mountain elevation that offers relief from summer heat while remaining accessible throughout the camping season, St. Charles provides that perfect high-country atmosphere without the challenges of extreme altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of mountain flora surrounds each thoughtfully spaced campsite, where towering Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines create natural privacy screens. In early summer, wild roses perfume the air while aspens dance in the mountain breeze. The melodic soundtrack of St. Charles Creek accompanies your stay, its clear waters tumbling over smooth stones as it winds through the campground.
Geological RegionCradled within the dramatic St. Charles Canyon, the campground sits at the convergence of geological wonders where the ancient Wasatch Mountains reveal their secrets. This diverse ecosystem showcases nature's artistry through stands of quaking aspens that shimmer like coins in the breeze, stately lodgepole pines reaching skyward, and delicate wild roses adding splashes of color to the understory.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details are provided regarding ADA-compliant or accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites vary in size but are described as being small, particularly for larger trailers. One user remarked: 'Small for trailers to back into.'
Sites PrivacyThe diverse vegetation—including aspens and Engelmann spruce—provides good privacy between campsites, according to official descriptions.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for tent camping over RVs due to smaller site sizes. Trailers may have difficulty backing into spaces.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 20 people for group sites.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 20 people. However, user reviews highlight issues with trailer parking: 'The group site... had two camp trailers and there was no way to fit them in the space provided.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutComposed of six single sites and one group site, all connected via a paved road. Sites are surrounded by vegetation for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 1, 2025, for peak season reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are reportedly first-come, first-serve outside of peak reservation windows, but demand described as high due to popularity with Bear Lake visitors.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made as far in advance as possible. $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (less than one day in advance) forfeit the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
St. Charles Campground and its surrounding area offer a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The nearby North Fork Trail connects to the Highline Trail #316, a premier 55-mile trail open to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and motorcyclists. St. Charles Creek provides opportunities for fishing, and big game hunting is available in-season.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the North Fork Trail and the Highline Trail #316. The Highline Trail is 55 miles long and part of the National Trail System, attracting users from around the world.Fishing
Fishing in St. Charles Creek is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and is described as 'good to excellent' for most of the year.Swimming
The campground is approximately 8 miles from Bear Lake's North Beach, which offers swimming opportunities.Biking
Mountain bikers can use the North Fork and Highline Trails. The terrain is varied, and the trails are open to multiple users.Boating
Boating activities are available at nearby Bear Lake, which is 8 miles away.Wildlife viewing
The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge close to the campground provides excellent bird-watching opportunities.Beach activities
Bear Lake's North Beach offers sandy shores for sunbathing and water activities, located 8 miles from the campground.Cultural and Educational Programs
Minnetonka Cave offers guided tours every 30 minutes from early June to Labor Day, providing an educational experience.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not described, but the area is not officially open for camping during the off-season.Water Sports
Bear Lake State Park offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, and deadwood collection was noted as abundant. Adhere to fire safety regulations.
- Quiet hours are .
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife caution is advised. User reviews mention issues with cows roaming the area and leaving droppings.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather at St. Charles Campground
31
°F
Dec 8
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, and visitors are advised to bring garbage bags.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to St. Charles Creek, with Bear Lake State Park approximately 8 miles away.
Common complaintsComplaints about bathroom cleanliness (wasp nests and non-functional stalls). Cows often roam through camps, causing noise and leaving droppings.
HostPraised for attentiveness: 'The hosts were very friendly and a pleasure to talk with.'
Campground Map
AUD & DI CAMPGROUNDS HC-82 BOX 1158
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 89 in St. Charles, turn west onto Forest Road #412 and travel approximately 3 miles to the forest boundary. The campground entrance is just around the bend.
A paved road leads to the campground. Road conditions appear accessible for most vehicles, but trailers may encounter challenges due to the short size of sites as noted by one user: 'Small for trailers to back into.'Nearby places
St. Charles (~3 miles), Bear Lake State Park (~8 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
11 reviews
St. Charles Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users highlight the campground's scenic beauty and peaceful location. However, recurring issues include the presence of cows, bathroom cleanliness, and small campsite sizes. The average general sentiment rating is 4.44, while the campground-specific sentiment is 3.91.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers praised the campground's proximity to Bear Lake and Minnetonka Cave. The natural beauty, including sounds of the nearby stream, was a highlight: 'The stream noise was a subtle sleep...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include cows wandering through the campground and leaving droppings, small campsites unsuitable for larger trailers, and unclean bathrooms with wasp issues: 'We had fun except for...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring garbage bags due to the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Campers with trailers should note the small site sizes and consider alternatives. Families with children should be cautious of wasps in...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews are generally positive, but visitors during wet conditions report challenges with muddy areas. Winter reviews are unavailable as the campground is closed during the off-season.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground is wonderful; we would definitely stay here again.'
2. 'We had the group area and had plenty of space for all 18 of us.'
3. 'Our family loved our camp and plan on going back next...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Group Site: 'We love this camp ground. This was our 2nd year staying in the group site.'
2. Site 1: 'The parking and picnic area were more than adequate.'
3. Loop reviews: Some loops face issues...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility feedback from disabled users is mentioned in reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not specifically mentioned in reviews, but the presence of cows was a major concern for some visitors.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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