Island Lake Campground

Star4.18
47 reviews
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Island Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fees vary by activity and location: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, and $3 if made...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 47 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"Island Lake Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and abundance of activities. Wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, add to the wilderness experience. However, the lack of cell phone service and mosquitoes during peak seasons are noted drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Island Lake Campground

44.9407, -109.5400

Driving directionsFrom Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn right onto Highway 212, which is the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about 20 miles to the Island Lake Campground, which will be on the left.
This site can be accessed by Passenger Car.

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

The dramatic seasonal shifts at Island Lake create two distinct camping experiences. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with frigid temperatures and over 3 inches of snowfall creating perfect conditions for those seeking winter solitude—though the short 9-hour days between 8:45 AM sunrise and 6:15 PM sunset mean planning accordingly. Come summer, the campground reveals its gentler side, with late August offering the sweet spot for mosquito-free adventures under clear mountain skies, making it the perfect time for families and fair-weather campers to explore.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Busiest season: wildflowers, hiking and fishing peak in summer per overview and reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late summer/early fall noted as having fewer mosquitoes and continued good vistas.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings snowmelt and variable conditions; fewer reviews and uncertain access early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter is snowy and frigid; landscape changes but access, services and rec details are limited.

Planning Tips

    About Island Lake Campground

    Perched high in the mountains, Island Lake Campground offers an escape to pristine wilderness where 21 thoughtfully remodeled campsites await adventurers seeking solitude above the clouds. This remote mountain sanctuary beckons hikers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts with its crystalline waters and endless trails, though visitors should note that the journey here requires navigating rugged terrain unsuitable for those with mobility limitations. With camping spurs accommodating RVs up to 32 feet and fresh mountain water available on-site, you'll find comfort in the wilderness—just remember to download your maps beforehand, as cell towers haven't reached these heights.
    Island Lake Campground is best suited for tent camping and smaller RVs due to size limitations.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    16-day stay limit

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Island Lake Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic beauty of the area is a highlight for visitors.
    HikingThe campground provides direct access to hiking trails, including trails leading into the lakes area and along the Beartooth Highway. One review described the scenery as "great" and the trailhead as being a favorite in the Beartooth range.
    FishingFishing opportunities include various types of fishing such as wade, shore, and motorized boat fishing. The lake is stocked with trout, and fishing is popular among visitors.
    BoatingA boat launch is available, but it remains closed until the winter ice clears. Visitors can engage in motorized boating and float tubing.
    Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears and deer. One user suggested, "Definitely want your bear spray handy and a clean camp."
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsMultiple reviewers noted grizzly bear sightings and advised carrying bear spray and maintaining a clean camp. Mosquitoes are also noted as being "out of control" during some times of the year.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Island Lake Campground

    Reviews

    4.2
    47 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Island Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Island Lake Campground is highly praised for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and abundance of activities. Wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, add to the wilderness experience. However, the lack of cell phone service and mosquitoes during peak seasons are noted drawbacks.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 47 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Many visitors praised the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and the gorgeous lake views. One user highlighted, "The cleanest vault toilets and the kindest hosts," while another described the...
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    Based on 47 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints include the presence of mosquitoes, grizzly bears, and the host's generator running early in the morning. One review noted, "The host had a work generator which he ran beginning about 6:30...
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    Based on 47 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Visitors recommend arriving with bear spray and maintaining a clean camp due to frequent bear sightings. They also suggest visiting late in the season to avoid mosquitoes.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    The campground is busier during summer, when hiking and fishing are most popular. Late August sees fewer mosquitoes, as noted by one reviewer who visited during that time.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The lake is gorgeous and there is hiking directly from the campground." "The toilets were the cleanest I've ever been to in all my years." "Definitely want your bear spray handy and a clean camp."
    Based on 47 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Loops A and B are described as having many well-spaced sites. Loop C is smaller and best suited for tents and smaller rigs.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    The campground is not accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
    Based on 47 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No specific reviews regarding pets are provided.
    Based on 47 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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