Is Island Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Island Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Island Lake Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Island Lake Campground?

Island Lake Campground is open Typically from late June through early/mid September. 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 Island Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Island Lake Campground have?

Island Lake Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Island Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Island Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Island Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Island Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Island Lake Campground

4.00

47 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Wyoming

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Typically from late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Typically from late ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Island Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Island Lake Campground

44.9407, -109.5400

Weather at Island Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to mid-70s°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing and boating on Island Lake. Trails and alpine meadows are at their peak—wildflowers bloom from late June through August and trout fishing is excellent when water temperatures are stable. Crowd levels remain moderate to low due to the remote, rugged approach, but expect chilly nights (30s–40s°F), strong sun at altitude, and occasional afternoon thundersqu Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; warmest temps, long daylight, peak hiking/fishing/boating access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically from late June through early/mid September

About Island Lake Campground

Island Lake Campground sits high in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest, offering direct access to alpine trails and excellent trout fishing. The small, high-elevation campground accommodates tents, RVs, and primitive campers with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to Island Lake's clear waters, though grizzly country protocols apply.

Island Lake Campground is best suited for tent camping and smaller RVs due to size limitations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to mid-70s°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing and boating on Island Lake. Trails and alpine meadows are at their peak—wildflowers bloom from late June through August and trout fishing is excellent when water temperatures are stable. Crowd levels remain moderate to low due to the remote, rugged approach, but expect chilly nights (30s–40s°F), strong sun at altitude, and occasional afternoon thundersqu Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation10000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryIsland Lake anchors the campground, stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Wildflowers bloom from late June through August across alpine meadows. The surrounding peaks mark the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Grizzly bears use this area regularly. Reviews mention multiple sightings. Deer appear in camp most mornings. At this elevation, the sun feels stronger and nights drop into the 30s even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodges, cabins, or accommodations are mentioned as being available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

16-day stay limit

Groups

No group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityThe campground is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.

Site SizeThe maximum spur length for sites is 32 feet, accommodating smaller rigs and tents.

PrivacySites are described as being well-separated with trees, offering privacy. One user noted that the sites are "large and very private.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesLoops A and B are more well-spaced and better for privacy, while Loop C is smaller. The campground is more suitable for small rigs and tents.

Amenities available

This beautiful high mountain lake campground has 21 newly remodeled sites. There is always plenty to do at this campground; hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and beautiful wildflowers galore. Stay limit is 16 days. Maximum spur length is 32 feet. Food storage is required in this campground - be prepared to store your food properly. Bear boxes available. No garbage collection, pack it in, pack it out

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Island Lake Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to alpine trails and trails into the lakes area off the campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Island Lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout; shore, wade and motorized boat fishing noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent wildlife sightings reported, including grizzly bears and deer; wildlife viewing is a draw.

Water Sports3.0/5

Boat launch and lake indicate kayaking is possible, though seasonality and boat rules noted.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (10,000 ft), remote setting and little cell service imply excellent dark skies.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; vault toilets are provided instead.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

47 reviews

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...

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...

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

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

Accessibility Features

The campground is not accessible for persons with mobility impairments.

Based on 47 reviews

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Island Lake 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

Go if

You want high-elevation wilderness access, alpine lake fishing, and don't mind vault toilets or bear-safe camping practices.

Skip if

You need hookups, want to avoid grizzly habitat, or prefer campgrounds without early-morning generator noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.4

(43)

Beartooth Lake Campground

Beartooth Lake Campground, Cody, WY

Beartooth Lake Campground sits at 9,000 feet on the shore of its namesake alpine lake in Shoshone National Forest. The 21 sites are split across three loops tucked into stands of Lodgepole Pine, with Beartooth Butte rising overhead. It's 30 miles from Yellowstone and directly on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph Scenic Highways. Fees run $25/night. Cell service is nonexistent.

Island Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Island Lake Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Island Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Island Lake Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Island Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Island Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Island Lake Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Island Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews