Best family campgrounds in the Idaho Falls area

[norcalmom101]

Not sure what you mean, MSR, official is good, great camping spots that are close works too, just don't want to trespass!

[sav]

I think MSR just means that I love to camp and be in the outdoors, a LOT. Craters of the Moon is also awesome to camp at, but I believe they don't allow fires.

[norcalmom101]

We should have a CDF camping party! Tis the season!! Just got invited to join a family camping and sailing at American Falls, not sure how soon they are going but I will definitely report back here!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by norcalmom101

Not sure what you mean, MSR, official is good, great camping spots that are close works too, just don't want to trespass!

I gotcha about not wanting to tresspass, NCM! Might need some from here to come and bail you out. Then again if Sage had to come for you....well it's a long drive. (J/K everyone - my apologies to any offended).

Sometimes the official campgrounds get so full so fast. So many people either don't work on Fridays (think INL and others), plus those out-of-state who have had their plans for a year or so, that sometimes it's just easier to camp closer to home.

Have you been up to Wolverine Canyon yet? It's a nice trip to see some very different rock formations/ pick Chokecherries when they are in season (my mom's specialty - Chokecherry syrup) etc. I think there are public areas there still; however, they aren't necessarily "developed," with specific areas for fires or portable toilets etc.

If you are pals with any locals who like camp, perhaps without a camping trailer or camper, ask where the locals go. Those won't be spots necessarily advertised by the various agencies who oversee the campgrounds.

If one of your kids start to misbehave at all, tell them your family will take up camping where that child hangs out. That remark almost sounds like one from DESERT RYDER. Hmmm.

Peterson Hill - local make out area. Tell your kids you'll visit if they decide to frequent that particular area.

Just look around at what is close, even up by Bone and the infamous Bone store. After all, isn't Vin Dissel (spelling?) suppose to have a house there? What about the Ririe area and the lake?

Sometimes you don't have to go far. It's all about knowing which roads have hidden treasures along the way.

Let us know what you learn.

MSR

[TohobitPeak]

Drive towards Swan Valley and the Palisades area and you will find great family campgrounds. Island Park is within 2 hours of Idaho Falls and is full of campgrounds.
Or head West to the Lost River Valley near Mackay and you will find great campgrounds in the canyons of the Lost River Range.