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BUFFALO (IDAHO)

Island Park, Idaho · USDA Forest Service

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BUFFALO (IDAHO) — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Buffalo Campground is located 26 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana and 25 miles north of Ashton, Idaho in beautiful Island Park, Idaho. Buffalo is a large campground just off U.S. Highway 20 on the banks of the Buffalo River at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 7 miles south of the campground. This 28-mile road leads to scenic overlooks and trails at 110 foot Upper Mesa Falls and 85 foot Lower Mesa Falls. Harriman State Park is 8 miles south. The Henry's Fork meanders through the Harriman, offering excellent fishing. Over 20 miles of trails are available, and wildlife is abundant in this scenic park. Henry's Lake State Park is 11 miles north, offering fishing, a fish cleaning station and boat ramp. Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is just 26 miles north in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Visitors enjoy day-tripping to the park for unparalleled wildlife viewing and the beautiful and unique scenery.The Island Park area is renowned for its fishing; the Henry's Fork is known as one of the nation's best fly-fishing streams. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout and Kokanee salmon. Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake are nearby, both offering boating, water skiing and excellent fishing opportunities. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails are in the area, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail. The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail offers an approximately three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, are often seen along the trail.The campground has six loops of single and double family sites and one loop for group camping, for a total of 127 sites, many of which are reservable. The large group site can accommodate 150 people. One loop has electric hook-ups and all loops are paved. Accessible vault toilets are provided, as is drinking water and trash collection. A separate parking area is located at the accessible fishing dock and viewing platforms on the east end of the campground. Ponds Lodge is just across the highway and has fuel, groceries and other amenities. Island Park is composed of two areas of extinct volcanic activity. The Henry's Fork Caldera sits inside the larger Island Park Caldera. The area is known for it

Directions

From West Yellowstone, Montana, take U.S. Highway 20 south for 26 miles. From Ashton, Idaho: Take U.S. Highway 20 north for 25 miles. The campground entrance is .25 miles north of Ponds Lodge on the east side of the highway.

Location

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Details

State
Idaho
City / area
Island Park
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Campsites
49
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$25–$100 / night
Rating
4.55 / 5 (370 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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