Activities
Explore a wide range of activities including biking, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, off-highway vehicle exploration, picnicking, winter sports, wildlife viewing, staying in fire lookouts/cabins, and swimming.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a vast expanse of rugged mountains, fertile valleys, rivers teeming with life, and diverse wildlife. It offers an abundance of campgrounds, wilderness areas, adventure opportunities, and scenic beauty that will more than satisfy your love for the great outdoors.
This National Forest is much more than just trees, hiking, and hunting. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the mountains, the tranquility of the wilderness, the magic of spring flowers, the wonder of baby animals, and the majesty of big game. Whether you’re enjoying the sounds of birds while horseback riding, embarking on a camping trip, or indulging in a summer picnic, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, known as the Land of Many Uses, has something for everyone. You can even rent a rustic cabin for a more secluded experience.
Leave your worries behind and spend some quality time in nature. Within a few hours from any location within the forest, you can find a campsite, set up your tent, and enjoy a relaxing weekend fishing, swimming, canoeing, and cooking over a campfire.
Caribou-Targhee Camping Reservations
Book your campsite at one of these popular camping areas:
AL TAYLOR CABIN >> Camping Area
Al Taylor Cabin is situated next to Steel Creek near the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors are drawn to this area for its stunning scenery and solitude. Access to the cabin by car is possible from mid-May through mid-November, primarily via gravel roads. In the winter, these roads are accessible only by snowmobile. While the cabin offers several amenities, visitors should come prepared with some of their own supplies and gear to ensure a comfortable stay.
ALBERT MOSER >> Camping Area
Albert Moser Campground is located along the Cub River, about nine miles from Preston, Idaho. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s, the campground sits just off Cub River Road, at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing in the river and exploring local trails.
ALPINE NORTH LOOP >> Camping Area
Alpine North Loop Campground is nestled in the picturesque Star Valley, Wyoming at an elevation of 5,640 feet. The charming town of Alpine is just 2 miles west. This area is popular for boating and fishing on Palisades Reservoir, as well as day trips to Jackson and Grand Teton National Park.
BIG ELK >> Camping Area
Big Elk Campground is situated along Big Elk Creek on a serene arm of the stunning Palisades Reservoir, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and exploring the scenic Big Elk Creek Trail, which begins at the campground and winds through a beautiful canyon filled with wildflowers, towering trees, and breathtaking views.
BIG SPRINGS – CARIBOU >> Camping Area
Big Springs Campground is located along the banks of Pebble Creek at an elevation of 6,500 feet, just 16 miles from Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails. The multi-use Boundary Trail, accessible from the campground, is ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle riding, leading to additional local trails.
BIG SPRINGS GRP. AREA – ISLAND PARK >> Camping Area
Big Springs Group Area is situated 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in the beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Island Park is renowned for its world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT >> Camping Area
Big Springs Warming Hut is also located in the Island Park area, offering similar attractions with its 6,300-foot elevation. Visitors love this area for its world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to view diverse wildlife.
BISHOP MOUNTAIN CABIN >> Camping Area
Bishop Mountain Cabin was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. Originally used by Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management employees, the cabin served as a fire lookout tower until the early 1980s. Guests can drive to the cabin from mid-May through mid-November, with about 13 miles of the trip on gravel roads. During winter, the roads are accessible only by snowmobile. While the cabin is equipped with basic amenities, visitors should bring additional supplies and gear for a comfortable stay.
BUFFALO (IDAHO) >> Camping Area
Buffalo Campground is located 26 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana, and 25 miles north of Ashton, Idaho, in beautiful Island Park, Idaho. The large campground sits just off U.S. Highway 20 on the banks of the Buffalo River at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Island Park is a favorite destination for its world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
BUTTERMILK >> Camping Area
Buttermilk Campground is approximately 30 miles southwest of West Yellowstone, Montana, and 32 miles north of Ashton, Idaho, in the beautiful Island Park area. Buttermilk is located next to Island Park Reservoir at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors love the area for its world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
