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State Park
Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park
Targhee National Forest · Island Park, ID
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State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
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- Reserve on Recreation.gov
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- Address:Island Park, ID
About
Overview
Big Springs Group Area is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Recreation
Big Springs is the headwaters of Henry's Fork and is one of the largest springs in the country. Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Fishermen cast for rainbow and brook trout. Tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting are also popular on the river.
The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail can be accessed from the campground and ends 4.5 miles away at Macks Inn. It offers a lazy three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, are often seen along the trail.
The charming and historic John Sack Cabin is nearby, noted for its unique location, construction and furnishings.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails crisscross Island Park, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail are in the area.
Facilities
The campground provides one accessible group site that can accommodate up to 40 people, with picnic tables, a campfire circle, grill and tent pads. Accessible vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. 30-amp electricity is available for a fee. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
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 its dense forests of lodgepole pine, broad grassy meadows bursting with summer wildflowers and a wide variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, Sandhill cranes and much, much more.
The campground is situated in a clearing surrounded by a forest of lodgepole pines. Grasses and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
Macks Inn is 4.5 miles west. This full-service facility offers boat rentals, rafting, shuttle service, gas, groceries, showers and laundry facilities.
Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake are nearby, both offering boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Numerous additional small lakes and streams are scattered throughout Island Park.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are within a short drive, offering hiking and fishing, as well as outstanding scenery.
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Amenities
Potable Water
Firewood
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service
Pet Policy
No pets allowed
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (1)
In this park
Trails at Targhee National Forest
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park
Trail
Johnny Sack Cabin
Idaho
0.8 mi75 ftgain
Easy
Trail
Big Springs Interpretive Trail
Idaho
2.4 mi177 ftgain
Easy
Trail
Big Springs Lookout Tower
Idaho
1.5 mi446 ftgain
Easy
Trail
North Fork of Split Creek
Idaho
8.4 mi2,913 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Latham Spring Loop
Idaho
12.5 mi1,358 ftgain
Expert
Trail
Henrys Lake Trail
Idaho
4.4 mi417 ftgain
Moderate
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Montana hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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