Blackfoot Reservoir Campground

Blackfoot River

Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is located on the southwest end of the Blackfoot Reservoir. The Reservoir covers 18,000 surface acres when full and is the second largest reservoir in southeastern Idaho. The campground has an annual fee season from May 15th - September 15th and is equipped with 16 fully developed campsites, 12 standard campsites, 6 day-use sites, 2 boat ramps, and an RV dump station. The site offers recreational activities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities.

Blackfoot Reservoir Campground can accommodate both RV and tent camping. The campground features 16 fully developed RV campsites - electrical hookups (50-amp connection), access to potable water. Each site has a graveled parking pad, tent pad, shelter, picnic table, and a fire ring. Four of the RV sites are pull-through, while the rest are back-in only. One of the back-in sites (#7) is accessible. The campground also offers 12 standard campsites within the overflow-dispersed section with graveled parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Two concrete boat ramps are available on site, one of which is a double lane with accessible boat docks, large, graveled parking areas offer ample amount of parking for trucks and boat trailers. The campground also offers an accessible sidewalk to a fishing platform, a group shelter with picnic tables, grills for cooking, and other small single picnic sites with shelters. Four double vaulted restrooms, multiple water hydrants for potable water, trash service, and a RV dump station are available.

Three reservable campsites are available within the fully developed RV campsites # (10, 11, and 13). The rest of the campsites are first come - first serve, with Scan & Pay and Recreation Use Permit Envelopes (RUP's) on sites at two self-pay stations.

The fully developed RV campsites allow for one RV with vehicle in tow or one vehicle. For additional vehicles you must purchase an Extra Vehicle pass, per night. There is a four-vehicle max per fully developed campsite. These passes may be purchased ahead of time through the Activity Pass link below, or on-site through Scan & Pay.

Campground amenities are also available for day-use; Day Use Daily, Day Use Annual, and Extra Vehicle Passes can be purchased through Recreation.gov at Blackfoot Reservoir Campground Activity Passes. Paid over night campers do not need to purchase a Day Use Pass but may need to purchase an Extra Vehicle Pass.

Once on-site, follow the posted Scan & Pay instructions. You will need to download the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. For more information about paying on-site, click here: How Do I Use a Scan & Pay QR Code to Pay for my Campsite?

Need to Know

If purchasing onsite with Scan & Pay, please have the Recreation.gov app downloaded prior to arrival. Once purchased please write down confirmation number on provided Recreation Use Permit yellow envelope and post in vehicle dashboard.
Fees must be paid within 20 minutes of occupying a designated campsite.
If reserving a campsite in advance, you are required to print a copy of your Camping Pass with QR code and place the printout on your dashboard of your vehicle for the duration of your stay.
Passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
In the fully developed campsites (1 - 16) a max number of four vehicles is permitted. All vehicles and trailers must park within the designated graveled parking area. Over-flow parking is available within the day-use area and boat ramp trailer parking area.
Standard campsites (B1 - B12) do not have a max number of vehicles per site and parking is permitted on the mowed grass areas.
America the Beautiful Passes: Senior and Access pass are accepted at this site for a 50% discount.
The RV Dump Station and potable water is available from May 15th - September 15th, annually.
Maximum duration of stay is 14 DAYS (consecutive or not) within a 28-DAY period. After 14 days of campsite occupation, you must move outside a 25-mile radius of that location.
Potable water spickets are located throughout the campground, please only use it to fill your holding tank. Do not leave hose hooked up to camper.
Check out time is 2 PM on the last day of stay.

Natural Features

With the campground situated directly on the shore of the Blackfoot Reservoir nearly every campsite offers stunning views of the reservoir. China Hat, China Cap, and North Cone mountains are three geological sites adjacent to the campground, known for their noticeable distinct shapes, the rhyolite domes formed around older volcano lava flows that intruded and pierced the basalt of the Blackfoot Lava Field. The area is known for its abundance of wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Deer, elk, and moose can be seen coming down to get a drink from the reservoir. Idaho Birding Trail #29 offers the chance to see a vast number of different birds, Gull Island located within the reservoir supports one of the largest nesting colonies in Idaho for the American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and California Gull. The reservoir is also used by waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds.

Nearby Attractions

The Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is located off Idaho State Highway 34 between Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Soda Springs, Idaho. This stretch of highway is designated as the Pioneer Historic Byway, a main travel route for travelers going to the Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Harriman State Park and Island Park surrounding areas, Bear Lake, and Utah.

Local attractions near Soda Springs, Idaho consist of:

Formation Springs and Cave - Nature Conservancy Preserve. Ancient mineral springs and wildlife viewing area.
Hooper Springs Park - Natural carbonated spring water, picnic spots, playground, and pavilion.
Geyser Park - The only captive geyser in the world. Visitor information and history.
Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts - Actual ruts left by the Oregon Trail emigrants.
Sheep Rock Point - Where the Oregon/California Trail divides.

Recreation

Blackfoot Reservoir Campground offers recreational activities such as camping, (ice) fishing, picnicking, motorized boating, non-motorized boating (i.e. kayaks, rafts, standup paddle boards, etc.), swimming, wildlife viewing, and hunting opportunities. With almost year-round fishing the reservoir offers anglers a great place to try their luck at catching Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Cutbows. Big game hunting in the fall draws in a lot of sportsmen coming to Southeastern Idaho, with the campground being centrally located between three popular hunting areas it offers a great place for them to stay. The Blackfoot River coming off the northside of the reservoir offers non-motorized boaters a fun thrilled float with over 23 river miles, offering several Class II and a few Class III rapids.

Contact Information

Physical

2982 Dike Road Soda Springs ID 83276

Mailing

4350 Cliffs Drive Pocatello ID 83204

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 208-478-6340

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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