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Big Springs Campground
The Big Springs Campground 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.
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.
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 Big Springs Boat Launch 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 riding OHVs are popular activities.
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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Campground is open for the season. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Campsites are on a first come/first serve basis. Group site can be reserved by dialing 1-877-444-6777 or Big Springs Grp. Area - Island Park, Caribou-Targhee National Forest - Recreation.gov |
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site, Accessible, Boat ramp, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
| Fees: |
|
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Water: | Yes |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Operated By: | concessionaire |
| Information Center: | No ATVs/OHVS allowed in the campground Pack in Pack Out all trash |
General Information
Directions:From West Yellowstone, Montana, travel 22 miles south on Highway 20 to Mack's Inn. Turn east on the Big Springs Loop Rd. Travel 4.5 miles to campground.
Big Springs Campground is 4 1/2 miles from Macks Inn, ID which is part of Island Park. The nearest bigger town is West Yellowstone, MT 22 miles north of Macks Inn. Ashton, ID is 30 miles to the south. Ashton has several gas stations, motels, restaurants and a grocery store.
General Notes:
Big Springs is near several large springs that form the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. There is a interpretive trail that follows along the river. The nearby historical Johnny Sack Cabin is open to the public from mid-June through Labor Day. A mile west from Big Springs Campground is the boat launch for the Big Springs Water Trail. This is an easy 2-4 hour non-motorized flat water float. The takeout is on the north side of the river 1/2 mile above Macks Inn.
Activities
Campground Camping
Hiking, ATV trails, Johnny Sack Cabin Historical Site, float the Big Springs Water Trail.
"Click here for Campground Site Map - Good One"
RV Camping
Group Camping
The group site is reservable.
Picnicking
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | Johnny Sack Cabin |
|---|---|
| Camping trailer: | Yes |
| Picnic tables: | Yes |
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Vault |
| Accessible: | Yes |
| Boat ramp: | One mile west - non motorized |
| Drinking water: | Yes |