Area Status: Closed

Calamity Campground is located along the Snake River drainage at the north end of beautiful Palisades Reservoir at an elevation of 5,700 feet, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing and canoeing.
Natural Features: The campground is situated on a hillside above Palisades Reservoir, affording scenic views from many sites. A mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, aspen and maple trees partially shade the campground. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Recreation: Palisades Reservoir offers excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular here as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp and large parking area are located on-site.
The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley.
Facilities: The campground offers several campsites on three loops. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Some sites have a few stairs from the parking spur to the site pad.
Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Nearby Attractions: Big Elk Creek Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at nearby Big Elk Campground and meanders up a beautiful canyon brimming with wildflowers, towering trees and views of the surrounding mountains.
Swan Valley and the Snake River offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails.
At a Glance
Reservations: |
This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov/camping/calamity/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70574. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival. |
Area Amenities: |
Accessible,Boat ramp,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking |
Fees |
$12/Night for single unit, $24/Night for double unit, $6/Night for extra vehicle, $6/Day for Day Use Fees |
Open Season: |
Mid May |
Usage: |
Medium-Heavy |
Restrictions: |
No trailers allowed in Loop C.
Vehicles must be parked in developed areas only.
No ATVs or ORVs allowed, except for entering and exiting the campground. A designated parking area is available next to the campground host. |
Water: |
Potable Water |
Restroom: |
Vault Toilet |
Passes: |
Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass will receive a discount on Single sites only. |
Operated By: |
Concessionaire |
Information Center: |
No trailers allowed in Loop C
A $6 fee for extra vehicles will be collected at the campground
ATVs/OHVs can be used only to enter and exit the campground |
General Information
Directions: GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.32778, -111.215
43°19'40"N, 111°12'54"W
From Idaho Falls, Idaho, travel on Hwy. 26 for approximately 50 miles. Turn right off of Hwy. 26, (just before ascending grade to top of dam) and go ¼ mile, turn right and cross the river following signs to the campground. Distance is approximately 5 miles.
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