Blackfoot Reservoir Campground

Overview

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.

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. 

Facilities

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. 

Five reservable campsites are available within the fully developed RV campsites # (10, 11, 13, 14, and 16). 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? 

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.