Flat Rock (Idaho)

Summary

Flat Rock Campground is located in Island Park, Idaho and offers recreational activities such as fishing, tubing, canoeing and rafting on Henry's Fork of the Snake River, hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATVing and boating on Island Park Reservoir. Wildlife is abundant in the dense lodgepole pine forest and the nearby Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is great for sightseeing and trails. Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is just 22 miles away.

Overview

Flat Rock Campground is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana and 30 miles north of Ashton, Idaho in beautiful Island Park, Idaho. Flat Rock is adjacent to U.S. Highway 20 and the Henry's Fork of the Snake River at an elevation of 6,400 feet.

Recreation

Henry's Fork has great fly-fishing for rainbow and brook trout. The river's headwaters are at Big Springs, one of the nation's largest springs, just 4.5 miles from the campground. Tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting are also popular on the river.

The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail begins at Big Springs and ends just northeast of the campground at Macks Inn. It offers a lazy three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, is often seen along the trail.

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails crisscross Island Park, including the 2.5-mile Coffee Pot Rapids Trail, which begins at nearby Upper Coffee Pot Campground and meanders along the riverbank. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail are in the area.

Island Park Reservoir and Henry's Lake are nearby, both offer boating, water skiing and excellent fishing opportunities.

Facilities

The campground contains single and double campsites, some of which have 50-amp electric hookups. Sites are equipped with picnic and utility tables, a campfire ring and tent pad.

Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. All interior roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Macks Inn is just across the highway from the campground and offers amenities such as boat rentals, shuttle service, showers, laundry facilities, gas and groceries.

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.

A mixed growth of lodgepole pine forest provides partial shade. A portion of one loop is fairly close to the river and some sites have river views.

Nearby Attractions

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 11 miles south of the campground. This 28-mile road leads to scenic overlooks and trails at 110 foot Upper Mesa Falls and 85 foot Lower Mesa Falls.

Harriman State Park is 13 miles south. The Henry's Fork meanders through the Harriman, offering excellent fishing. Over 20 miles of trails are available, and wildlife is abundant in this scenic park.

Henry's Lake State Park is 10 miles north, offering fishing, a fish cleaning station and boat ramp.

Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is just 22 miles north in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Visitors enjoy day-tripping to the park for unparalleled wildlife viewing and the beautiful and unique scenery.