Calamity
The campground is currently closed for the season and opens May 22, 2026. The regular season runs late May through early September. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Flood Watch issued October 10 at 1:27PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Storm total rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches are possible across the area with localized amounts closer to 3 inches possible in spots. * WHERE...Portions of central, eastern, south central, and southeast Idaho, including the following areas, in central Idaho, Sun Valley Region and Wood River Foothills. In eastern Idaho, Beaverhead - Lemhi Highlands, Big Hole Mountains, Centennial Mountains - Island Park and Teton Valley. In south central Idaho, Eastern Magic Valley and Shoshone/Lava Beds. In southeast Idaho, Arco/Mud Lake Desert, Bear Lake Valley, Bear River Range, Blackfoot Mountains, Caribou Range, Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region, Lower Snake River Plain, Marsh and Arbon Highlands, Raft River Region, Southern Hills/Albion Mountains and Upper Snake River Plain. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A prolonged period of rainfall is expected across eastern Idaho throughout the weekend which could lead to some flooding across parts of the advised area. An upper low moving into the Pacific Northwest will combine with tropical moisture from Tropical Cyclone Rachel to usher in a cooler, wetter weather pattern across eastern Idaho. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
About
Calamity Campground occupies a scenic hillside above Palisades Reservoir in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, providing expansive views of the reservoir and surrounding Swan Valley. At 5,700 feet elevation, the campground features 40 standard nonelectric campsites distributed across three loops. Loop C is restricted to tent camping only with no trailers permitted. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground offers vault toilets, potable drinking water, and trash collection. Palisades Reservoir provides excellent recreation opportunities including boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. The reservoir holds wild and stocked cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, brown trout, and Mackinaw trout. A boat ramp and large parking area are located on-site. The nearby Palisades Creek Trail leads hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders to Upper Palisades Lake. The campground operates from late May through early September with reservations available through Recreation.gov. During the off-season, the area is open first-come, first-served with no fee, but water and toilet facilities are not available. ATVs and ORVs may only be used to enter and exit the campground. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM.
Directions
From Idaho Falls, travel Highway 26 east for approximately 50 miles. Turn right off Highway 26 just before ascending the grade to the top of the dam. Go 1/4 mile, turn right and cross the river, then follow signs to the campground. Total distance from the highway is approximately 5 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 99ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 99ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 523-1412 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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