Calamity

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.