Island Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The Beartooth Highway typically closes in mid-October and reopens around Memorial Day weekend, weather dependent. High elevation snow conditions dictate exact opening and closing dates each year.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Over-Snow Vehicle, Road and Trail Prohibitions
Shoshone National Forest - Wind River Ranger District
Restrictions to Camping, Food and Attractant Storage
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by minimizing human-bear interactions. March 1 - December 1, Annually
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
Shoshone National Forest - Wapiti Ranger District - North Fork Highway (U.S. Highway 14-16-20)
Over-Snow Vehicle Area, Road, and Trail Prohibitions
Shoshone National Forest - Greybull Ranger DistrictDecember 1 - April 30, Annually
Over-Snow Vehicle Area, Road, and Trail Prohibitions
Shoshone National Forest - Greybull Ranger DistrictJanuary 1 - June 20, Annually
Over-Snow Vehicle Area, Road, and Trail Prohibitions
Shoshone National Forest - Washakie Ranger District
Restrictions to Activities in the Sleeping Giant Ski Area and Pahaska Nordic Ski Area
Shoshone National Forest - Wapiti Ranger District - Sleeping Giant Ski Area, Pahaska Nordic Ski AreaNovember 15 - May 1, Annually
Single Location Occupancy Limited to Sixteen (16) Days; Boat Launching Limited to Boat Ramps
Shoshone National Forest
About
Island Lake Campground is a beautiful high-mountain destination located at 9,518 feet elevation along the Beartooth All-American Highway in Shoshone National Forest. The campground features 21 newly remodeled sites situated in a stand of lodgepole pine trees with Beartooth Butte providing an impressive backdrop. The 146-acre Island Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for trout, with wade fishing, shore fishing, motorized boat access, and a boat ramp available once the winter ice clears. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Beartooth Plateau region, with direct access to hiking trails leading into the lakes area and along some of the most scenic terrain in the Beartooth Mountains. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and the area is known for spectacular wildflower displays during the summer season. Fishing methods include fly, spin, bait, and ice fishing, with float tubes also permitted on the lake. Island Lake Campground operates seasonally from late May through mid-October, dependent on snow conditions and highway access. The Beartooth Highway typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and closes in mid-October for the winter season. Sites accommodate RVs and trailers up to 32 feet maximum spur length. The campground requires food storage due to bear activity in the area and has a 16-day stay limit.
Directions
From Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn right onto Highway 212, the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about 20 miles to Island Lake Campground on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 32ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 32ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Island Lake Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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