Idaho / Bear Lake County / Caribou-Targhee National Forest

St. Charles Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates late May through early September with reservations available. After the season, the campground remains open first-come-first-served with no fee, but water and toilets are not available. The access road is not plowed for snow removal until late May or early June.

About

St. Charles Campground is nestled along the banks of St. Charles Creek in St. Charles Canyon, about six miles west of St. Charles, Idaho. Situated within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Bear Lake, this campground rests at an elevation of 6,300 feet, accessible via a paved road off U.S. Highway 89. Stands of aspens cast partial shade over the campground, while lodgepole pines, willow, dogwoods, Engelmann spruce, and wild roses dot the landscape. This varied vegetation weaves a tapestry of color and texture, offering plenty of privacy between sites and a serene backdrop along the creek's gentle flow. The campground offers one group site that can accommodate up to 20 people and six single-family sites, each equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Nearby, the North Fork Trail and its associated paths connect to the Highline Trail, part of the National Trail System and the area's premier trail. Stretching 55 miles along the backbone of the Wasatch Mountains, this world-renowned trail welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and motorcyclists. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the river fisheries, ensuring good to excellent fishing in St. Charles Creek most of the year. In-season big game hunting also draws adventurers to the surrounding wilderness. Minnetonka Cave is a short distance from the campground, and Bear Lake State Park and North Beach are approximately 8 miles away.

Directions

From U.S. Highway 89 in St. Charles, turn west onto Forest Road 412 and travel approximately 3 miles to the forest boundary. The campground entrance is just around the bend.

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