Idaho / Franklin County / Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Willow Flat Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates late May through early September with reservations available. Outside the main season, the campground is open for dispersed camping on a first-come, first-served basis with no fee, but no toilets or water are provided.

About

Willow Flat Campground is nestled along the banks of the Cub River about seven miles southeast of Preston, Idaho, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. At an elevation of 6,300 feet, this popular campground sits in a pretty valley surrounded by scenic mountain views and framed by rugged peaks. A mixed forest of pines, spruce, and hardwoods provides partial shade, while dense stands of willow line the riverbanks, attracting local moose. Deer and elk frequently roam the surrounding hills. The Cub River provides excellent fishing opportunities for wild cutthroat and hatchery rainbow trout. Numerous trails begin within the campground, including a half-mile nature trail to Sam Parkinson Spring and the multi-use Cub River Trail, which offers prime hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, off-road vehicle use, and horseback riding. The Cub River Trail connects to the renowned 55-mile Highline Trail and accesses the North Fork of St. Charles Creek and the Cub River Guard Station. The campground features single-family campsites and six group sites accommodating 24 to 100 people. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. An amphitheater with bleacher seating and a cement platform is located at group site G03. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided during the main season. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Directions

From Preston, Idaho, head south on U.S. Highway 91 for approximately 3 miles. Turn east on Cub River Road (Forest Road 406) and travel 3 miles past the forest boundary to the intersection of Forest Road 406 and Forest Road 407. Bear right at the intersection, staying on Forest Road 406, and travel 1.5 miles to the campground. The second entrance accesses the reservation sites.

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