The best camping near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Discover Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.  

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Community favorites near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge

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The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rigby, ID
In the beautiful Idaho countryside, our Inn is in the beloved year-round recreation hotspot called Heise-Kelly Canyon. We have a wide variety of rooms and sites. Including: 4 log cabins that sleep 4 in 2 queen log beds with mini kitchenettes, 3 sources of heat, and en suite bathrooms 4 Moonlight Cottages with AC and heat that sleep 5 or 6 in 2 queens plus one adult friendly twin (cottages B and D) or two kid-friendly twins bunked together (cottages A and C), mini-kitchenettes, and just a few steps away is the deluxe no-fee Loo-uvre Restroom and Shower House Two 20' diameter year-round yurts with themed decor-- each sleeps 4 in one queen and two twins with all bed and bath linens, plus a very well-stocked kitchen, and a firepit, pergola, picnic table and Char-griller charcoal BBQ outside. Camper trailer-- 16' vintage camper Little Buffy that sleeps 2 and has a mini-kitchenette and guests use the Loo-uvre Restroom/Shower House close by. New to the Lodge is Adirondack-style "The Bunkie" that sleeps 6 or 7 plus has a desk, microwave and fridge. All bed and bath linens are provided in all of our rooms. Firepits are a-plenty! Our Inn also has great tent sites, plus both 30 amp and 50 amp RV/Camper sites with water and electric, a firepit and picnic table each, plus a fee dump station. We are currently planning/building another shower/restroom house and a laundry mat. There is a fee dump station on site. With over ten acres of property to play at and stroll, your stay will be one of fun, peace and quiet. Our RV & Camp is fun! We have our famous Borrow Barn with loads of complementary activities including a 9 hole disc golf course with maps/disc/scorecards, free pedal boats, Little Free Library #69967, volleyball, tetherball, badminton, board games and more, plus our cruiser bicycles in our Bike Corral are for guests to enjoy on property also. Children must be watched always and very closely-- enjoy being with your children on the property. A beautiful Restroom and Shower House is fee free. We are located in the Heise-Kelly Canyon of southeast Idaho with fabulous sunrises and sunsets. We are very close to hiking, hot springs, rapelling, 200+ miles of ATV and SxS trails, golf, mini-golf, a driving range, skiing, ice cream parlor and two restaurants, and the mighty Snake River corridor right across the road. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside. We are 20 minutes from Bear World in Rexburg, and less than two hours from Grand Teton Park and Yellowstone National Park regardless of which of the four routes that you take, with each route including a beautiful waterfall. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside.
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$32
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92%
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Lava Campground

219 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lava Hot Springs, ID
We are located right off of highway 30. If you are coming in off of I15 you will continue on highway 30 passing Lava Hot Springs. You will see the KOA East on your right hand side. After passing the KOA East you will start going up a hill. Continue up the hill for .5 miles. You will see a Lava Campground sign take you first right onto Fish Creek Road and then another immediate right onto Fish creek extension road. This road will bring you down into the campground. Lava Campground is a local family owned Campground. Cameron and Annie along with their 2 boys Kash and Jaxson built Lava Campground from the ground up. They have always embraced the company of others and love when people can come stay and play with them. When they decided to build a campground they were excited about the possibility to create a place for people to feel at home and have a great time camping. They have an endless need for adventure, anything outdoors and fun- sign them up! They have fallen in love with the campground and being part of the Lava Hot Springs community. The new friends they've made during ownership have been priceless to them. Each year Cam and Annie continue to make improvements to the campground. The creativity they hold is endless and their goal is to make the campground a place where people truly want to be and hope that people feel like part of their family during their stay. Lava Campground is a gem and unique. Cam and Annie came up with the idea to rent out the vintage campers which has become the theme for Lava Campground. They've designed the entire property to give a blast from the past kind of feeling. With a vintage playground, glamping wall tents, 5 remodeled retro campers, studio apartment, and spacious RV and tents sites. The location offers the perfect balance of being close to local attractions and conveniences while enjoying a relaxed country atmosphere, located just 1 mile East of Lava Hot Springs passed KOA East on the Portneuf River and Fish creek border you will be close to all Lava Hot Springs has to offer. Come and enjoy the warmth of Lava Campground and feel at home while you are here.
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$12
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Mountain View Glamping Yurt

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Bancroft, ID
Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains of southeast Idaho at an elevation of 6500 ft, our yurt has magnificent views of Mt. Bonneville and the surrounding Pebble Creek Basin. Along with a handful of neighbors, within a private property recreational area, we are surrounded by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, with vehicle access from mid-May through mid-November each year. Pebble Yurt has a 30 ft diameter with a partial loft for a total of 900 ft2 of indoor living space. You will be completely off grid, but with running hot and cold water, solar electricity, and heating and cooling features. We also feature an indoor shower, sink, and composting toilet. Bring your ATV's, mountain bikes, or hiking boots to explore the Pebble Basin. Or take a short drive to Lava Hot Springs for world-class hot pools, water slides, or white water rafting. Fishing in the Portneuf River or Chesterfield Reservoir, exploring the Chesterfield historic town site, or trying out a zipline or go-cart are other local activities. Pebble Yurt was built circa 2010 by a retiring forest service employee to the highest standards. We've used that canvas to create a unique glamping experience for our guests, with the best creature comforts available in a wilderness setting.
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$135
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Starlit Meadow - A Tranquil Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Shelley, ID
Escape to the tranquil beauty of "Starlit Meadow," a unique camping experience where the natural world converges with the cosmic wonders of the night sky. Nestled away from the urban hustle and bustle, this serene property offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to camp beneath a breathtaking canopy of stars. Property Description: Location: Starlit Meadow is situated in Shelley, ID, providing a serene respite from city life while remaining easily accessible. Stargazer's Paradise: Our secluded meadow is renowned for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. With minimal light pollution, you can witness the Milky Way and countless constellations in all their glory. Meadow Camping: Pitch your tent or set up camp in our spacious meadow, where the gentle rustling of a single majestic tree provides shade and solace. This peaceful meadow is perfect for solo adventurers or small groups. Horse Neighbors: Adjacent to the property are a few majestic horses. While they add to the pastoral charm, please note that they are not to be disturbed. Former Hayfield: Starlit Meadow has a history as a productive hayfield, and you can still find traces of its agricultural heritage. It's a testament to the land's rustic charm. Nature Immersion: Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. Encounter local wildlife, from songbirds to deer, in their natural habitat. Activities: Whether you're a stargazer, photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil getaway, Starlit Meadow offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of our proximity to YELLOWSTONE, perfect for day trips and additional adventures. Eco-Friendly: We are committed to preserving the environment. Please respect Leave No Trace principles and help us keep this pristine land beautiful. Book your stay at Starlit Meadow and experience the magic of camping under a canopy of stars on this former hayfield. It's a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, stargazers, and those looking to reconnect with the simple beauty of the natural world. Don't miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories in this celestial oasis.
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$13.50
 / night

The best camping near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

A Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge camping experience invites you to the heart of Idaho's wildlife wonderland. Found amongst the mountainous forestland of southeastern Idaho, the refuge is a significant part of the historic Grays Lake. Its unique high elevation and expansive 22,000 acre bulrush marsh provide an unparalleled backdrop for camping enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Serving as a sanctuary for the largest breeding population of sandhill cranes in North America, the Refuge allows campers to not only enjoy the outdoor experience, but also witness an exceptional wildlife spectacle. It’s an opportunity to be truly immersed in nature's symphony, making every camping trip a unique adventure. But the benefits of camping near Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge don't end there. The sprawling marshland is a playground for various activities. Indulge in birdwatching, capturing the vibrant avian life through your lens, or sketch the landscapes that unfold before your eyes. When the day turns to night, gather around a warming campfire beneath a blanket of stars, adding to the magic of your camping experience. Just a short drive from the refuge, Soda Springs presents a lively contrast, offering attractions like the geyser and historic sites. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife aficionado, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, a Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge camping adventure is a gateway to the magnificent wilderness that Idaho has to offer.

When to go

The best time to visit Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the migratory birds are present. Winter months can be harsh, with limited access due to snow and cold temperatures, making wildlife spotting more challenging.

Know before you go

  • Check for seasonal closures, as parts of the refuge are off-limits from April 1st to September 19th to protect nesting birds.
  • Bring binoculars for wildlife observation, as animals are best viewed from a distance.
  • Prepare for limited amenities; the nearest fuel and supplies are in Soda Springs, ID, and Thayne, WY.
  • Respect the habitat by staying on designated trails and roads during your visit.
  • Remember, the refuge is open from sunrise to sunset, with no overnight parking allowed.

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