The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Blackfoot Reservoir Campground is one of five Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds on Blackfoot Reservoir in southeastern Idaho. Since the BLM oversees the campground, there is only a small fee to either stay overnight or to go on the accompanying day-use area. At this campground, you can find boat ramps for the reservoir, vault restrooms, and a dump station plus campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, some electrical hookups, and drinking water outlets. Blackfoot Reservoir is a popular attraction and is the second-largest reservoir in the state of Idaho. This body of water covers 18,000 acres at its fullest point, and the water from the reservoir is mainly used to irrigate the lands on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation nearby. Not too far from this Idaho campground is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
The Idaho Centennial Trail is a somewhat steep hiking trail that is found near the town of Lava Hot Springs. Length: 2.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
To climb to the top of Bird Canyon, consider taking this trail, which is open for hiking, biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding. Length: 1.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
This short, popular hiking and biking trail features benches and a restroom and is located nearby in the town of Pocatello, Idaho. Length: 0.7 mile Intensity: Easy
Visitors to Blackfoot Reservoir Campground can use the campground's boat ramp with a day-use pass, which requires a fee of only $5 per vehicle per day. Overnight campers can also use the boat ramp as desired, and all visitors can fish in the reservoir for species like rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and carp. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted in the water, and swimming is permitted too.
There are plenty of native animals that you may see while you enjoy your stay at Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. On the islands in the reservoir, you may see many pelicans, cormorants, and gulls. On dry land, you may spot elk, moose, mule deer, and bobcats, along with smaller animals like the golden-mantled ground squirrel and the common chipmunk.
If you're in the Blackfoot area in the winter, consider stopping by the South Toponce Warming Shelter Snowpark for a chance to have a picnic in between snowmobile or snowshoe hiking trips. In the summer, you can have an outdoor picnic at Stuart Park, which features a picnic pavilion alongside baseball, soccer, and football fields. You can also check out the Big Fir Picnic Area where you may camp or stay during the day to have a picnic and check out the nearby trails.
If you're looking for BLM camping near me, consider taking your RV to Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. There, you will have access to 12 semi-developed campsites that are large enough for RVs and have electrical hookups. However, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. That being said, you may need a backup RV camping option if you plan to visit Blackfoot Reservoir. Consider looking at Cedar Bay Marina RV Park, which has full hookups, showers, and restroom facilities, Wi-Fi, and boating docks. This campground is also conveniently located on the Blackfoot Reservoir.
If you're looking for a Bureau of Land Management free camping option, consider Cutthroat Trout Campground, located just a few miles away from Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. This campground takes no fees for stays, plus it has a vault toilet, fire rings, and picnic tables. However, this campground offers no hookups for campers, so you should plan to pack equipment for dry camping without electricity.
If you plan on visiting Blackfoot Reservoir Campground for either a day or overnight trip, be sure to pack essential camping items like insect repellent, hats, and comfortable shoes. Since there is electricity and drinking water available at this campground, you only need to pack extra water or a generator if you feel you need to. Additional items that may be necessary to pack depending on the weather include ponchos, rain or snow boots, and coats. When you stay at any of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, you will find yourself closer than ever to native wildlife and points of interest such as the public boating docks found at Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to Blackfoot Reservoir Campground must follow the Bureau of Land Management's Leave No Trace principles, which is a set of rules made to protect the natural environment of public lands like this campground. Some common principles include packing out what you pack in, keeping your distance from wildlife, and keeping an eye on campfires. By following these simple rules, you can help keep this campground open for future visitors to enjoy long after you leave.
To reach the Blackfoot Reservoir Campground from Soda Springs, take Idaho 34 East/East Hooper Avenue for 11.5 miles. After that, turn left onto China Cap Road, and then continue for 1.5 miles. From there, turn right onto Dike Road, travel for 2.3 miles, and then turn left. Turn right immediately again, and you will find the campground on the righthand side of the road. Latitude / Longitude: 42.5031, -111.3611 Ready to visit Blackfoot Reservoir Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
