What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Indian Creek Loop
Situated in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this trail works its way over countless creeks and up the steep side of a mountain. Some sections can be hard to follow if they're obstructed by thick foliage or fallen trees. If you visit in the spring, you may see some melting snowfalls that create lovely waterfalls.
Length: 19.7 miles
Intensity: Hard
Jordan Canyon
Take your time walking this gravel path while enjoying the towering aspen trees and fields of wildflowers. This spot is popular with mountain bikers and off-roading enthusiasts. Pets are welcome on this trail.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Alpine North Loop
Challenge yourself to a steep and rocky climb with stunning views of the Palisades Reservoir. This route isn't recommended for children as the ground is very unstable in places. Visit when the ground is dry to avoid any slippery rocks.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Palisades Reservoir is within walking distance of the campground, making it ideal for shore and boat anglers. You'll find wild and stocked cutthroat, lake, brown, and kokanee trout. Ice fishing for trout is another locally popular winter pastime. The trout bag limit is six, while some species, like sturgeons and bull trout, are catch-and-release only. Several developed areas around the reservoir include picnicking areas, boat launches, and campsites.
Climbing
Thousands of people visit Grand Teton yearly to climb the iconic peaks there. Approximately 65 miles north of Blowout Campground, the Grand Teton Range has a thrilling variety of mixed gullies and easy cruisers. The traditional Owen Spalding touts three pitches and a rating of 5.4. If the conditions are dry, you'll have no problem tackling it with a standard alpine rack. It's easy to go off-route after heavy snow or a hail storm. You should also check out the 5.12a Bean's Shining Wall of Storms and the 5.7 Lower Exum Ridge.
Wildlife Viewing
As you spend time around the Palisades Reservoir or other nearby water sources, watch for river otters, osprey, muskrats, pelicans, bald eagles, great blue herons, and beavers. The lush forests are full of moose, red squirrels, ground squirrels, long-tailed weasels, marmots, and mule deer. The larger, predatory mammals like black bears, mountain lions, and wolves are usually more elusive.
Picnicking
The Riverside Park Recreation Area at the Palisades Dam is less than 15 minutes away and has a large picnic area, vault toilets, garbage services, and electricity. It costs $5 daily to use the day-use area. Calamity Campground on the southern shore also has several picnic tables, handicap-accessible bathrooms, and a large boat launch.
ATVing
Take your ATV or off-roading vehicle on an exciting journey along the challenging 9.3-mile South Fork Indian Creek Trail. This out-and-back path requires a few river crossings but guarantees fantastic forest views. You should also check out the 17-mile Phillips Ridge Trail in the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger National Forest. Feel free to stop when it ends on Fish Creek Road or push through to Phillips Canyon.