Calamity Campground: Your Idaho Mountain Lake Escape

Calamity Campground Introduce

Despite its name, Calamity Campground is a serene and beautiful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great Idaho outdoors. Situated on the north end of the stunning Palisades Reservoir near Irwin, this campground offers a fantastic basecamp for a wide variety of recreational activities. Its location provides a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it a popular spot for both local Idahoans and visitors. Whether you're planning a weekend of fishing, a family vacation by the water, or a quiet retreat into the mountains, Calamity Campground has something to offer.

The campground's appeal lies in its straightforward and functional approach to camping. It provides the essential amenities you need to be comfortable while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural environment. The proximity to the Palisades Reservoir is a major draw, providing opportunities for boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. The scenic beauty of the area, with its hillside views and a mix of trees, creates a peaceful atmosphere. While one review mentioned potential weekend noise and other campers, the general consensus, as seen in a variety of online sources, is that it is a beautiful and pleasant place to stay, with many visitors having a positive experience.

The provided reviews give a good sense of the pros and cons, but the key takeaway is that the campground is often noted for its cleanliness. One review mentioned that the lake area was "clean and nice" and the "Bathroom was also clean," while another noted the "big poop" near their campsite. This highlights the importance of personal responsibility in keeping the site clean and underscores that the staff's dedication can only go so far with public spaces. The mention of RVs and trailers being "inaccessible" in one review seems to contradict other information, which suggests the campground has sites for both tents and RVs. It's important to verify specific road conditions and site access before you go, as these can change. Overall, Calamity Campground offers a true Idaho outdoor experience, balancing the wildness of nature with the basic comforts of a well-run campground.

The campground's appeal is particularly strong for families. With a focus on being "good for kids" and providing "kid-friendly hikes," it’s an excellent spot for introducing the younger generation to the joys of camping. The dog-friendly policy also means that your four-legged family members can come along and enjoy the adventure with you. This welcoming atmosphere for all members of the family makes Calamity a top choice for a memorable weekend getaway.

Calamity Campground is located at Bear Creek Rd, Irwin, ID 83428, USA. This places it in a prime location within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, with direct access to the scenic Palisades Reservoir. The campground is situated on a hillside above the reservoir, and while some sites offer scenic views, all of them provide easy access to the water's edge and the surrounding forest. The location is about 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, making it a convenient drive for many Idaho residents.

For those with RVs, the campground offers both water and sewer hookups, which is a major convenience for a camping trip. On-site parking is available at each campsite, simplifying the process of unloading your gear and setting up your camp. The accessibility of the campground and its proximity to the lake and various trails make it a highly functional and desirable location for a wide range of outdoor activities. While some reviews suggest that certain roads might be challenging, the overall consensus is that the campground is easily accessible for both tent and RV campers.

Calamity Campground offers a variety of essential services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

RV sewer hookup: A significant convenience for RV campers, making long stays more comfortable.
RV water hookup: Provides a reliable source of water for RVs, a key offering for extended trips.
Public restroom: The campground provides well-maintained public restrooms, which are noted for their cleanliness.
Restroom: Separate restroom facilities are available for camper use.
Running water: A vital amenity for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
Tent sites: The campground offers dedicated sites for tent camping, providing a traditional and rustic outdoor experience.
Picnic tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.
On-site parking: Parking is available at each campsite, making it easy to unload and set up.
Dogs allowed: Your furry friends are welcome, so you can bring them along on your adventure.
Camping fee: A fee is required for camping, which helps fund the excellent maintenance and upkeep of the grounds and facilities.

Calamity Campground stands out due to several key features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience.

Proximity to Palisades Reservoir: Its location on the shores of the reservoir is a major highlight, offering fantastic opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
RV amenities: The availability of both water and sewer hookups for RVs is a significant feature that sets it apart from more primitive campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently note the cleanliness of the restrooms and the overall campground area.
Family-friendly: The campground is noted as "good for kids" with "kid-friendly hikes" nearby, making it an excellent destination for families.
Hiking opportunities: The area provides access to a variety of hiking trails, making it a great basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts.
Dog-friendly: The policy of allowing dogs ensures that the entire family can enjoy the trip together.
Tent and RV options: The campground caters to both tent and RV campers, offering a versatile experience for a wide range of visitors.

For more information or to plan your visit to this beautiful spot, you can use the following details.

Address: Bear Creek Rd, Irwin, ID 83428, USA

Phone: (208) 523-1412

Mobile Phone: +1 208-523-1412

It is always a good idea to call ahead to check on current conditions, especially regarding road accessibility and site availability, as the campground is popular and can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.

Choosing Calamity Campground is a decision that promises a wonderful combination of stunning natural scenery and essential camping comforts. The fact that it is situated right on the shores of the Palisades Reservoir makes it an ideal spot for anyone who loves water activities, from fishing and boating to simply enjoying a clean beach. The positive reviews that highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the overall beauty of the area are a strong testament to the quality of the experience.

Furthermore, the provision of RV water and sewer hookups is a significant advantage for those who travel in recreational vehicles, making a longer and more comfortable stay possible. The dog-friendly policy and the focus on being "good for kids" make it a welcoming destination for the entire family. While a few reviews mention potential issues with other campers, this is a common challenge at any popular campground, and the vast majority of visitors report a pleasant and peaceful experience. Ultimately, what is worth choosing about Calamity Campground is its commitment to providing a clean, well-equipped, and beautifully located space for creating lasting outdoor memories, making it a perfect choice for your next Idaho adventure.

Calamity Campground Details

Offerings
RV sewer hookup
RV water hookup

Activities
Hiking

Amenities
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites

Payments
Camping fee

Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Calamity Campground Photos

Calamity Campground Location

Calamity Campground

Idaho Bonneville County Irwin Bear Creek Road

Bear Creek Rd, Irwin, ID 83428, USA

Calamity Campground Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 152 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Lake was clean and nice, but a few people and the area was very clean. Bathroom was also clean and water right next to it just that the trash bins aren’t available and you will need to carry your trash out once you’re done.We did see some big poop right next to our campsite though.
May 24 · Jenny
Campground is nice for tents, thankfully inaccessible for trailers/RVs, but avoid the weekends if you can. Drunk blowhards with off leash "friendly" dogs are common in any campground, but usually the host tells them to shut it down by 10, not here.
June 22 · E SH
We were in the A loop, and there is ample parking for RVs but not a lot of room for tents. In the upper area there is a picnic table and fire pit, but the space left is barely enough for a tent and too close to the pit to have a fire. Also we had two tents so we pitched it in the parking area. Has pretty clean pit toilets, water spigot outside each bathroom, the water comes out brown but it's potable. It tastes pretty good it's just a little silty. The area is beautiful. The lake is serene and there are dirt bike and ATV trails all over. I suggest going all the way to bear Creek. If you are self sufficient with water and such you may consider using some of the ample boondocking areas for free. They have an RV dump at the entrance near the dam for $5.
May 28 · Jennie Twitchell
Great campsite! Love taking our kayaks here in the summer!These are notes I took years ago about the campsites. They're not complete, but might still be useful to someone out there. For reference, most of these notes were written when we didn't have a camper and had only gone tent camping at the time so our point of view with these was from someone with a 10x16 size tent with the intent to get a camper. I edited one review after getting a camper and you'll see it. These notes were also taken late in the season while the latrines were full to the brim and ready for a cleaning.C1 - tiny, barely any space from fire pit to tent, afternoon full sun. Water right outside site and garbage super close. Tent barely fits, last resort for reservations!C2 and C3 tent sites are ten feet away, our tent won't fitC4 very open, our tent won't fit easilyC5 more private, close to smelly latrine.C6 close and tent spot far from fire pit. Close to latrine.C7-9 too small for our tent, fire pit close to tent, open to walkers.C10 Private, room for our tent. Lots of shade.C11 has two tables, private area at top of loop. Tons of shade. Two tables. Dutch oven cooking hook.B13 great for an RV, only room for one small tent. Fire pit is terraced down and fairly private from the road. Two parking spots.B8 close to bathroom, campfire site down below, actually very private. Camper door opens to trees not the road.B-12 RV only, no tent sites.B7 room for one tent, but very close to the fire pit. fairly private.B5 room for two tents, several cars, camper or tents. Private fire pit area down stairs. Back tent area is open to B2B4 no tentsB2 room for 2-3 tents, two vehicles. Firepit is down stairs away from road.B3 super open, best for RV, tent area is slightly sloped.A1 super open, closest to water, room for a tent.A2-4 RV only, or tent in parking lotA5 super open, room for two medium tentsA6 no tentA7—13 all RV only or tent in parking lot (13 best water view and most private) 12 is closest to water to fishA8 sitting area downstairs, has bear box, pretty private. Water spigot in parking area. Has a firepit grill.A9 sitting area up stairs, no bear box, we managed two vehicles and 20ft camper easily. Somewhat private up top. Tent area is up hill towards front of parking. Has a firepit grill.A14 room for one tent and two cars, water and latrine directly across road, can smell hint of latrine. Private though. Boat sounds clearly echo up to site.A15 room for one tent, close to fire pit, stairs up from parking so slightly private, but back of it is right above next camp site. Tent site close to fire pit. No latrine smell.A16-17 seem RV only, occupied. Garbage and latrines very close.
June 09 · Aaron Clayson
Discovered this place looking for a spot to watch the solar eclipse of 2017 and have now come back for a second year. What brought us back, the beauty, the peaceful laid back atmosphere, and the most accommodating camp hosts I have had the pleasure of meeting. To be sure, Mike and Cheryl run a tight ship, but play nice and they will fast win your hearts. They helped the kids find Huckleberries and checked up on us to make sure we were enjoying our stay.We have a large class A RV, so 4 miles of graded road rattles a few things around, but otherwise no problem. It keeps the place a little out of way for most and that's just the way I like it. I hope they keep the road unpaved.
August 23 · Bryan W