Big Sands Campground & RV

For Idaho residents seeking a serene, rustic, and strategically located basecamp for exploring the unique recreational opportunities of Eastern Idaho, the Big Sands Campground & RV in St. Anthony, Idaho, offers a compelling option. While the St. Anthony area is widely known for the exhilarating St. Anthony Sand Dunes—a massive 10,600-acre playground for off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts—Big Sands Campground provides a necessary contrast: a quiet, natural oasis set alongside a stream, away from the dust and noise of the main dune activity. It positions itself as a peaceful alternative to the larger, dune-focused RV resorts in the immediate vicinity.

St. Anthony, Idaho, sits centrally between the city amenities of Rexburg and the spectacular mountain resorts of Island Park and West Yellowstone. For Idahoans who want to balance a bit of sand-dune excitement with other regional activities—such as fly-fishing on the Henry's Fork, exploring the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, or even taking day trips into the Jackson Hole and Yellowstone areas—Big Sands Campground provides the quiet, accessible lodging required. The park is characterized by its natural features, with one customer highlighting the pleasure of having a "nice shady site next to a stream," which provides a calming, natural environment essential for relaxation after a long day of adventure.

The management style appears to be highly personal, which is common in small Idaho businesses. While this leads to comments about pleasant, courteous, and helpful owners, it also means the overall experience can be highly dependent on individual interactions. Prospective guests should appreciate that this is a straightforward campground and RV park experience, focusing on essential comfort and an excellent natural setting, rather than resort-style amenities. It's an authentic Idaho camping experience for those who value shade, water features, and helpful local advice.

Its location is highly strategic for multiple types of Idaho recreation:

• **Dunes Proximity:** The campground is situated near the renowned **St. Anthony Sand Dunes Recreation Area**, offering relatively easy access for those planning ORV trips, while maintaining enough distance to provide a quieter retreat.
• **Central Connectivity:** St. Anthony is a key hub in Eastern Idaho, located north of Rexburg and Idaho Falls via U.S. Route 20, making travel to and from larger towns convenient for supplies and services.
• **Natural Setting:** The location next to a **stream** and the presence of **shady sites** are primary accessibility features that enhance the camping experience, offering a cooler, more relaxing environment than the open, dusty areas closer to the main dunes.
• **Easy Approach:** The park utilizes **On-site parking** for both RVs and accompanying vehicles, and is generally easily accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel county roads off the main highways.

• **RV and Tent Camping:** The facility accommodates both **RV camping** (suggesting various site types, which likely include a mix of full and partial hookups, common in this area) and dedicated tent camping areas.
• **Essential Site Amenities:** Each site typically includes access to a designated camping spot, and the presence of a nearby stream and shade trees contributes to the natural amenities.
• **On-Site Parking:** Available **On-site parking** accommodates the RV and accompanying vehicles.
• **Staff Assistance:** The owners and management are noted for being **helpful, courteous, and pleasant**, often assisting guests with minor issues and providing valuable **local knowledge** regarding hikes and day trips.
• **Waste Management:** While not explicitly listed, all RV parks of this nature typically provide **trash disposal facilities** for guest use.
• **Seasonal Operation:** Like many facilities in this high-elevation region of Idaho, the campground is likely **open seasonally**, typically from mid-spring through early fall, aligning with peak recreational months.

• **Stream-Side Sites:** The key distinguishing feature is the availability of sites located **next to a stream**, offering soothing water sounds, a picturesque view, and an attractive amenity for anglers or those simply seeking a peaceful environment.
• **Shady Environment:** The park offers **nice shady sites**, a highly valued feature in the summer months of Eastern Idaho, providing relief from the heat.
• **Personalized Customer Service:** The **owner's pleasant, courteous, and helpful nature** is a significant highlight, with management actively engaging in providing local tips on **hikes and day trips**, enhancing the overall travel experience for Idaho guests.
• **Quiet Contrast:** The campground serves as a **quiet retreat** compared to the high-energy, dusty environment of the immediate dune areas, appealing to families and travelers seeking tranquility.
• **Proximity to Diversified Recreation:** Guests are minutes away from the excitement of the **St. Anthony Sand Dunes** and conveniently located for exploring the fishing meccas of the **Henry's Fork** and the scenic beauty of the **Mesa Falls Scenic Byway**.
• **Small, Intimate Setting:** Unlike larger commercial parks, Big Sands likely offers a **smaller, more intimate camping atmosphere**, fostering a sense of community among guests.

Address: 1635 E 500 Rd N, St Anthony, ID 83445, USA
Phone: (208) 557-1708
Mobile Phone: +1 208-557-1708

While one review points to a potential issue with "people skills," the consensus is that the campground offers a beautiful environment and a friendly, helpful owner who is committed to ensuring a good stay. For those who own ORVs and want to hit the dunes but need a peaceful spot to return to, or for those simply passing through St. Anthony to fish or hike, Big Sands Campground & RV is a solid, authentically Idaho choice. It provides essential comfort in a naturally appealing, conveniently located setting.

Big Sands Campground & RV

1635 E 500 Rd N, St Anthony, ID 83445, USA