Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground

For travelers exploring the rich pioneer history and stunning high-mountain scenery of Southeast Idaho, the Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground provides a truly unique and appealing place to stay. Situated near the famous, well-preserved Chesterfield Townsite—a National Historic District—this RV park offers more than just a place to park your rig; it offers an immediate connection to the past. Guests consistently praise the campground for its serene, quiet atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and historical adventure.

The RV Park is managed by the Historic Chesterfield Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the historic Mormon settlement, which flourished from 1881 until its desertion in the 1930s. This association ensures that the campground maintains a tranquil, respectful, and authentic environment, appealing to visitors interested in Idaho's pioneer trails and local heritage. While the campground is simple and focuses on core necessities for a comfortable stay, its key feature is its immediate proximity to one of Idaho's best-preserved "ghost towns."

Visitors appreciate the convenience of having RV camping facilities available right where the historical action is. This setup allows for easy, multi-day exploration of the Townsite's 27 original structures, which include the historic church, school, and stores. Importantly for many travelers, the campground is confirmed to be pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join the adventure, provided they adhere to site rules. Payment is simplified through a camping fee, and the park’s commitment to providing onsite services ensures a hassle-free visit. It's a fantastic, quiet base for anyone traversing the Pioneer Historic Byway or simply looking for a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path Idaho retreat.

The Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground is located in a beautiful, slightly remote section of Caribou County, Idaho, placing it directly in the Gem Valley and near the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

• Address: Bancroft, ID 83217, USA. Note that the park is located approximately 11 miles north of the town of Bancroft, directly adjacent to the Historic Chesterfield Townsite. The physical townsite address is often listed as 1258 Chesterfield Rd, Bancroft, ID 83217.
• Geographic Setting: Nestled at a high elevation (around 5,446 feet) in the Rocky Mountains of Southeast Idaho, the park is surrounded by rolling hills and provides magnificent vistas of the valley.
• Pioneer History: The location lies along a historic route of the Oregon Trail and is a key stop on the Pioneer Historic Byway, offering rich scenic and historical context.
• Accessibility: The facility includes a wheelchair accessible parking lot, making the start of your visit easier. Access to the area is typically via well-maintained roads from Bancroft.
• Nearby Attractions: The RV park is conveniently located about 25–30 minutes from the world-famous hot springs in Lava Hot Springs and is also a short drive from the Soda Springs Geyser and the Portneuf River for fishing.

Its remote yet accessible location is a major benefit, ensuring the "nice quiet campground" atmosphere that guests love, truly separating it from the noise of major highways.

The Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground provides a focused set of services that cater to the core needs of RV travelers while maintaining a rustic, non-commercial feel appropriate for a historic setting.

• RV Camping: Dedicated sites are available for RVs and campers. While information on full hookups (water, sewer, electric) may vary and should be confirmed directly, basic RV camping amenities are a central offering.
• Onsite Services: The park provides onsite services, which may include amenities like centrally located water access, power hookups (often 30-amp or 50-amp), and designated toilet/restroom facilities.
• Camping Fee Structure: A clear camping fee is charged for stays, which helps support the preservation efforts of the Historic Chesterfield Foundation. It is advisable to inquire about the exact fee structure at the time of booking.
• Dogs Allowed: The campground is welcoming to pets, with a formal Dogs allowed policy, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the "beautiful area." Guests are expected to adhere to standard pet regulations, such as leashes and waste cleanup.
• Tent Camping: In addition to RV sites, the surrounding townsite area may offer options for tent camping or group sites, which adds flexibility for different types of visitors.
• Historic Townsite Access: The camping fee may include or offer discounted access to the historic townsite's buildings, museum, and summer tours, adding significant value to the overnight stay.

The true draw of the Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground is its unique combination of historical immersion and natural tranquility, offering a stay unlike typical commercial parks.

• Immediate Proximity to a Ghost Town: The park's main feature is its location right next to the Historic Chesterfield Townsite. Campers can literally walk from their RV site into a preserved pioneer settlement, with buildings dating back to the 1880s—an incredibly unique highlight.
• "Nice Quiet Campground": The setting at an elevation of 5,446 feet and its distance from major commercial centers ensure a peaceful and serene environment, perfect for unwinding and escaping city noise.
• Stunning Scenery and Views: Situated in the beautiful Gem Valley with views of the Bear River Mountains, the area is picturesque, earning the park the description of a "beautiful area" from past visitors.
• Pioneer Historic Byway Stop: The campground is an ideal staging area for travelers following the Pioneer Historic Byway, providing direct access to the history of the early Mormon settlement and the Oregon Trail.
• Support for Preservation: By paying the camping fee, guests directly contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the National Historic District, offering a way to be part of Idaho's historical preservation effort.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: For many Idaho residents who travel with their dogs, the clear Dogs allowed policy is a significant convenience, allowing pets to explore the area's many trails and open spaces.

To ensure you have the most current information regarding seasonal operating dates, hookup availability, and to secure a reservation at this special location, please use the following contact details.

Address: Bancroft, ID 83217, USA (Near Historic Chesterfield Townsite)
Phone (General Inquiries/Reservations): (208) 317-6725
Mobile Phone: +1 208-317-6725
Alternative Contact for Townsite: Inquiries may also be directed to the Historic Chesterfield Townsite Foundation office.

The Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground is absolutely worth choosing for any Idaho local or visitor who values history, peace, and natural beauty over resort-style amenities.

Its unique selling proposition is the seamless blend of a quiet, restful camping experience with a direct gateway to one of the state's best historical treasures. You can spend the day on a self-guided tour of the brick, log, and slab buildings of an authentic pioneer town, and then retreat to your RV for a quiet evening under the stars, all without driving anywhere. This makes it an ideal spot for history buffs, families seeking an educational adventure, and nature lovers alike.

Furthermore, the park’s commitment to providing onsite services for RVs, combined with its pet-friendly nature, ensures essential comfort and convenience. By choosing to camp here, you are not just reserving a spot; you are actively supporting the ongoing preservation of a National Historic District, a truly valuable contribution to Idaho's heritage. For a tranquil stay in a "beautiful area" that connects you directly to the pioneer spirit of the West, Chesterfield is an unparalleled choice.

Historic Chesterfield RV Park & Campground

Bancroft, ID 83217, USA