Calamity
FSU.S. Forest Service — Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Location | Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest · 43.32778, -111.21500 · Map |
| Sites | 40 public sites counted from the federal listing — 40 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 40 sites Water hookups at 0 of 40 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 40 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 40 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 50 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 33 sites · 30 ft: 26 sites · 35 ft: 16 sites · 40 ft: 9 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 37 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 208-270-0150 OR 541-351-1182 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Calamity Campground is located along the Snake River drainage at the north end of beautiful Palisades Reservoir at an elevation of 5,700 feet, just 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing and canoeing. Recreation Palisades Reservoir offers excellent boating, water skiing, swimming and canoeing. Lake and shore fishing are very popular here as well, with wild and stocked cutthroat trout as the predominate species. Kokanee salmon, brown and Mackinaw trout can also be found. A boat ramp and large parking area are located on-site.
The Palisades Creek Trail begins nearby, leading hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to beautiful Upper Palisades Lake and expansive views of Swan Valley. Facilities The campground offers several campsites on three loops. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Some sites have a few stairs from the parking spur to the site pad.
Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Natural Features The campground is situated on a hillside above Palisades Reservoir, affording scenic views from many sites. A mixed forest of lodgepole pine, spruce, fir, aspen and maple trees partially shade the campground. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (541) 351-1182. Nearby Attractions Big Elk Creek Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at nearby Big Elk Campground and meanders up a beautiful canyon brimming with wildflowers, towering trees and views of the surrounding mountains.
Swan Valley and the Snake River offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails.
Directions, from the listing
From Idaho Falls, Idaho, travel on Hwy. 26 for approximately 50 miles. Turn right off of Hwy. 26, (just before ascending grade to top of dam) and go ¼ mile, turn right and cross the river following signs to the campground. Distance is approximately 5 miles.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · IdahoBLMBureau of Land ManagementBlowout Campground
8 mi straight-line · IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceFalls Campground
10 mi straight-line · IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceJensen Cabin
10 mi straight-line · Idaho Falls IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceAlpine North Loop
13 mi straight-line · Targhee Idaho
Trip Card — Calamity
Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 50 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 40 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232277 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.