The 10 Best Glamping Spots in Island Park, Idaho

I remember the exact moment I knew I’d never stay inside Yellowstone again. It was a drizzly August evening, and I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic leaving the West Entrance, my wallet $35 lighter and my patience gone. Then I saw a sign for Island Park and pulled off. Twenty minutes later I was in a canvas tent with a wood stove, the only sound being the Henry’s Fork River. That night, I promised myself I’d browse all glamping stays here before ever booking a room in West Yellowstone again. Island Park is the quieter, cheaper backdoor to the park—and these ten spots prove it.

Island Park KOA Holiday

Want a sure thing? This is it. Deluxe cabins with full bathrooms. RV sites with full hookups. Tent sites with a camp store. I stayed in a “Camping Cabin”—wooden shell with beds and a porch—and loved the heated pool after a long hike. The staff handed me a map of local hikes and told me where to see moose at dawn. It’s not wilderness solitude (you’ll hear kids on the jumping pillow), but it’s the most family-friendly basecamp in the area.

Red Rock RV Park (Near Yellowstone NP)

Red Rock is a classic RV park with a few cabins and a prime location just 15 minutes from the West Entrance. I pulled my camper van into a pull-through site and was immediately impressed by the clean bathrooms and laundry. The owner, a retired park ranger, gave me a tip: hit the entrance gate before 7 a.m. to avoid lines. The sites are gravel but spacious, and there’s a small store for essentials. Not glitzy. But honest and convenient.

Henry’s Fork RV Park

This one’s for the anglers. Henry’s Fork RV Park sits right on the famous Henry’s Fork River, with RV sites and a few cabins. I fished from the bank at sunset and caught a rainbow trout within ten minutes. The park itself is simple: full hookups, picnic tables, and a fire pit per site. The vibe is low-key, and the owners are local fishing guides who can tell you exactly which fly to use. If you want to cast a line without driving anywhere, stay here.

Safari Glamping

Safari Glamping is what most people picture when they hear “glamping”. Giant canvas tents on wooden platforms, each with a real queen bed, linens, a wood stove, and a private bathroom with a hot shower—no, really, a proper shower. I stayed in the “Bison Tent” and spent the evening reading by the fire pit. The property is tucked in the trees, and you can hear the creek from your tent. It’s not cheap, but it’s the closest you’ll get to luxury in the woods. Book early—they sell out.

Henrys Lake State Park

State parks are the unsung heroes of glamping. Henrys Lake State Park has rustic cabins and RV sites right on the lake, with views of the Centennial Mountains. I rented a cabin that had bunk beds, a table, and a wood stove—basic but cozy. The park has a boat ramp, fishing pier, and hiking trails. The best part: it’s quiet. No generators after 10 p.m., and the stars are incredible. Bring your own sleeping bag and cooking gear.

Mill Creek Campground

Mill Creek is a Forest Service campground with tent and small RV sites (max 25 feet). I pitched my tent under a canopy of lodgepole pines and fell asleep to the sound of Mill Creek. The sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early in peak season. No hookups or cell service—just vault toilets and fire rings. Perfect for a stripped-down glamping experience where you carry in everything. I saw a bear scat on the trail, so hang your food.

Buttermilk Campground

Buttermilk is another Forest Service gem, located along the Henry’s Fork. Smaller than Mill Creek and quieter. I snagged a site right on the river and spent the afternoon skipping rocks and watching mergansers. The campground has vault toilets and drinking water (seasonal). Great spot for a quick overnight if you’re heading into Yellowstone. No reservations—pull in and find a spot.

McCrea Bridge Campground

McCrea Bridge is my secret favorite. Small campground (about 10 sites) on the Buffalo River, with a footbridge that connects to hiking trails. I had a site next to the water and fell asleep to the river’s rush. Primitive—vault toilets, no water—but the solitude is unbeatable. I saw a beaver building a dam at dusk. Not for RVs (tight turns, no hookups), but tent campers will love it.

Final Tips

• Book your spot early: Island Park is no longer a secret. Reservations for cabins and RV parks fill up by March.
• Bring layers: Even July nights can dip under 40F. I regretted not bringing a warmer sleeping bag.
• Drive gravel roads: Many campgrounds require a few miles on dirt. A high-clearance vehicle helps, but I made it in a Subaru.
• Don’t skip the local fly shops: The folks at Henry’s Fork Anglers can set you up with gear and advice.

Island Park gives you Yellowstone access without the hassle. Want a canvas tent with a real bed? It’s here. A campsite by the river? Also here. Browse all glamping stays here and start planning your quiet escape.

For more glamping ideas across the state, check out glamping in Idaho.