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Caribou-Targhee/Willow Flat
Overview
Willow Flat Campground is nestled deep within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, offering a classic mountain retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. Located about 20 miles northeast of Preston, Idaho, it provides a scenic escape from the summer heat of the valley. The park sits at a refreshing elevation of approximately 6,000 feet, providing cool summer temperatures and a lush, green environment. This is a traditional forest service site that prioritizes a deep connection with nature over modern resort luxuries, making it a favorite for outdoor purists.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is beautifully situated in the Cub River Canyon, where towering maple, pine, and fir trees provide a dense canopy of shade. The Cub River flows directly through the area, offering a soothing soundtrack for campers throughout the night. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by the rugged beauty and steep slopes of the Bear River Range. The road into the canyon is paved and accessible, though it can be narrow in sections, leading travelers directly into the heart of the pristine Idaho backcountry.
Amenities & Park Features
As a rustic forest service facility, the site offers essential amenities rather than commercial-style perks. Each campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring with a grill for evening cookouts. While there are no electricity, water, or sewer hookups, the sites are generally spacious enough to accommodate medium-sized RVs and trailers. The park layout features multiple loops that provide a sense of privacy and seclusion between neighbors. Key features include:
- Access to potable water via hand pumps throughout the loops
- Standard vault toilets maintained for cleanliness
- Individual sites with fire rings and picnic tables
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this canyon. Anglers can spend their days fishing for trout in the Cub River, while hikers and mountain bikers can explore the diverse trail systems nearby. For those interested in local culture, the town of Preston is famous as a filming location for regional cinema. Activities near the campground include:
- Exploring the High Creek Trail for scenic mountain views
- Trout fishing along the pristine Cub River
- A short drive to the crystal-clear Bloomington Lake
- Accessing regional OHV trails for motorized adventure
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is absolutely ideal for RVers who prefer boondocking-style camping in a managed forest environment. If you value privacy, fresh mountain air, and immediate access to wilderness trails, this is an excellent choice. It is best suited for self-contained campers who are happy to trade Wi-Fi and hookups for stargazing and campfire cooking. It is a perfect destination for adventurous families looking to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Idaho mountains.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Donald Mattinson
Great camping the spot we had a creek and was in the shade and was quiet during the night day traffic was noise
Brandy Robbins
absolutely beautiful area that I would love to stay in one day, super peaceful place
Reba Harral
Willow Flats Camp Ground is one of my favorite places every year. I have been coming to Willow Flats for 20 years and it's still amazing. There are lots of places to camp with Friends and Family. Almost every camp site is next to a fresh water spring, to get to the head of the spring its about 0.9-1.3 miles depending on where you are set up. Their sights are beautiful and the greenery is gorgeous. 10/10 I come ever year
Kylie Jackson
First time visiting Willow Flats for us. We stayed on the walk in loop. The river running through is breathtaking. We loved the site we were in. The camphosts make rounds about every hour but it didn't bother us. I felt like they were easy to approach and ask questions. We had our dog and it was pet friendly. The hikes were beautiful. We did have some noisy neighbors that were very loud until 1 am the second night we were there but the camp host took care of that. There are water spigot about every 2 campsites which was very handy. We will be coming back again.
G. B.
We really enjoy camping here. Love getting away from city noise and listening to the sound of the river that flows through the camp. There is a .8 mile hike to were the water comes from the mountain.