Place · 0.6 mi away
Overview
A compact, high-country base right on the Beartooth Highway, Island Lake Campground trades frills for scenery and simplicity. It’s quiet, woodsy, and set beside a gorgeous alpine lake—perfect if you want paddling or fishing steps from camp and don’t mind going without hookups or cell service.
Campsites & Facilities
There are 21 first-come, first-served sites with a 16‑day limit. Sites vary in size and grade and many favor tents, vans, and small trailers; the maximum spur length is 32 feet. Expect a heavily treed loop (no true lake-view sites), picnic tables and fire rings at sites, vault toilets, a shared hand pump for water in season, and a metal bear box at each site. There’s no dump station, no hookups, and no garbage collection—pack out everything you bring.
On the Lake & Nearby Activities
Island Lake is the star: launch kayaks, canoes, or small motorboats from the lakeside ramp and explore the islands and mountain reflections. Anglers find trout action from shore or boat. From camp you’ve got immediate access to hiking and day trips along the Beartooth corridor and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
Season, Access & Today’s Status
Access is highly seasonal. This stretch of US‑212 typically closes from about October to May, which shortens the campground’s operating window to roughly late June through early/mid‑September. As of September 24, 2025, the campground is listed as closed for the 2025 season; when it’s posted “Closed,” no services are provided and no fees are collected, but walk‑in camping is permitted.
Wildlife & Safety
You’re in grizzly country. Use the provided bear boxes for all attractants and carry bear spray when you wander from camp. Keep a clean site—there’s no trash service.
Supplies & Backup Plans
It’s remote. Stock up in Cody or Cooke City. The closest limited stop for fuel/snacks is Top of the World, less than a couple miles west. If sites are full, good nearby first‑come backups include Soda Butte, Colter (hard‑sided only), Crazy Creek, and Beartooth Lake.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings on weekdays are your best bet for snagging a site, especially in July. Weather is fickle at this elevation—fog, cold snaps, and even summer snow are possible—so check conditions before committing to the drive.
Pros
- Lakeside access with a small boat ramp across from the loop
- 21 newly remodeled, first-come sites
Cons
- No garbage collection or hookups
- Tight for longer rigs; max spur length is 32 feet
Tips
- Arrive early morning for best site selection; July fills fastest.
- Bring strong bug spray—mosquitoes can be intense around the lake.
- Have backups in mind: Soda Butte, Colter, Crazy Creek, or Beartooth Lake.
- Pack out all trash and use the bear boxes; carry bear spray on walks.
- Expect little to no cell service; bring printed maps or offline navigation.
