Island Lake Campground

For those of us in Wyoming, the Beartooth Mountains represent some of the most spectacular, rugged, and awe-inspiring landscapes our state has to offer. Nestled within this majestic range, along the famed Beartooth Highway, is Island Lake Campground. Located at US-212, Cody, WY 82414, this campground is a true gem, offering a quintessential high-country camping experience that combines breathtaking scenery with convenient access to premier outdoor adventures. It's a place where the grandeur of Wyoming truly unfolds before your eyes, inviting you to slow down and immerse yourself in nature.

Island Lake Campground is a beloved spot for both seasoned adventurers and families seeking a memorable escape. Reviews consistently highlight its "gorgeous scenery" and its status as an "excellent campground," emphasizing its quiet, beautiful, and well-kept nature. What makes it particularly appealing to many, including locals, is its first-come, first-served policy, which, while requiring a bit of flexibility, often rewards early birds with some of the most stunning campsites imaginable. The ability to find a beautiful site even on a late Friday afternoon, as one reviewer noted, speaks to its capacity to accommodate visitors.

Managed by the Shoshone National Forest, Island Lake Campground provides essential amenities designed to complement its primitive, high-elevation setting. From the remarkably "clean pit toilets" to the availability of potable water, the focus is on a comfortable yet authentic wilderness experience. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a launching pad for incredible hikes, a serene spot for fishing on Island Lake, and a tranquil retreat where the night sky comes alive with stars. For anyone looking to truly experience the Beartooth Mountains and easily access nearby Yellowstone, Island Lake Campground is an unparalleled choice.

Island Lake Campground is strategically located on US-212, also known as the Beartooth Highway, near Cody, WY 82414, USA. This places it at a high elevation (approximately 9,518 feet or 2,900 meters) on the Beartooth Plateau, within the Shoshone National Forest, just a few miles west of the iconic Beartooth Pass. This stretch of US-212 is renowned as one of America's most scenic drives, often referred to as the "most beautiful drive in America," and is a major draw for visitors.

Accessibility to Island Lake Campground is excellent during its operating season, which typically runs from late May/early June (depending on snowmelt) through late September/early October. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is a well-maintained, paved road, making the campground easily reachable by all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers. From Cody, visitors would take State Highway 120 north, then turn onto State Highway 296 (the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway), and finally turn right onto US-212 (Beartooth All-American Highway). The campground is typically well-signed along US-212, with a short spur road heading north to the campground and boat launch area.

The campground's location is also a major advantage for exploring a wider area. It's only about 30 minutes from the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, making it a convenient base for day trips into the park. Cooke City, Montana, a charming mountain town, is even closer, approximately 15 minutes away, offering limited services and supplies. This dual access to both the pristine Beartooth Wilderness and the world-famous Yellowstone National Park makes Island Lake Campground an exceptionally well-positioned destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Campsites: Island Lake Campground offers 21 newly remodeled campsites, suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (with a maximum spur length of 32 feet). Sites are generally large and well-spaced from neighbors, providing privacy and a sense of tranquility.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the campground, a crucial amenity for high-elevation camping.

• Pit Toilets: Clean pit toilets (also known as vault toilets) are provided, as highlighted by multiple positive reviews for their cleanliness.

• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides direct access to Island Lake for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, popular for fishing and canoeing.

• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is typically made via an envelope system upon arrival.

• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are available at campsites, providing convenient surfaces for outdoor dining and meal preparation.

• Fire Rings: Fire rings are generally available at campsites, allowing for campfires where permitted by current fire restrictions. Remember to always check local fire regulations.

• Food Storage Requirements: This is grizzly bear country, and proper food storage is required. Campers must be prepared to store food securely, often utilizing bear boxes if available, or locking it in hard-sided vehicles.

• No Garbage Collection: Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out," meaning all trash must be removed from the campground upon departure to maintain the pristine environment.

• 16-Day Stay Limit: A maximum stay limit of 16 days is enforced, allowing for extended enjoyment of the area while ensuring site availability for other visitors.

• No Cell Service: It's important to note that cell service is generally not available at this high-elevation campground, encouraging a true digital detox.

• Breathtaking Scenery: The "gorgeous scenery" is a universal highlight, with stunning views of Island Lake and the majestic Beartooth Mountains as a constant backdrop. The clear, thin air at this altitude offers unforgettable views of the night skies, perfect for stargazing.

• Excellent Hiking Opportunities: The campground serves as a trailhead and gateway to numerous day hikes and multi-day backpacking excursions into the Beartooth Range and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Reviewers laud it as the "trailhead to one of my favorite hikes."

• Premier Fishing Lake: Island Lake is popular for fishing, stocked with various trout species, and open to all types of watercraft. Many nearby high-altitude lakes also offer excellent fishing for brook trout, cutthroat trout, and more.

• Proximity to Yellowstone National Park: Being only about 30 minutes from Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance provides convenient access to one of the world's most famous national parks, allowing for easy day trips to Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing, or other park attractions.

• Quiet and Well-Maintained Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, reviewers describe it as "quiet" and "well kept," with campsites that are "large and spaced well from neighbors," ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable stay.

• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, from various bird species to larger mammals that inhabit the Beartooth ecosystem.

• Alpine Wildflowers: During the summer months, the area bursts with beautiful wildflowers, adding vibrant color to the already stunning landscape.

Island Lake Campground is managed by the Shoshone National Forest. For direct inquiries, current conditions, or specific details, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District office or the Forest Supervisor's office.

Address: US-212, Cody, WY 82414, USA (Physical location is on the Beartooth Highway within the Shoshone National Forest)

Phone: (307) 527-6921 (This phone number connects to the Shoshone National Forest, likely the Clarks Fork or Wapiti Ranger District which oversees this area, or the Supervisor's Office in Cody).

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including opening and closing dates (which are highly dependent on snowpack and weather at this high elevation), current fees, fire restrictions, and any bear activity warnings, it is highly recommended to visit the official Shoshone National Forest website or call their main office before planning your trip.

Shoshone National Forest Supervisor's Office Address: 808 Meadow Lane Avenue, Cody, WY 82414.

For those of us who call Wyoming home, Island Lake Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the very best of what our state's high country has to offer. We understand the allure of the Beartooth Mountains – their rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and challenging trails. This campground serves as a perfect base for exploring that wilderness, providing stunning scenery and a true sense of escape right in our backyard.

The fact that it's a first-come, first-served campground resonates with the independent spirit of Wyomingites. It encourages spontaneity and rewards those who are willing to venture out and claim their piece of paradise. The "amazingly clean" pit toilets and reliable potable water are practical comforts that make primitive camping more enjoyable, allowing us to focus on the breathtaking lake and mountain views rather than basic necessities. Knowing that "most campsites are large and spaced well from neighbors" also aligns with our desire for privacy and connection with nature.

Moreover, the strategic location near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and charming Cooke City means that extended adventures are easily within reach. We can enjoy the peace of the Beartooths one day and witness Yellowstone's geothermal wonders the next. Whether it's the thrill of hooking a trout in Island Lake, embarking on a favorite hike in the Beartooth Range, or simply taking in the dramatic vistas along the Beartooth Highway, Island Lake Campground provides an authentic, accessible, and unforgettable Wyoming experience that truly speaks to the heart of a local.