About ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND
Overview St. Charles Campground is situated on its namesake creek in the scenic St. Charles Canyon, approximately 8 miles from Bear Lake State Park and North Beach.Recreation Nearby, the North Fork Trail and its associated trails access the Highline Trail #316. The Highline Trail is part of the National Trail System and is the area's premier trail. It stretches 55 miles along the backbone of the Wasatch Mountains and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and motorcyclists, attracting trail users from around the world. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the river fisheries, providing good to excellent fishing most of the year, including in St. Charles Creek. In-season big game hunting is also a popular activity.Facilities The campground offers one group site that can accommodate up to 20 people. Six single sites are also available. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. A paved road leads to the campground.Natural Features Stands of aspens provide partial shade, while lodgepole pines, willow, dogwoods, Engelmann spruce and wild roses dot the landscape. The varied vegetation provides plenty of privacy from site to site. Nearby Attractions Minnetonka Cave, one of only two developed caves in the Forest Service, is a few miles from the campground. Guided cave tours are scheduled every 30 minutes daily from early June until Labor Day. The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is just north of Bear Lake, offering excellent bird watching. Bear Lake's Raspberry Days Festival occurs the first weekend in August every year, with a parade, fireworks, craft booths and a rodeo.
How to Get There
From U.S. Highway 89 in St. Charles, turn west onto Forest Road #412 and travel approximately 3 miles to the forest boundary. The campground entrance is just around the bend.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND
Heading to ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233978) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND?
From U.S. Highway 89 in St. Charles, turn west onto Forest Road #412 and travel approximately 3 miles to the forest boundary. The campground entrance is just around the bend.
How do I contact ST. CHARLES CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182 or email: info@sceniccanyons.com.
References & Official Resources
