Targhee Creek Trailhead

Truly a magical spot. The road is very bumpy and a little tight at spots getting in, but we were able to get in without issues with our 26' trailer. Even in the peak heat of the year, you'll have no trouble cooling off being parked literally 20 ft. from the Targhee Creek. There are only 2-3 spots down at the water and then a bunch more driving in which would not have water access. We spent many a days just hanging out in the creeks cool shade. The only downside to call out is that there are biting flies and some mosquitos that come out in numbers between ~1PM though ~6PM daily when the winds are calm. They don't seem nearly as bad if you are in the water vs hanging outside near the water. The Verizon service was plenty fine for me to work or stream video, but I found AT&T to be a little less reliable. We didn't see any wildlife at the site, but did manage to see a herd of ~25 mountain goats while backpacking the Targhee creek trail which you can walk to from the campsite.

The entrance was a little intimidating, no where to park quick and scout it out so we winged it. Our trailer is 36ft with low clearance and we parked approx .5 mile from the road. We know now we could’ve kept going safely, a mile down the drive it does start to get worse and big rigs probably could but shouldnt. The creek is wonderful but too cold even on a hot day. Plenty of spots available on a Thursday morning.

My husband dropped me off in West Yellowstone to do nine days worth of laundry for our family of four while he and our two sons located the site and parked the camper. We went back into Yellowstone for a bit and ended up coming back to the camper around sunset. I was laughing so much at how bumpy the road was and how freaked out I would’ve been to pull our 26’ travel trailer through there. But my husband had no problems and agreed that it was better that I wasn’t with them! :) The site was really nice and we had a beautiful rainbow that evening. West Yellowstone was a complete zoo. I couldn’t believe how many people were there. I was so glad to be out in this location so our dog could have freedom and we had peace and quiet.

Road is a little bumpy coming in but doable for our 30 ft rig. There are about 10 spots on the side of the road as you go then the top has a big flat area that can fit quite a few people. If you continue down the road, it gets much bumpier and I don’t recommend for large rigs but you end at a beautiful stream with space for another 4 rigs. Cell service is great. Quiet and great views at the top. We loved this place! Only 18 miles from west Yellowstone entrance.

F250 w/ 34ft TT. We camped (44.6673060, -111.3075140)

*** Howard Springs Drinkable Water is close by - definitely look it up, amazing. (44.6673060, -111.3075140)

Very nice and quiet if you can find a spot. very rough road but doable even in a car. Watch clearance and you’ll be fine. Mosquitoes, didn’t see wildlife near camp. Short drive to W Yellowstone entrance. Very long lines to leave the park unless you leave before 2pm or after 1030pm.

Closest domestic water was gas station (free, just ask) (44.6673060, -111.3075140)
Island park ranger station was okay will filling up too, just call and ask. (44.6454069, -110.8608679)
or if you carry tanks, just fill water at Madison camp in Yellowstone, just ask. (44.6454069, -110.8608679)

Closest free dump was (44.3556287, -111.4126566). Donations requested.

Access was pretty easy and we snagged one of the last spots here. The road was a bit bumpy at the start as you go up a hill, but we made it up without a problem. It may be more difficult if arriving after our during a storm. There is green grass, plenty of trees and if you go all the way to the end of the road you'll reach the creek (in this season it was more like a raging river) and there were a few truck campers and tents on its banks. We were visited once by since rangers who reminded us of bear safety protocols, but we didn't see any bears in our stay.

It was a great hub to explore Yellowstone, just 20 minutes from the park entrance. But make sure to check the traffic cams on the national parks website, since the line to go in the west entrance can be backed up all the way through town sometimes.

Loved this spot! If you need food or a gas station it's about 30 mins to one which isnt bad. Favorite part about this is if you go until the end of the dirt road theres a beautiful creek with camping spots! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for a spot close to yellowstone west entrance! IT WAS UNDER AN 1HR DRIVE. Beware of bears, I saw some bear scat and another camper said a bear wandered through his camp ground a couple days earlier. It was beautiful but pretty cold at night. The creek was nice to fall asleep to <3 No toilets or bear boxes! PACK IN PACK OUT <3 happy travels!!