Saint Charles Campground

The scent of pine needles mingled with the crisp mountain air greets visitors at St. Charles Campground, where dense stands of lodgepole and aspen create secluded sites along the murmuring St. Charles Creek. This well-maintained Forest Service campground offers anglers direct access to cutthroat trout waters while serving as a gateway to the 55-mile Highline Trail system.

Situated 8 miles west of Bear Lake's famous turquoise waters, the campground occupies a wooded canyon with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings at each site. The area's defining feature is its proximity to both aquatic and alpine adventures—within 30 minutes, campers can be swimming at North Beach or exploring Minnetonka Cave's dramatic limestone formations. Summer brings wild roses along the creek banks, while the nearby Bear Lake Valley hosts lively local events like August's Raspberry Days festival.

The campground excels as a basecamp for multi-activity trips, with gravel roads accommodating RVs up to 30 feet and tent pads nestled among mixed conifers. Its location in Caribou-Targhee National Forest ensures easy access to high-elevation trails while maintaining the secluded atmosphere of a mountain retreat. Nearby, the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers exceptional birdwatching just 15 miles north.