Big Springs - Caribou
Big Springs Campground is nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek at an elevation of 6,500 feet, just 16 miles from Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Idaho · reservable in Idaho · big rigs in Idaho · pets allowed in Idaho · group sites in Idaho
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 13 |
| Equestrian | 2 |
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 70 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
16 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | Equestrian | Back-in | 73 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| H2 | Equestrian | Back-in | 53 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 002 | Standard | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | |
| 003 | Standard | Back-in | 60 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | Yes |
| 004 | Standard | Back-in | 70 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Yes |
| 005 | Standard | Back-in | 55 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | |
| 006 | Standard | Back-in | 55 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | |
| 007 | Standard | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | Full | 8 / 1 | Yes | |
| 008 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | |
| 015 | Standard | Back-in | 65 | Gravel | Partial | 16 / 2 | Yes | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 70 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Sites 002, 003, 004, 015 and 6 more are listed accessible |
The campground contains one large group site that can accommodate up to 175 people with a shelter, tables, a campfire ring, grills and parking. The campground has first-come, first-serve campsites and reservable campsites. Visitors can first check with the campground host for available campsites. Several single and double sites are also available with tables, campfire rings and grills. Some sites have stairs between the parking spur and site pad. Single and double sites on the less shady Loop B have picnic shelters. Two equestrian sites are available with horse corrals and hitching racks. Potable water and vault toilets are provided. Security is provided by the host and periodic patrols by the county sheriff. This campground is managed by Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Forest | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Booking | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov. |
| Fees | For current fees, please go to Recreation.gov |
| Rules | All vehicles and RV's must park in designated areas only. ATV's or ORV's allowed on designated trails only. No riding in the campground.All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only. |
Weather by month
Getting there
Just east of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, look for "Pebble Area" sign and turn left onto Blaser Highway/Old Highway 30. Go north on the paved highway 9 miles to Pebble Creek Road, known locally as Mike's Place or Whiskey Mike's. Turn left across railroad tracks on gravel Forest Road 036. Travel about 7 miles to the campground.
| Nearest town | Pocatello, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 42.7656° N, 112.0953° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- If the campground host is not available, visitors must check if the campsite is occupied, and if available pay at the fee tube.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Pocatello's public and free dump station and drinking water ↗ | 17.5 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Pocatello Running Company ↗ | 19.3 mi |
| RV sales & service | RV sales & service ↗ | 49.5 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
A Photographic Tour of Big Springs Campground in Eastern Idaho
Worth a stop
Lava Hot Springs is close enough for an exciting day trip. A natural hot springs soaking pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, water slides and diving platforms provide fun for all ages. Two 9-hole disc golf courses are linked around the pool complex. Tubing on the Portneuf River is also a very popular activity. Tube rentals are available at many locations in town.
- 14.2 miScout Mountain Picnic Area ↗Day use
- 14.8 mi
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miBoundary Trail ↗27.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 0.1 miNorth Boundary Trail ↗7.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 0.2 miRobbers Roost ↗5.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 0.8 miBig Canyon Haystack Connector3.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1 miBoundary Trail Connector0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 1.1 miNorth Pebble-Wood Rd Connector1.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- H. O. Harkness Stable BuildingBuilding · McCammon · 9 mi
- McCammon State Bank BuildingBuilding · McCammon · 9.2 mi
- L.D.S. Ward BuildingBuilding · Lava Hot Springs · 11 mi
Natural features
A Douglas fir forest towers over Loop A, offering partial shade. Loop B is situated among a grove of aspens which provide limited shade. Sagebrush, grasses and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Recreation
Pebble Creek offers cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing. Big Springs Nature Trail begins in the site, offering an easy path along the creek. The multi-use Boundary Trail, for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, begins in the campground and accesses several additional local trails.
Guidebooks for Idaho
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Big Springs - Caribou?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Big Springs - Caribou?
For current fees, please go to Recreation.gov
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Big Springs - Caribou?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Big Springs - Caribou open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Big Springs - Caribou have?
16 sites, including 13 standard sites without power, 2 equestrian sites, and 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Big Springs - Caribou?
The longest site here provides 70 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Big Springs - Caribou?
Yes, pets are allowed at Big Springs - Caribou. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Big Springs - Caribou?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. All vehicles and RV's must park in designated areas only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Big Springs - Caribou?
Sites 002, 003, 004, and 015 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov, 10 sites in all. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Big Springs - Caribou?
Pebble Creek offers cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Big Springs - Caribou?
Pocatello, Idaho. Lava Hot Springs is close enough for an exciting day trip.
Source: Getting there
What if Big Springs - Caribou is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Goodenough Creek Campground (12.4 mi, first-come), Scout Mountain Campground (14.3 mi, partly first-come), and Mink Creek Group Site Campground (16.5 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby