Lakeside, desert, and wilderness camping can all be found near the “Potato Capital of the World.
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In eastern Idaho between Pocatello and Idaho Falls, Blackfoot is known as the “Potato Capital of the World.” It’s also easy to enjoy the outdoors in Blackfoot. The Greater Blackfoot Greenbelt is the city’s recreation hub, and also offers access to the Snake River and Jensen Grove Park and Jensen Lake. Nearby, county and state parks offer numerous water and land-based activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and winter activities. Camp in town at an RV park, or head out to nearby county and state parks to stay in a tent, RV, rustic cabin, or yurt.
Blackfoot Area
Several RV parks in-town let you stay close to city amenities, parks, and waterways. Nearby North Bingham County Park offers history, boating, fishing, equestrian rodeo arena, and an RV park. Anglers and archery enthusiasts can camp and play at Rose Ponds Park. Go boating, fishing, look for waterfowls, and camp in Sportsmans Park. At Wolverine Canyon, enjoy hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, birding, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dispersed camping.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Northwest of Blackfoot, the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve offers a surreal volcanic landscape that looks as if it belongs on the moon. The massive park offers a large variety of volcanic formations, opportunities for caving, as well as colorful wildflowers in summer in certain areas. Several rustic and wilderness camping areas let you explore the park at your leisure over several days.
Idaho State Parks
Head to Massacre Rocks State Park for hiking, rock climbing, disc golf, and boating and stay at a campground with views of Snake River or Oregon Trail history. For high desert and lakeside campsites and cabins, continue southwest to Lake Walcott State Park, and enjoy boating, paddling, fishing, and birding. To the northeast, Harriman State Park offers wildlife, old railroad history, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and year-round rustic cabins and yurts.
Blackfoot offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and can be visited in all four seasons, depending on your interests. Summer is the best time for water activities along the Snake River, and the many lakes and reservoirs in the area. Fishing season in Jensen Lake runs from May to October, which also happens to be butterfly season. Visit in early September for the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Many area parks offer winter activities while some also offer winter camping options.