Looking to escape all of the driving and crowds of Yellowstone National Park? Well, look no further than Harriman State Park! Visitors brought out for the allure of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park often overlook this state park located in Island Park, Idaho. 

For those who want a quieter experience in nature, Harriman State Park RV camping offers stunning lakes, forest, and meadows rife with wildlife and birds. Moose or bison sightings are not uncommon but crowded trails are. RV camping near Harriman State Park provides the perfect opportunity to take a break from bustling cities and reconnect with nature. 

Harriman State Park Facts

Before you head out on your trip, you may want to learn a bit more about the rich history of this park! Get to know this state park a little better with a few Harriman State Park facts.
 

• The full name is Harriman State Park of Idaho to help differentiate between this state park and Harriman State Park in New York. 
• It is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which is one of the largest temperate-zone ecosystems on Earth. It lies in the Henry’s Fork Caldera (volcanic crater) which accounts for much of the park’s flat meadows and pastures. 
• Before being donated to the state of Idaho, Harriman State Park was Railroad Ranch, a fully operational cattle ranch dating back to the very early 1900s. More than 20 buildings from that era still remain for you to tour today. 
• Harriman State Park covers 16,000 square acres of land and is a wildlife reserve. Try to catch a sighting of the Trumpeter Swan, the world’s largest waterfowl. 
• Harriman State Park has about 80,000 visitors each year. Compare that to Yellowstone, its neighbor less than 30 miles north that averages around 4 million visitors per year. 

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with these facts, let’s take a closer look at the best RV camping near Harriman State Park.

Best Harriman State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

To fully explore everything this park has to offer, spend at least one night RV camping in Harriman State Park. Within the park, there are a few historical buildings or yurts to rent. For those looking for more amenities, you’ll want to check out some of these beautiful RV parks near Harriman State Park.  

Valley View RV Park

Amenities: Located near Harriman State Park and just 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, Valley View RV Park is a wonderful site to start your western adventures. Take advantage of the on-site amenities such as a gas station and convenience store, a laundromat facility, and even a recreation room. 

No matter how big your RV is, these generously sized pull-through sites offer plenty of space to get comfortable. Each site also boasts full hookups including 30 and 50 amp power. For those looking for privacy, this large field has mostly only grass between each site. Still, Valley View RV Park is a quiet and clean place to park before a Harriman State Park trip. 
 
Capacity: 80 RV sites 

More Information: Valley View RV Park

Buffalo Run Park 

Amenities: Fewer than ten short minutes from Harriman State Park, RV camping at Buffalo Run Park offers three potential experiences. Eight sites sit atop a gravel pad but in exchange provide full hookups with 30 amp power. There are also 20 premium sites situated along a small creek. These sites offer water and electricity (30 and 50 amp power) while nestled in along a tree-lined section of the park. 

If these sites are already reserved, there is a section of the park reserved for dry camping. Here campers of all types can mingle without any additional hookups or amenities at the site. 

Capacity: 28 RV sites

More Information: Buffalo Run Park 

Redrock RV Park

Amenities: Like Harriman State Park itself, Redrock RV Park is off the beaten path and very secluded. Enjoy outstanding scenery and quiet nights while still not being too far from the numerous lakes, parks, and wildlife refuges in the area. 

Each large, pull-through site has fire rings and picnic tables. Most sites have full hookups including sewer and 20/30/50 amp power, but a small number are reserved for tents and pop-up campers that only have power and water hookups. 

Capacity: 90 RV sites

More Information: Redrock RV Park 

Jared's Wild Rose Ranch RV Park

Amenities: This RV park near Harriman State Park is the place to stay for fishing enthusiasts as it is located right on Henry Lake. The extra amenities such as the hot tub and sports equipment rentals as well as the marina are top-notch. Not to mention, the Wild Rose Ranch RV Park is surrounded by mountains and forest. 

There are full hookups and 20/30/50 amp power at each site and some are even lakeside. RVs up to 45 feet are okay, but some spaces are tight in terms of width so it could mean being close to a neighbor. 

Capacity: 40 RV sites

More Information: Jared's Wild Rose Ranch RV Park  

Snake River RV Park

Amenities: Snake River RV Park is loaded with amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Though there are smaller back-in-only sites, many of the sites are spacious pull-through sites up to 85 feet long. 

There is also a swimming pool open in the summer, an outside playground, and laundry facilities on-site. Get groceries or get souvenirs at the gift shop while you make a home away from home at the Snake River. 

Capacity: 45 RV sites

More Information: Snake River RV Park 

Best Time To Visit Harriman State Park for RV Camping 

Harriman State Park has plenty to offer year-round, so you’ll have your choice of seasons to hop into your RV and hit the road! Read about what RV camping at Harriman State Park is like during each season below.  

Winter

December through February is a great time to visit Harriman State Park for snowy weather fans. With highs in the upper 20s or lower 30s Fahrenheit on average, you’ll have to bundle up. But this blanketed wonderland is a hot spot for winter recreation. 

The 24 miles of groomed trails are open for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Scenic Byway 47, which normally takes vehicles out to Mesa Falls, is closed in winter, but the falls are still accessible via snowmobile or cross-country skiing. 

Spring

March through May sees the weather really starting to warm up and the meadows filling with spring wildflowers. March is still very cold, but by May temperatures can reach all the way to 60 degrees on average. 

Once the snow melts, those same trails are once again open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The wildlife activity really starts to pick up once the snow is gone, too. Though this park is rarely crowded, springtime can be the perfect time to visit to be at one with nature waking up again after the quiet of winter. 

Summer 

The summer months are the best time to visit Harriman State Park to take advantage of all that the park has to offer. With temperatures averaging in the 70s, the meandering Henry’s Fork of the Snake River warms up and is home to some of the best fly fishing in the US. Bring a boat to visit Golden Lake or Silver Lake and even catch views of the Teton Mountains. 

The natural beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where Harriman State Park lies is fully on display in the summertime. Prepare to be wowed by the dense forests, stunning meadows and pastures, and the waterfowl all around. 

Fall

Everything that makes summer at Harriman State Park amazing is still on full display in autumn. Though temperatures are steadily dropping between September and November from the 70s down to the 30s again, there is still plenty of time and good weather to enjoy the trails that weave throughout the park and take in the breathtaking autumn scenery. 

Things To Do in Harriman State Park

No matter how you like to enjoy the outside, everyone will find things to do in Harriman State Park. Here are just a few of the activities that this park has to offer.
 

• Go horseback riding. Try your hand at horseback riding as you tour through Dry Ridge Outfitters on-site. 
• Explore historic buildings. Follow the many trails to historic buildings you can explore. There is even a tour that will take you through the history of the park and the ranch buildings that remain. 
• Enjoy birding and wildlife viewing. Watch for moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, and many more. 
• Go fishing. The park is known for its great fly fishing. Try your hand at landing one of the big rainbow trout in this stream. 
• Spend the day hiking or biking. Over 20 miles of trails wind through the park and are open year-round. 

With all these fun activities and more to do, you’ll want to book ahead and score a spot RV camping near Harriman State Park for your next adventure!

Tips for Visiting Harriman State Park 

Whichever season or activities bring you RV camping near Harriman State Park, here are a few tips to keep in mind when exploring this park. 
 

• Entrance to the park is only $7 per vehicle or free with a state park pass. 
• Leave the dogs with the sitter. Because Harriman State Park is a wildlife and waterfowl refuge, dogs are not permitted beyond the parking lots. 
• Check with the park for the latest on wildlife sightings. It’s important to be aware of bear activity and also watch for other large animals such as bison.  
• Mesa Falls is located in the area and is also owned by Harriman State Park. Take a drive on the Scenic Byway for beautiful views of the falls and visit Big Falls Inn for information and a store. 

No matter how you enjoy Harriman State Park, this rich wildlife sanctuary will provide something amazing for the whole family. 

RV Rental for Harriman State Park 

From its historical buildings and well-kept trails to the beautiful lake and pastures, Harriman State Park is a must-visit location when in the area! Enjoy a peaceful, quiet getaway away from Yellowstone’s crowded attractions where you can slow down and take in the grandeur of this majestic park. 

When you’re ready to get started RV camping in Harriman State Park, Cruise America has you covered with safe, well-maintained RV rentals loaded with amenities. Embrace the park’s natural serenity and rest easy with all of the comforts of home. Call or visit one of Cruise America's many rental locations today to start planning your escape to the Idaho backcountry!