About PORCUPINE (ID)
Overview Porcupine Campground is situated on St. Charles Creek in a scenic canyon in the rolling Idaho forests. The campground is also close to Bear Lake State Park and North Beach, offering visitors countless recreational opportunities in a serene forest setting. Recreation Nearby, the North Fork Trail and its associated trails access the Highline Trail #316. The Highline Trail is part of the National Trail System and is the Montpelier Ranger District's premier trail. It stretches 55 miles along the backbone of the Wasatch Mountains and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and motorcyclists, attracting trail users from around the world. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the river fisheries, providing excellent fishing most of the year, including in St. Charles Creek. In-season big game hunting is also a popular activity.Facilities The campground offers six family sites, as well as one group site that can accommodate up to 20 people. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads to and within the campground are paved.Natural Features The Caribou-Targhee National Forest occupies more than 3 million acres and stretches across southeastern Idaho, from the Montana, Utah and Wyoming borders. The forest is also home to the Curlew National Grassland, and on the northern end of the forest the massive profile of the Teton Range can be seen. Pines and aspens forest the area, providing partial shade, and summer wildflowers dot the landscape. St. Charles Creek flows gently past the campground. Nearby Attractions Minnetonka Cave, one of only two developed caves in the Forest Service, is 2 miles from the campground. Guided cave tours are scheduled every 30 minutes daily from approximately early June until Labor Day. The Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is just north of Bear Lake, offering excellent bird watching. Bear Lake's Raspberry Days Festival occurs the first weekend in August every year, with a parade, fireworks, craft booths and a rode
How to Get There
From U.S. Highway 89, turn west onto St. Charles Canyon Road/Forest Road 412. Follow for approximately 7 miles to the campground on the left side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 19 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
48% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PORCUPINE (ID)
Heading to PORCUPINE (ID)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PORCUPINE (ID)?
No central reservation system listed for PORCUPINE (ID). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233976) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PORCUPINE (ID)?
From U.S. Highway 89, turn west onto St. Charles Canyon Road/Forest Road 412. Follow for approximately 7 miles to the campground on the left side of the road.
How do I contact PORCUPINE (ID)?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182 or email: info@sceniccanyons.com.
References & Official Resources