Paris Springs Campground – Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho

Paris Springs Campground is a shady, creekside campground tucked into scenic Paris Canyon in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest of southeastern Idaho. Located a short drive from the small town of Paris and within easy reach of Bear Lake, this peaceful forest campground offers cool summer temperatures, pleasant streamside sites, and a quieter alternative to lakeshore camping.

Location & Access

The campground is situated about five miles up Paris Canyon Road from Paris, Idaho, at an elevation of roughly 6,500–6,600 feet. Forest Road 427 continues up the canyon, providing access to higher-country trails and viewpoints. Paris Springs Campground lies approximately 20 miles from Bear Lake, giving campers the option to enjoy both cool mountain forest and the larger recreation opportunities on the lake. The drive in follows Paris Creek through a narrow canyon lined with aspen and conifer forest, with wildflowers often dotting the roadside in summer.

Campground Overview

Paris Springs Campground has a small, intimate layout with a mix of single sites and group sites. There are three group sites and a handful of single-family campsites, for a total of around a dozen sites depending on how you count the groups. Sites are tucked among aspen and mixed conifer forest along or near Paris Creek, providing shade and the soothing sound of flowing water. Most sites can accommodate tents, small trailers, and modest-sized RVs, with dirt or gravel spurs typical of a national forest campground. The overall feel is quiet and relaxed, well suited for families and campers who prefer a more natural setting.

Amenities

Amenities at Paris Springs Campground are simple but comfortable. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring, and vault toilets and drinking water are provided in-season. There are no electrical hookups and no dump station, so visitors should come prepared for dry camping. Roads and parking spurs are dirt or gravel, and shade is plentiful thanks to the surrounding forest. During the main summer season, the campground typically operates with a fee and reservations are often available; outside the primary season, services may be reduced or unavailable, so checking current conditions is always recommended.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Paris Springs Campground is a great base for exploring Paris Canyon and the broader Bear Lake region. A short trail from the campground leads to Paris Spring itself, where clear water bubbles up and feeds Paris Creek. The area is popular for hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing along the creek, with opportunities for trout fishing in nearby streams. Forest roads and trails in the surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest offer options for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle use where permitted. A bit farther afield, Bear Lake State Park provides boating, swimming, and beach activities on the bright turquoise waters of Bear Lake, along with events like the annual Raspberry Days festival in nearby Garden City.

Summary

Paris Springs Campground combines shady forest, a lively mountain creek, and a quiet, small-campground atmosphere in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. With its mix of single and group sites, basic but useful amenities, and easy access to both Paris Canyon and Bear Lake, it’s an appealing choice for families, groups, and anyone seeking a peaceful base for exploring this scenic corner of southeastern Idaho.