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.
