NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND - St. CHARLES CANYON
Looking for a place to stay for a Fido-friendly group getaway in one of the most scenic parts of southern Idaho? Well look no fur-ther than North Fork Campground at St. Charles Canyon! That’s if you and your friends or family are willing to "ruff" it a bit, of course -- facilities at North Fork are pretty primitive, i.e., no showers, electricity, or RV hookups.
But if you guys are willing to sacrifice a few of your creature comforts, you can reap the benefit of North Fork’s gorgeous location! The group site is well-shaded by towering pine trees, and St. Charles Creek runs right through the campground. Not only do many spots have riverside views, but you’ll also be treated to the sound of the water as you drift off to sleep. The group camp is actually composed of five different sites that fit ten people each, but don’t worry -- you can all catch up around the fire pit! The US Forest Service has designated North Fork as a light-usage campground, but it’s still best to make your reservation early. There’s no entrance fee to the area, and a night here starts at $64.
The campground’s picnic tables are ideal for taking in the scenery and shooting the breeze, but if you’d like to get a little more adventurous, don’t worry -- you’ll find plenty to see and do nearby! The Minnetonka Cave is a great trip for non-furry family members, but unfortunately, your pup will need to stay above ground. If casting a line is your idea of a good time, you’re in luck -- the creek is known for its excellent cutthroat trout fishing, and nearby Bear Lake provides further angling op-paw-tunities. Hound-dog hikers won’t need to go too far to find their entertainment -- the North Fork Trail has an entrance right by the campground, and meanders along the creek for five miles on its way up to Bloomington Lake. Careful, though -- the route has some steep inclines.
WiFi isn’t available at North Fork, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. Fires are permitted, but there’s no drinking water -- you’ll need to bring your own bottle or pack a filter. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a pawesome time at North Fork Campground!
