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Access Site ID

McCrea Bridge

Henrys Fork

Source: idaho_department_of_fish_and_game Updated 1 year ago

City: Island Park, ID
County: Fremont County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.46145639, -111.40154278
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
McCrea Bridge Campground offers a concrete boat ramp and docks for access to the Henrys Fork of the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho. The ramp is located within the campground; drive through to reach the facility. This is a popular launch point for the scenic three-hour National Recreation Water Trail float downstream. Note that the upstream section (above McCrea Bridge) is a **no-motors zone** suitable for kayaks, canoes, and rowboats—you can paddle upstream and return to your starting point. The campground sits at 6,200 feet elevation in a lodgepole pine forest setting with good parking and amenities.

**Important seasonal consideration:** Island Park Reservoir is managed for irrigation, and water levels drop significantly through summer. By August, reservoir access from McCrea Bridge becomes difficult or impossible due to drawdown. Plan your visit for early to mid-summer for optimal water levels. The Henrys Fork is renowned for fly-fishing (catch-and-release above the outlet), offering excellent scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

For current conditions, reservations, or specific access details, contact the campground at **208-558-7658**. The site is located 27 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana on Highway 20, then 2 miles west at Elk Creek Service Station.
Federal Facility Information
208-558-7658 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
McCrea Bridge Campground is located on the backwaters of beautiful Island Park Reservoir in Island Park, Idaho at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation
Island Park Reservoir offers boating, water skiing, fishing and canoeing. A boat ramp is located within the campground. The...

Overview
McCrea Bridge Campground is located on the backwaters of beautiful Island Park Reservoir in Island Park, Idaho at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation
Island Park Reservoir offers boating, water skiing, fishing and canoeing. A boat ramp is located within the campground. The reservoir is used for irrigation so the water level recedes throughout the summer and by August, the reservoir cannot be accessed from McCrea Bridge.

The Island Park area is renowned for its fishing; Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fly-fishing streams in the nation. Anglers cast for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout and Kokanee salmon.

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails are in the area, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail.

The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail offers a roughly three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, are often seen along the trail.Facilities
The campground contains single and double sites, each equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Some sites have stairs between the parking spur and the site pad. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection area provided, but there is no electricity.

A paved road accesses the campground but interior roads and parking spurs are gravel. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Natural Features
Island Park is composed of two areas of extinct volcanic activity. The Henry's Fork Caldera sits inside the larger Island Park Caldera. The area is known for its dense forests of lodgepole pine, broad grassy meadows bursting with summer wildflowers and a wide variety of wildlife, including black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, Sandhill cranes and much, much more.

The campground is situated in a forest of lodgepole pine, which provides partial shade in some sites. Some areas of the campground are more open and sunny than others.
Nearby Attractions
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 12 miles south of the campground. This 28-mile road leads to scenic overlooks and trails at 110 foot Upper Mesa Falls and 85 foot Lower Mesa Falls.

Harriman State Park is 14 miles south. The Henry's Fork meanders through the Harriman, offering excellent fishing. Over 20 miles of trails are available, and wildlife is abundant in this scenic park.

Henry's Lake State Park is 16 miles north, offering fishing, a fish cleaning station and boat ramp.

Yellowstone National Park's west entrance is just 29 miles north in the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. Visitors enjoy day-tripping to the park for unparalleled wildlife viewing and the beautiful and unique scenery.

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Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
Box Canyon Campground
On-site
Nearby Recreation Areas
Island Park Reservoir Located within
Henry's Lake Wilderness Study Area Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Island Park Boating Site On-site
Box Canyon Boating Ramp On-site
Buttermilk Boat Ramp On-site
West End Boat Ramp On-site
Amenities
parking
restrooms