January 2024 update: This campground has changed owners and is now known as Blue Buffalo Resort. The following article is about the former campground. I'll keep the updated article published for the time being, but know that the campground is very different now and under new management. We have not stayed here since it changed hands, so I can't speak to what it's like.
Currently
We're hanging out in Florida, where I'm happy to report we see sunny days more often than overcast ones! I don't say this to inspire envy in anyone, and I want to remind you that spring really, truly is coming! We are glad to have only briefly experienced wintry weather - two bouts of serious cold and one ice storm.
Back to summer
My mind-image of Idaho and what it looks like now are extremely removed from each other! But maybe I can take you back to the sunny, breezy, dry memories we have of Island Park, and a very special place there. One of the sub-villages of Island Park is known as Last Chance. On your way out of “village”, heading north, was a sweet little gem of an establishment, and the subject of today’s post. Welcome to Buffalo Run RV Park and Cabins!!
First, a disclaimer: I was NOT incentivized to promote this place. All the following is my candid memories of life at B-Run. You’re getting my honest, sometimes tongue-in-cheek opinions on what we observed during our time working there.
Each pull-through gravel pad had its own electric and water supply and about 10x35 feet of lawn. Most sites had a well-established shade tree, and all had a sturdy picnic table (So sturdy! Ask Dennis, my lifter). There was a septic dump by the main office, which housed laundry facilities and a bathhouse.
You won't be disappointed...
We highly recommend you stay here if you are ever planning a trip through the region. Jeff and Lynette (former owners) were down-to-earth and hard-working folks. They made their guests feel right at home. The campground is situated within an hour of Yellowstone National Park, and is well in reach of all of Island Park. In addition to the 20 short-term camping sites, there were five cabins available for rent. Make reservations! During peak months you can’t always count on merely pulling in to find an open site or cabin.
Our time at Buffalo Run is special to me for many reasons. A big one was the unexpected opportunity for personal growth it provided me. Having to work around others’ extremely expensive belongings was excellent practice for my focus and attention, areas I needed much improvement in.
The job setting was also great for Dennis and I as a couple. From the very start of our relationship, we knew we had to work as a team if we were going to live on the road full-time in such close quarters. It’s something we’ve been proactively building on all year. Working this job together stretched and challenged us to do that in a new-to-us capacity. For me personally, it opened my eyes to some of my individual growth needs. Being afraid most of my life what people think of me, while craving their approval, turned any job (and all of life, actually) into a production full of pressure to perform perfectly. (That’s all rooted in pride, by the way.) Knowing and obeying God’s order of my responsibilities while on the job - to God, first; to my husband, next; and then, to my employer - means I can leave the stage behind. Trust and obedience (love) take the fear away. Good lesson, excellent Teacher.
Puppy, what sharp teeth you have!
Almost all the campers we met and talked to were so friendly and super fascinating. I had plenty of opportunities over the summer to pet puppies - and kitties! At least four RVers that I can think of had RVing cats. Three of those kept their felines on leashes or leads when they were outside. All seemed content and acted like they’d been born to the camping life. One young family with three youngsters are full-time on the road with a cat and dog. They’re even doing the road-school thing with the kids! Cool beans.
Bonus!
There was a small coffee shop and a pizza parlor in the office building. If you ever visit Island Park, you do NOT want to skip ordering a Perky’s Pizza, even if you aren’t staying on site. Fresh veggies and an excellent yeasty crust make for a great fresh-made pie. Extra yummy! Good things came from the coffee bar, too. I could't personally speak to the espressos or lattes, but the plain ole cup o’ joe was full-bodied and brewed strong. Thumbs up!
Special memories
Spending time at Buffalo Run RV Park & Cabins was a great experience. Hubby and I had a lot of fun, worked some, brought in extra moolah, and made unforgettable friends and memories. He got to operate the tractor with its end-loader, I got paid for being outside. We celebrated our first anniversary while observing the solar eclipse at Buffalo Run - of course we got all corny and deemed it our “eclipsaversary”. We even got to wear matching straw hats!
I’ll long remember blue skies, sunshine, and sweet summer breezes in a peaceful, beautiful campground. Thanks for the memories, Buffalo Run!
Till next time!