Island Park Is Remote — Plan Ahead
Island Park, Idaho is a 33-mile-long community stretching along Highway 20, just 30 minutes from Yellowstone's West Entrance. It's surrounded by national forest, with no stoplights, no big-box stores, and limited services compared to a typical town.
That's part of the charm — but it also means you need to plan ahead for groceries, gas, gear, and connectivity. This guide covers everything you need to arrive prepared.
Grocery Stores Near Island Park
While Island Park feels remote, there are plenty of grocery options within a reasonable drive — from a well-stocked local general store to full supermarkets for a big provisioning run.
Closest Local Option (In Island Park)
Sam Patch Co. General Store — Located in Island Park, Sam Patch Co. is more than a gas-station counter: it's a small but well-stocked grocery and general store. Expect fresh produce basics, a modest meat selection, pantry staples, beer & wine, snacks, and a handful of outdoor supplies. It's the most convenient spot for last-minute items without leaving town.
Convenient Stop From the West
West Yellowstone — About 25 minutes away, West Yellowstone has a small grocery market — handy for quick top-ups, sandwich ingredients, and trail snacks before heading into Yellowstone.
Best Full Grocery Runs (Larger Supermarkets)
- Broulim's (St. Anthony) — the nearest full-service supermarket with full produce, deli/meat counter, bakery, and wide grocery selection
- Dave's Jubilee (Ashton) — another excellent supermarket, well stocked and convenient if coming from the east
Regional Retail & Big-Box Options
- Rexburg (1 hr south) — Broulim's, Walmart Supercenter (great for inexpensive fishing tackle, camping supplies, and bulk snacks), and other retail stores
- Idaho Falls (1 hr 45 min south) — widest selection: multiple large supermarkets, Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart
Nearby Airport City Provisioning
- Bozeman — if flying into Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, several grocery chains and specialty stores available before the drive
- Big Sky — at least one grocery store for last-minute needs if you plan to ski or stay in the resort area
- Jackson — Smith's Food & Drug is a large full-service supermarket where travelers commonly stock up before Grand Teton or Yellowstone
Our Recommended Provisioning Strategy
Big run before you arrive: Do a full supermarket stop in St. Anthony or Ashton (Broulim's / Dave's Jubilee) or in Rexburg (Broulim's + Walmart).
Top-ups locally: Use Sam Patch Co. for quick items, perishables, and forgotten gear.
Park entrance day: If driving through West Yellowstone or Jackson, pick up last-minute supplies there.
Flying in? Buy perishables and specialty items in Bozeman before the drive.
Pro Tip: Bring a Cooler
If you're staying in a cabin with a full kitchen, pack a large cooler for the drive up. Stock it with meats, dairy, and produce at your supermarket stop. You'll save money and eat much better.
Gas Stations
Gas is available in Island Park, but stations are spread out and prices are higher than in Idaho Falls or Rexburg.
⛽ Island Park Gas
- Mack's Inn — Phillips 66, typically open 7 AM – 9 PM
- Pond's Lodge area — gas available at the lodge
- Last Chance (Hwy 20 & 87) — last gas before West Yellowstone
⛽ Nearby
- Ashton — Chevron, Sinclair (30 min south, best prices)
- West Yellowstone — multiple stations (30 min north, tourist prices)
Don't Enter Yellowstone on Empty
Only 2 gas stations inside Yellowstone (Canyon and Fishing Bridge). Fill up before entering. A full day is 100–150 miles of driving.
Gear, Supplies & Outdoor Shops
In Island Park
- TroutHunter — world-class fly shop, guides, tackle, and local fishing intel
- Henry's Fork Anglers — flies, gear, guided trips on the Henry's Fork
- Snowmobile and ATV rentals available seasonally
- General stores carry firewood, bug spray, sunscreen, charcoal, ice
In West Yellowstone
- Blue Ribbon Flies — fly fishing gear and guides
- Free Heel & Wheel — bike rentals and outdoor gear
- Bear spray rentals at visitor centers and outfitters
Medical, Pharmacy & Emergency Services
Island Park has no hospital, pharmacy, or urgent care.
📞 Nearest Medical
- Emergency (911) — Fremont County Sheriff; fire & EMS respond locally
- Ashton — small clinic (30 min south)
- Rexburg — Madison Memorial Hospital (75 min south)
- Idaho Falls — EIRMC, full services (90 min south)
- West Yellowstone — summer medical clinic, limited pharmacy
Bring Prescriptions & First Aid
There's no pharmacy in Island Park. Bring all prescription medications, plus a basic first-aid kit.
Cell Service & Wi-Fi
📱 Cell Coverage
- Verizon — best coverage, but still spotty off Highway 20
- AT&T — limited coverage along the highway corridor
- T-Mobile — very limited; expect dead zones
- Inside Yellowstone — almost no service except at developed areas
Download Before You Arrive
- Google Maps offline area — full Greater Yellowstone region
- AllTrails offline maps for planned hikes
- NPS Yellowstone app with offline maps and geyser predictions
- Music, podcasts, and entertainment for the drive
Packing & Preparation Tips
Kitchen & Food
- Cooler with ice packs for the drive
- Coffee and filters — nearest coffee shop is 30 min away
- Spices and cooking oil — cabins have cookware but not always pantry staples
- Reusable water bottles — tap water is safe and delicious
- Snacks for the car — Yellowstone days are long
Outdoor Essentials
- Layers — even July mornings can be 35°F
- Rain jacket — afternoon thunderstorms common June–September
- Bear spray for hiking
- Binoculars for wildlife (10x42 recommended)
- Sunscreen — 6,300 ft elevation means stronger UV
- Bug spray — mosquitoes peak in June–early July near water
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there grocery stores in Island Park?
Yes — Sam Patch Co. General Store in Island Park carries fresh produce basics, meat, pantry staples, beer & wine, and snacks. For full grocery shopping, Broulim's in St. Anthony and Dave's Jubilee in Ashton are the nearest supermarkets. Rexburg and Idaho Falls have Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club for big provisioning runs.
Is there cell service in Island Park?
Spotty. Verizon has the best coverage. Download offline maps and entertainment before arriving. Most vacation rentals have Wi-Fi.
Where's the nearest hospital?
Madison Memorial in Rexburg (75 min) or EIRMC in Idaho Falls (90 min). Small clinic in Ashton, summer clinic in West Yellowstone.
Should I fill up on gas before Island Park?
Yes. Gas is available but pricier. Fill up in Ashton or Idaho Falls. Definitely fill up before entering Yellowstone.