How much does camping cost at South Mineral?

Camping fees at South Mineral range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Mineral first-come first-served or reservation?

South Mineral accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Mineral before I book?

Yes! South Mineral has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit South Mineral?

South Mineral is open May 22 to September 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at South Mineral?

South Mineral does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at South Mineral?

Pets are not allowed at South Mineral. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at South Mineral?

South Mineral offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

South Mineral

4.48

88 reviews

Top 5%Summer

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

9,872 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,872 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

South Mineral

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

South Mineral

37.8056, -107.7751

Weather at South Mineral

Current alerts(2)

Fall/Winter Season starts soon.The reduced rate is $20.00/night. The restroom will remain open but trash services are discontinued during this time."Pack It In-Pack It Out".
Water will not be available during the fall season. Please bring all the water you will need for the duration of your stay.

Best Time to Camp at South Mineral

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at this high‑alpine site — expect crisp mornings around 30–45°F and pleasantly warm afternoons in the 60s to low 70s°F. Trails to Ice Lake Basin, fishing in alpine streams, waterfalls and abundant wildflowers (peak mid‑July) are all at their prime, and wildlife viewing is excellent. The campground is open May 23–Sept 20 so services are available, but plan for busy weekends and early fill on this first‑come, first‑served site. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in US

Peak season with wildflowers, warm afternoons and full access to trails/amenities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak camping season runs from May 23 through September 20.

About South Mineral

South Mineral sits at high elevation in San Juan National Forest, serving as the trailhead camp for the popular Ice Lake Basin hike. The U.S. Forest Service operates this seasonal alpine campground along South Mineral Creek, where spacious sites offer privacy among spruce and aspen. Campers fish the creek, photograph wildflowers in mid-July, and return from day hikes to attentive camp hosts who maintain spotless vault toilets.

South Mineral Campground caters to various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. Group camping may also be supported, though large organized setups are not explicitly detailed.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather at this high‑alpine site — expect crisp mornings around 30–45°F and pleasantly warm afternoons in the 60s to low 70s°F. Trails to Ice Lake Basin, fishing in alpine streams, waterfalls and abundant wildflowers (peak mid‑July) are all at their prime, and wildlife viewing is excellent. The campground is open May 23–Sept 20 so services are available, but plan for busy weekends and early fill on this first‑come, first‑served site. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9872 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-alpine basin framed by San Juan peaks, with a creek running through the property. Lodgepole pines provide shade across the sites. Waterfalls are visible from camp, and wildflowers peak in mid-July. The creek holds native trout for anglers willing to work for them. At nearly 10,000 feet, the setting delivers big views and thin air.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings, cabins, or yurts available within the campground. Camping is the sole accommodation style here.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is available.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground all year.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app for first-come, first-served sites during the peak season. Physical arrival is mandatory to claim a site.

Site SizeReviews highlight spacious campsites that allow for privacy, with some sites particularly large and accommodating.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious and well-separated, providing an element of privacy: "Campsites are not crammed together" and "some sites are very private.

Recommended SitesCampers recommend selecting sites near the creek for privacy and scenic views.

Best CampsitesSite #1 gets mentioned for its size and proximity to the creek. Reviews note that some sites offer better privacy than others, but specific site numbers beyond #1 aren't called out in the feedback.

Need help booking South Mineral?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

The South Mineral Campground provides basic amenities suited for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate its remoteness and connection to nature. It features no cellular service, and camp hosts are noted for their friendly demeanor, maintaining cleanliness at the vault toilets, and being available for assistance. "Vault toilets are super clean" and "the cleanest vaults I have ever seen" were remarks made by visitors. The campground is known for its beautiful surroundings and proximity to a creek and hiking trails. "The fishing is pretty good in the creek - small but catchable brookies," noted one visitor. Picnic tables are available at campsites, and recreational options like hiking and fishing nearby make it a favorite among campers. However, some reviews mentioned the road's gravel condition and difficulty in accessing spots during peak seasons.

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

South Mineral Campground provides visitors with a variety of outdoor activities amidst stunning natural surroundings. The location is celebrated for its hiking trails, particularly the Ice Lake Trail, and fishing opportunities in the creek running through the campground. Wildlife spotting has also been noted as an occasional treat.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not offer flush toilet facilities. However, "vault toilets are super clean and the cleanest vaults I have ever seen," which indicates high maintenance and cleanliness standards.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

88 reviews

Recommended

South Mineral is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

South Mineral Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its breathtaking natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The vault toilets, in particular, are highly praised, as is the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, the gravel road leading to the campground and its first-come, first-served policy are cited as drawbacks by some.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning natural scenery and proximity to the Ice Lake Trail. - Friendly and attentive camp hosts. - Immaculate vault toilets cleaned multiple times daily. - Spacious campsites with a sense of...

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

- Gravel road conditions and remote location requiring preparedness. - Crowded trailhead at the Ice Lake hike entrance. - First-come, first-served system making it difficult to secure a site during...

Based on 88 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 was specifically mentioned as spacious and surrounded by lodgepole pine. Sites near the creek were noted for their scenic appeal, and some users appreciated the privacy provided by individual...

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a campsite as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. - Download the Recreation.gov mobile app and set up payment in advance to facilitate the Scan & Pay system. -...

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

South Mineral Campground sees heavier crowds during the summer months, coinciding with the peak hiking season for Ice Lake Basin. Winter camping attracts fewer visitors but comes with limitations...

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The vault toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen." - "Ice lake trail is amazing though." - "Absolutely incredible views." - "We even had deer visiting our site each night!" - "Perfect camping...

Based on 88 reviews