Mill Canyon Campground

3.50

7 reviews

410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from Late May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from Late May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Canyon Campground

$0.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $8 per night during the main season (Late May to Early September), and there is no fee after the season ends. During the...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(208) 547-4356

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.50

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

"User reviews largely praise the solitude and natural beauty of the campground, though some note the overgrown nature of campsites and the prevalence of bugs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276

Mill Canyon Campground

410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276

Driving directionsFrom Soda Springs, ID, travel east on ID-34 for 11.8 miles. Turn right onto Blackfoot River Road and continue for 13.7 miles. Then, turn left and proceed 0.5 miles to the campground.

The last 2.7 miles to the campground are on gravel roads. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved conditions, especially during adverse weather.

Nearby places

Soda Springs (26 miles / approximately 40 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Soda Springs, ID, 26 miles away. Additionally, an RV waste station with potable water is located in Soda Springs on US Rt. 30 at the intersection of 2nd South and 2nd East.

Best Time to Camp at Mill Canyon Campground

When summer heat bakes the valleys below, Mill Canyon becomes a natural refuge, consistently running 15 degrees cooler than nearby Pocatello. July and August bring perfect camping weather, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons ideal for riverside exploration. As autumn arrives, the aspen groves burst into golden flames against evergreen backdrops, creating some of the region's most photographed scenery. Winter transforms this peaceful retreat into an inaccessible wonderland buried under deep mountain snow, forcing the campground to close until spring's return melts away the white blanket.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Opens late May–Sept; runs ~15°F cooler than valleys — ideal summer camping months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens and cooler temps likely make fall scenic; site open until snowfall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens late May; late spring is good but early spring access/amenities are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closes with snowfall; no winter amenities and limited access reported.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from Late May to Early September with no water, first-come, first-served. The site remains open after this timeframe until snowfall, but no amenities are provided.

About Mill Canyon Campground

Escape to Mill Canyon Campground, where ten intimate campsites await beneath a canopy of whispering pines and quaking aspens. This hidden gem along the Blackfoot River rewards adventurous souls with the kind of profound quiet that's become increasingly rare. Here, your closest neighbors are likely to be deer stepping through morning mist rather than other campers. Whether you're casting a line into the river's cool waters or simply savoring the absence of cell phone signals, Mill Canyon delivers the authentic wilderness experience that draws people to Idaho's high country.

The campground is primarily designed for tent and small trailer camping with a total of 10 single-family sites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.

Weather and SeasonsWhen summer heat bakes the valleys below, Mill Canyon becomes a natural refuge, consistently running 15 degrees cooler than nearby Pocatello. July and August bring perfect camping weather, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons ideal for riverside exploration. As autumn arrives, the aspen groves burst into golden flames against evergreen backdrops, creating some of the region's most photographed scenery. Winter transforms this peaceful retreat into an inaccessible wonderland buried under deep mountain snow, forcing the campground to close until spring's return melts away the white blanket.

ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Mill Canyon occupies that sweet spot where the air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that nurtures wildflower meadows and provides welcome relief from lower-altitude heat. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine resin and wild herbs, while nighttime temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gathering a cherished evening ritual.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering ponderosa pines frame glimpses of the meandering Blackfoot River. In summer, carpets of Indian paintbrush and lupine splash color across forest clearings, while the gentle murmur of river water provides nature's own soundtrack. The interplay of light through aspen leaves creates an ever-changing dance of shadows, and patient observers might spot elk grazing at dawn or hear the haunting call of great horned owls after dark. This thriving ecosystem showcases the Caribou-Targhee National Forest at its most enchanting.

Geological RegionMill Canyon lies within the vast Caribou-Targhee National Forest, specifically in the diverse landscapes of the Montpelier Ranger District. This corner of southeastern Idaho showcases classic Rocky Mountain forest ecology, where ancient geological forces have carved river valleys through pine-covered ridges. The Blackfoot River, flowing gently past the campground, has spent millennia shaping this landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures while remaining wonderfully undiscovered by the masses.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features gravel roads and parking spurs, and the sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeSites are intended for single-family use and can accommodate tents and small trailers.

PrivacyDescribed as quiet and offering lots of solitude and privacy due to the campground's remote location.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mill Canyon Campground offers a mix of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Blackfoot River provides opportunities for fishing, while trails for hiking and horseback riding are accessible nearby.

FishingThe Blackfoot River is a short walk from the campground and offers fishing opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlying insects during summer months can be bothersome; visitors are advised to bring insect repellent. Lack of potable water requires campers to bring their own supply.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated rings. Visitors must ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving.

Emergency ServicesThe Soda Springs District Office is located at 410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276, approximately 26 miles away. Phone: (208) 547-4356

Trash & RecyclingCampers must pack out all trash as no garbage service exists.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the Blackfoot River, which is suitable for fishing and provides a scenic backdrop.

Weather at Mill Canyon Campground

Reviews

3.5

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Mill Canyon Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews largely praise the solitude and natural beauty of the campground, though some note the overgrown nature of campsites and the prevalence of bugs.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the quiet and remote location. For example, one review states, 'Had a great time camping here for the Great American Eclipse. At $8 a night I was shocked we were the only ones...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned the overgrown condition of campsites and the presence of bugs: 'Camp spots are pretty overgrown, but the bathroom was well maintained,' and 'The creek through the campground...

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing insect repellent due to the prevalence of bugs and carrying enough water as none is available on-site. One user suggests: 'Just be sure to bring your OFF and you'll be...

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season (late May to early September), the campground offers basic facilities at $8 per night. Outside this season, it remains open but without fees or toilets, and closes entirely...

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'At $8 a night I was shocked we were the only ones there. Perfect but bring your own water.' - Rita Schmid 2. 'It was 15 degrees cooler at Mill Canyon than in Pocatello. Great mid-summer getaway!'...

Based on 7 reviews