Mink Creek Group Site Campground

4.78

43 reviews

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Family Friendly

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

5,217 ft

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens May 24 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Pinnacle Parks LLC under permit by Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,217 ft

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens May 24 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Pinnacle Parks LLC under permit by Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mink Creek Group Site Campground

$40.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates are $80.00 per night during the peak season and $40.00 per night during non-peak season. An additional $40.00 weekend fee applies during peak...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-757-3999

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What Campers Say

4.78

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

"User reviews highlight the campground's spacious layout, excellent amenities, and suitability for large gatherings. The site's accessibility and cleanliness are frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Mink Creek Group Site Campground

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE

Driving directionsTake exit 63 off I-15 just south of Pocatello. Follow the brown 'Mink Creek Recreation Area' signs to Bannock Highway for 2 miles, then turn left up Mink Creek Canyon. Go 7 miles south on Bannock Highway, past Bannock Guard Station, to the campground.

The road to the campground is paved, allowing easy access for RVs and cars.

Nearby places

Pocatello (12 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Pocatello, ID, approximately 12 miles away, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Mink Creek Group Site Campground

From May through September, Mink Creek transforms into a summer paradise where warm days give way to cool mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. The moderate temperatures during these months create ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the aspens paint the mountainsides in brilliant golds before winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow. While the colder months bring freezing temperatures and a hushed, snow-covered wonderland, the campground's peak season remains those glorious summer months when wildflowers bloom and the creek runs full with snowmelt.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May–Sept is peak season; reviews highly praise summer gatherings and comfort.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; aspens and mountain scenery make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Season opens May 24 so only late spring access; fewer activities/reviews in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; limited winter reviews reference nearby Nordic center only.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 24, 2025 - September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 24 and closes October 31, with peak season running from May 24 to September 7.

About Mink Creek Group Site Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Bannock Mountain Range, just a scenic 12-mile drive from Pocatello, Mink Creek Group Site Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of wilderness adventure and modern convenience. This beloved destination has earned its reputation among groups and families who return year after year, drawn by its thoughtfully designed accessible facilities and the tranquil beauty of its mountain setting. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout outing, or gathering of friends, this highly-rated campground provides the ideal basecamp for creating lasting memories in southeastern Idaho's stunning backcountry.

The campground is designed as a group site accommodating a range of setups, including tents, RVs, and trailer camping.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Mink Creek transforms into a summer paradise where warm days give way to cool mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. The moderate temperatures during these months create ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the aspens paint the mountainsides in brilliant golds before winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow. While the colder months bring freezing temperatures and a hushed, snow-covered wonderland, the campground's peak season remains those glorious summer months when wildflowers bloom and the creek runs full with snowmelt.

Natural Features and SceneryThe gentle murmur of Mink Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, as its crystal-clear waters wind through a majestic grove of towering ponderosa pines that offer both shade and shelter. The surrounding mountainsides create a natural amphitheater adorned with stands of quaking aspens that shimmer in the breeze and evergreen pines that perfume the air with their distinctive scent. This diverse ecosystem attracts an enchanting array of birdlife – watch for the brilliant flash of Mountain Bluebirds darting between branches or catch sight of tiny Calliope Hummingbirds, North America's smallest birds, as they hover near wildflowers. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a living landscape that changes with each passing hour, from misty mornings to golden sunsets.

Geological RegionThe Bannock Mountain Range of southeastern Idaho serves as a dramatic backdrop for this exceptional camping experience, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of rugged beauty and ecological diversity. Here, groves of stately ponderosa pines stand sentinel alongside dancing aspens, creating a tapestry of textures and colors that shifts with the seasons. This unique mountain ecosystem supports a remarkable variety of birdlife, making it a paradise for nature photographers and birdwatchers eager to spot everything from the iridescent Mountain Bluebird to the jewel-like Calliope Hummingbird among the forest canopy.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 200 people per group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 200 people and includes features like a pavilion, parking area, and other amenities suitable for large gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle group site featuring paved parking area, picnic pavilion, fire pit, and vault toilets.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by contacting the facility at 208-757-3999.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited information available; advance reservations are recommended as 'reservations fill up fast' per user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside original dates incur a $10 fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include paved roads for easy access by RVs and cars, an accessible picnic pavilion, and two accessible vault toilets.

Site SizeThe group site accommodates up to 200 people and provides ample space for tents, RVs, and other camping setups.

PrivacyUser reviews have consistently described the site as 'quiet and private' with ample parking space.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for large gatherings or wedding venues, as it includes a 40x80-foot pavilion, 12 picnic tables, and electrical outlets.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of recreational activities, particularly birding, wildlife viewing, and trail-based activities accessible from the site. The West Fork Mink Creek Trail is particularly popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

HikingThe West Fork Mink Creek Trail begins just outside the campground and is frequented by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Additional trails include Corral Creek Trail and Valve House Trail, which reviewers have praised for their accessibility and scenic views.

BikingMountain biking is supported on nearby trails such as the West Fork Mink Creek Trail.

Wildlife viewingThe site is known for its rich birdlife, including species such as Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, Green-tailed Spotted Towhees, and Calliope Hummingbirds. Wildlife viewing is a favored activity among visitors.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo firewood available, pack-it-out garbage policy; potential wildlife interactions due to forest location.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within the large fire ring provided at the site.

Emergency ServicesThe campground is located within 12 miles of Pocatello, ID, which provides access to hospitals, police stations, and other emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage service is not provided, and campers must adhere to a pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated along Mink Creek, which adds to its natural appeal.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available and supplemented by periodic sheriff patrols.

Weather at Mink Creek Group Site Campground

Reviews

4.8

43 reviews

Top-Rated

Mink Creek Group Site Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's spacious layout, excellent amenities, and suitability for large gatherings. The site's accessibility and cleanliness are frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the well-maintained facilities, ample parking, and amenities such as the pavilion with electricity and night lighting. Users also appreciated features like security from a...

Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted fast-filling reservations and the lack of on-site garbage service and firewood availability.

Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include booking reservations early due to high demand and bringing your own firewood and garbage disposal solutions.

Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground sees high praise during warmer months for group gatherings and weddings. Winter reviews are less frequent but highlight proximity to the nearby Nordic Center for skiing.

Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms, drinking fountain, covered picnic tables, grills, and a Creek are available for use.' - Joseph Seidel 2. 'Approximately 30 minutes from Pocatello and the forest service has done a...

Based on 43 reviews