How much does camping cost at Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Montpelier Canyon Campground are $13/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Montpelier Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Montpelier Canyon Campground 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 Montpelier Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Montpelier Canyon Campground has 26 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 Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Montpelier Canyon Campground is open May 22 to September 06. 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 Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Montpelier Canyon Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Montpelier Canyon Campground have?

Montpelier Canyon Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Montpelier Canyon Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Montpelier Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Montpelier Canyon Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Montpelier Canyon Campground

3.75

52 reviews

322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

C-Report Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Montpelier Canyon Campground

$13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $13.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $13.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

Montpelier Canyon Campground

322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

Nearby places

Montpelier (3 miles, ~5 minutes)

Bear Lake (35 minutes)

Weather at Montpelier Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Montpelier Canyon Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access and comfortable weather at 6,400 ft — expect warm, sunny days in the 65–85°F range and cool nights around 35–50°F. Creeks are low and clear, making fishing, creekside relaxation, hiking and stargazing excellent; wildlife viewing is active in the mornings and evenings. Weekdays are quiet, weekends draw moderate local crowds, and the campground’s rustic, limited sites fill up on popular summer weekends. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sept; best access and weather (65–85°F days) with active recreation and stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 1 (peak season). Out of season reservations not available.

About Montpelier Canyon Campground

Montpelier Canyon Campground sits in mid-elevation Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Montpelier, Idaho, with creekside sites and access to Montpelier Reservoir fishing. Managed by Recreation.gov, this small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, and primitive options with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the wooded privacy, stargazing, and proximity to Bear Lake.

The Montpelier Canyon Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, though the sites are better suited to smaller setups due to their size. Two sites are designated as tent-only, and the rustic nature of the campground makes it ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access and comfortable weather at 6,400 ft — expect warm, sunny days in the 65–85°F range and cool nights around 35–50°F. Creeks are low and clear, making fishing, creekside relaxation, hiking and stargazing excellent; wildlife viewing is active in the mornings and evenings. Weekdays are quiet, weekends draw moderate local crowds, and the campground’s rustic, limited sites fill up on popular summer weekends. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation6400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMontpelier Creek carved this riparian corridor through the forest, leaving behind thick willow stands that create natural privacy screens between sites. The lush vegetation contrasts with the surrounding mountain terrain. Montpelier Reservoir sits just up the road, offering fishing and boating access. One camper described it as "beautiful with wildflowers blooming and a small stream nearby."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites are small and rustic
likely suitable for single families or small groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites are described as small and rustic, potentially limiting their suitability for larger RVs and trailers. One user noted, 'The spaces are too small for the newer travel trailers, be good for tent camping.

PrivacyThe sites offer a good degree of privacy due to dense vegetation and willow stands. As one camper described, 'Nice privacy with woods and a creek next to us.' Another stated, 'My spot had a creek running behind my tent spot and there is plenty to explore around the campground.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers are recommended to use sites closer to the creek for scenic views (e.g., #013), while larger groups may need to carefully organize space due to site size limitations.

Best CampsitesSite 13 gets praise for privacy and proximity to the creek, with wildflowers blooming nearby in summer. Reviewers note that sites with creeks running behind them offer the best privacy, buffered by woods and willow stands. Avoid this campground entirely if you're pulling a newer travel trailer.

Need help booking Montpelier Canyon Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Montpelier Canyon Campground

Campers can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. Montpelier Creek offers opportunities to fish for rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, and the nearby Montpelier Reservoir provides additional fishing and boating options. The natural surroundings include dense willow stands and a creek running alongside the campground, which enhance wildlife viewing and exploration opportunities.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Boating3.5/5

Hiking3.0/5

Nearby dirt trails and surrounding forested terrain cited; hiking available but not a primary draw.

Water Sports3.0/5

Reservoir nearby supports small-boat/kayak activity though not onsite.

Biking2.0/5

Biking mentioned at Bear Lake (~35 min drive); not a close/on-site amenity.

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Good opportunities: creek, willow stands, forest, wildlife and strong night-sky photography.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

52 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Reviews for Montpelier Canyon Campground highlight its rustic and peaceful nature but note limitations such as small site sizes and a lack of water facilities. It is particularly favored by solo campers and tent campers for its quiet, secluded atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 52 reviews.

Site #8Loved
Site #8 is appreciated for its quiet and creek-side location but noted for a broken water spigot.
Site #13Mentioned
Site #13 is frequently mentioned positively for its beauty and proximity to a stream.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'beautiful views and the stars were so beautiful,' 'nice privacy with woods and a creek next to us,' and 'great fishing in Montpelier Reservoir just up the road.' The...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints focus on the small size of campsites, making them challenging for large RVs, trailers, or groups. Additionally, the lack of drinking water and broken water spigots are...

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and consider the campground's small size when planning their visit. Solo and tent campers are likely to have the best experience here. As one reviewer...

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (May to September) sees the best weather and the highest visitation, with campers enjoying fishing, boating, and stargazing. Off-season visits may not be possible due to reservation...

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I LOVE this campground. It’s 25 minutes from Bear Lake and that’s the point. You won’t have to deal with large groups of people.' 2. 'Nice, quiet campground! We were tent camping and it was...

Based on 52 reviews

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Montpelier Canyon Campground

$13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $13.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $13.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.