Montpelier Canyon Campground

Star3.89
52 reviews
322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

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

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Montpelier Canyon Campground
$13.00 - $13.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $13 per night. Out of season reservations are not available.
Standard Site Fee$13.00
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

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Provider
541-351-1182
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What Campers Say

3.89

Mixed Reviews

Based on 52 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacylake

Some mention

small

"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."

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Campground Map

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

Montpelier Canyon Campground

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

Driving directionsThe campground is located three miles east of Montpelier, Idaho, on U.S. Highway 89.
Located directly off Highway 89, providing easy access. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel. Larger RVs and trailers may have difficulty maneuvering due to narrow driveways and dense vegetation.
Nearby places
Montpelier (3 miles, ~5 minutes)
Bear Lake (35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Montpelier (~5 minutes drive) offers supplies including groceries and fuel. Other necessities can likely be found there.

Best Time to Camp at Montpelier Canyon Campground

Summer transforms the canyon into a sun-dappled paradise, where warm days invite creek-side relaxation and gentle mountain breezes keep evenings comfortable. The typically dry conditions make it ideal for stargazing and campfire gatherings. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the willows and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags. Cloud-covered skies often bring moderate snowfall, creating a serene atmosphere for those brave enough to experience the canyon's quieter season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 23–Sept 1; warm days, fishing, boating nearby and excellent stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only through Sept 1; early fall can be pleasant but access is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 23; spring visits generally not possible via reservation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed out of season; reservations not available in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 1, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 1 (peak season). Out of season reservations not available.
  • Current Alerts: No drinking water available. Campers must bring their own.

About Montpelier Canyon Campground

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the forest, Montpelier Canyon Campground invites you to disconnect and embrace the simplicity of nature. This intimate, rustic retreat sits alongside the gentle murmur of Montpelier Creek, where towering willows create natural privacy screens between campsites. While you won't find modern amenities like running water here, you'll discover something better: authentic wilderness camping with vault toilets and gravel access roads that lead you away from the crowds. The compact layout makes this hideaway perfect for tent campers and small RVs seeking solitude rather than sprawling spaces.
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.
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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding areas, with one user highlighting nearby dirt trails suitable for vehicles as well. While there are no specific trails listed, the natural setting provides spaces for exploration.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Montpelier Creek and the nearby Montpelier Reservoir. Anglers can catch rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. As one reviewer noted, 'Great fishing in Montpelier Reservoir just up the road.'
BikingBiking is noted as an activity at nearby Bear Lake, which is a 35-minute drive from the campground. No specific biking trails within the campground were mentioned.
BoatingBoating is available at Montpelier Reservoir, which is within five miles of the campground. A boat ramp is provided at the reservoir.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is facilitated by the natural creek-side setting and dense vegetation, making it an enjoyable activity for campers.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGuests should be cautious of narrow roads and low-hanging trees, which may pose challenges for large vehicles. Wildlife caution is advised.
Active AlertsNo drinking water available. Campers must bring their own.
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.

Weather at Montpelier Canyon Campground

Reviews

3.9
52 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #13 is frequently mentioned positively for its beauty and proximity to a stream. Site #8 is appreciated for its quiet and creek-side location but noted for a broken water spigot.
Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned.
Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews were mentioned.
Based on 52 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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