How much does camping cost at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Camping fees at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mill Creek Trailhead & 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 Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground before I book?

Yes! Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground has 6 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 Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground is open No specific peak season pricing dates mentioned.. 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 Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Fire policies at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground: No explicit fire policies provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground have?

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Popular activities at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

3.63

8 reviews

Top 18% in IDSpring

Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

7,231 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from May 20 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,231 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from May 20 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Passes offer a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Nearby places

Mackay: approximately 35 miles and about 1 hour drive

Arco: approximately 63 miles and about 1.5 hours drive

Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 south of Mackay 7 miles to the Pass Creek Road. Turn left on the Pass Creek Road. Follow this road 28 miles to the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Turn left on the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Follow this road 0.2 miles to the Sawmill Canyon Road. Turn right on the Sawmill Canyon Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Road. Turn right on the Mill Creek Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Trailhead. From Arco: Take US Highway 20/26 south of Arco 8 miles to State Highway 22/33. Turn left on State Highway 22/33. Follow this road 16 miles to Howe. Continue straight through Howe onto the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Follow this road 37 miles to the Sawmill Canyon Road. Turn right on the Sawmill Canyon Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Road. Turn right on the Mill Creek Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Trailhead.

The campground is accessible via multiple roads, including Pass Creek Road, Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road, and Sawmill Canyon Road. Directions indicate a mix of paved and unpaved roads. No information is provided on seasonal closures, but the remote location suggests caution.

Weather at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. July sees daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Creek flows run full early in the season, and wildflowers peak in midsummer. Long daylight hours make it ideal for hiking and fishing. Mid-May offers near-total solitude if you can handle cooler temperatures. Winter buries the area in snow, limiting access but creating pristine conditions for those equipped to handle serious cold.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable conditions; July highs in 60s–70s°F, campground open and pleasant.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season pricing dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 20 to September 30.

About Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground sits at 7,231 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, offering six primitive sites for $5 per night. The campground hugs Mill Creek in a quiet forest setting with vault toilets, a hitching rail, and unloading ramp. No potable water. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness and lack of crowds.

Mill Creek Campground offers primitive camping with limited facilities. The campsites cater to tent camping, and the rustic amenities align with a self-sufficient camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. July sees daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Creek flows run full early in the season, and wildflowers peak in midsummer. Long daylight hours make it ideal for hiking and fishing. Mid-May offers near-total solitude if you can handle cooler temperatures. Winter buries the area in snow, limiting access but creating pristine conditions for those equipped to handle serious cold.

ElevationElevation details not provided.

Natural Features and SceneryMill Creek runs through dense coniferous forest, the water moving over rocks between campsites shaded by tall trees. The surrounding landscape shifts from thick forest cover near camp to alpine meadows at higher elevations. Trails from the campground lead to Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows, where wildflowers bloom seasonally across open terrain. The geology here tells old mountain stories through peaks and valleys carved over millennia.

Geological RegionDeep within the majestic Salmon-Challis National Forest, Mill Creek Campground occupies a special corner of Idaho's vast wilderness. This forested haven sits where mountain ecosystems converge, creating diverse habitats along Mill Creek's winding path. The surrounding landscape tells ancient geological stories through its peaks and valleys, while nearby treasures like Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail, the pristine waters of Mill Creek Lake, and the open expanse of Firebox Meadows showcase the region's remarkable variety—from dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers.

Scenic ViewsThe wooded campground provides serene views of Mill Creek and surrounding forest areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned in the sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned as part of the campground's offerings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limits mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No official guest limitations mentioned.

Groups

Group camping facilities are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix sites spread through the forest along the creek. Spacing and terrain details aren't documented.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; no specific platforms mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information available about walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyNo information provided.

AccessibilityThe campground provides an accessible vault toilet and an unloading ramp, catering to basic accessibility needs.

Site SizeThe campground consists of six campsites, but specific size dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described for the campsites.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend visiting in May for fewer crowds and enjoyable creek activities.

Need help booking Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Mill Creek Campground offers a simple, rustic camping experience with six campsites in a wooded area along Mill Creek. The site includes one accessible vault toilet, a hitching rail, and an unloading ramp. Potable water is not available, and there are no shower facilities, flush toilets, or other modern amenities. This minimalistic setup is designed for self-sufficient campers.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Mill Creek Campground can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving. The nearby Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail and Mill Creek Lake offer additional recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards mentioned; however, absence of water and emergency services suggests campers should prepare accordingly.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.6

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the tranquility, cleanliness, and scenic beauty of the campground. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds and its proximity to outdoor attractions like Mill Creek Lake and Barney Hot Springs.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers emphasize the cleanliness of the vault toilet, the quiet and uncrowded nature of the campground, and the scenic environment. Matthew Rellaford stated, 'This is one of the best campsites...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend combining a camping trip with visits to nearby attractions such as Barney Hot Springs and Mill Creek Lake.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is quieter and less populated in mid-May, as noted by Matthew Rellaford: 'We were the only people there mid-May.'

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Adele Adams: 'Clean camp area and restroom. Loved it!' 2. Matthew Rellaford: 'This is one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to. It has the perfect combination of beauty and lack of people.'

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible vault toilet and unloading ramp are mentioned, but no direct user feedback on accessibility experiences is provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One review mentions a dog enjoying the nearby creek, indicating that pets are likely allowed ('The nearby creek was a lot of fun for my little boys and dog'). Specific pet policies are not detailed.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Hikers and anglers who pack in all their water and want a quiet base for the Mill Creek Lake Trail or a side trip to Barney Hot Springs. Reviewers consistently call it uncrowded and remarkably clean for a vault-toilet-only site.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and the nearest town (Mackay) is an hour away, so anyone not set up for fully self-sufficient backcountry camping will feel the gaps fast.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(18)

Timber Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Timber Creek Campground sits at 8,000 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, where two creeks converge in a mixed conifer forest. The campground has 12 sites with vault toilets and potable water, charging $5 per night (cash or check only). Access requires navigating a long gravel road with potholes, so bring a spare tire.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

(91)

Meadow Lake Campground

PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Meadow Lake Campground sits at 9,160 feet in Salmon-Challis National Forest, a high-elevation alpine site near Leadore with lake access for fishing and boating. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent and RV sites plus group options, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for the alpine scenery and trailhead access, though the lack of a camp host means maintenance and noise enforcement can be inconsistent.

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Less Visited

2.1

(20)

Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead

Big Eightmile Creek, 14 miles west of Leadore, Idaho

Big Eightmile Campground sits at 7,546 feet along Big Eightmile Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering 10 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The campground provides access to hiking and biking trails through creek canyons and forested terrain. Fair warning: multiple reviewers report the access road is rough enough to damage vehicles and trailers, so scout it first without your rig or plan to creep in at 5 mph.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(7)

Hawley Creek Lower Campground

null

Hawley Creek Lower Campground sits at 6,732 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Leadore, offering four primitive sites for campers seeking quiet and good fishing. The campground provides access to Hawley Creek and a nearby reservoir, plus a spur trail that connects to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. No amenities, no fees, no crowds.

4 campsites

Primitive

36.122 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.6

(7)

Reservoir Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Reservoir Creek Campground sits at 6,886 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest with just two primitive sites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and access to a vault toilet. There's no water, no trash service, and fees are unknown. Reviews average 5.0 stars from seven campers.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

4.1

(20)

Loristica Group Campground

P.O. BOX 507, MACKAY, ID 83251, USA

Loristica Group Campground sits high in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, Idaho, offering a secluded alpine setting for group reservations. Managed through Recreation.gov, this primitive site features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables surrounded by aspen groves that blaze gold in early fall. Groups come for day hikes, wildlife viewing, and quiet nights under clear mountain skies.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Mill Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Mill Creek Campground sits at 7,503 feet along the historic Custer Motorway in Salmon-Challis National Forest, about 20 miles from Challis. The campground has eight single sites and one group site, all with picnic tables and fire rings. It's a pack-it-in, pack-it-out operation with vault toilets and a hand pump for water. Fees run $10 per night.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Mill Creek Campground and Trailhead consists six camp sites available in a wooded setting along scenic Mill Creek. There is one accessible vault toilet, hitching rail, and unloading ramp.  No Water is available. Nearby areas of interest include Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail, Mill Creek Lake and Firebox Meadows.</p>

Open Season: 5/20