How much does camping cost at Thompson Flat?

Camping fees at Thompson Flat are $8 - $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Thompson Flat first-come first-served or reservation?

Thompson Flat 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 Thompson Flat before I book?

Yes! Thompson Flat 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 Thompson Flat?

Thompson Flat is open July 13 to September 30. 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 Thompson Flat?

Thompson Flat does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Thompson Flat have?

Thompson Flat has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Thompson Flat?

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

What amenities are available at Thompson Flat?

Thompson Flat offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Thompson Flat?

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

Thompson Flat

Q: Can I have a campfire at Thompson Flat?

Fire policies at Thompson Flat: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

78 reviews

2306 Hiland Ave, Burley, ID, 83318, USA

Top 6% in IDFall

C-Report Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Idaho

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$8 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Peak season begins J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

$8 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Peak season begins J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Thompson Flat

$8.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00; S&P Double: $16.00; S&P Single: $8.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $16.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

208-678-0430

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Campground Map

2306 Hiland Ave, Burley, ID, 83318, USA

Thompson Flat

2306 Hiland Ave, Burley, ID, 83318, USA

Nearby places

Declo (Approx. 18 miles), Albion (Approx. 18 miles), Burley, ID (Approx. 23 miles)

Weather at Thompson Flat

Current alerts(5)

Campground is normally snow-covered and closed until after July 4
Click here for more information on the Sawtooth National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Thompson Flat

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest, most dramatic mountain scenery—expect crisp days (highs around 40–60°F) and cool nights (20s–30s) with brilliant aspen and mixed-conifer color against Mount Harrison’s granite face. Trails and lakes are quiet after the summer crowds, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding, though you should watch for early snow and wear blaze orange during local big-game hunting periods. Cooler temperatures also make longer bike rides and shoreline fish-h Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in ID

Fall is highlighted as best season for dramatic mountain scenery and brilliant aspen/mixed-conifer color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 13 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season begins July 13 and ends September 30 (reservable dates). Campground may be snow-covered and closed until after July 4.

About Thompson Flat

Thompson Flat sits high in the Sawtooth National Forest near Declo, Idaho, with quick access to Lake Cleveland and hiking trails on Mount Harrison. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Visitors come for fall color, quiet trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a high-elevation alpine setting.

Thompson Flat Campground supports primitive camping with no water, electricity, or sewer hookups. Tent, RV, and group camping are available. "Group Standard Nonelectric" sites accommodate up to 64 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest, most dramatic mountain scenery—expect crisp days (highs around 40–60°F) and cool nights (20s–30s) with brilliant aspen and mixed-conifer color against Mount Harrison’s granite face. Trails and lakes are quiet after the summer crowds, making hiking, wildlife viewing and photography especially rewarding, though you should watch for early snow and wear blaze orange during local big-game hunting periods. Cooler temperatures also make longer bike rides and shoreline fish-h Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMount Harrison's eastern face looms above the campground, its granite slopes catching light throughout the day. The setting blends meadows with pine and fir stands at elevation, and Lake Cleveland sits a short drive uphill. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in season. The surrounding Albion Range shows signs of past glacial carving. Gentle topography for high country, though some campsites have noticeable slants that challenge larger rigs over 30 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at Thompson Flat Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo structured cultural or educational programs are known to be provided at Thompson Flat Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific details provided about maximum guests per site for individual campsites.

Groups

Three group sites are available, accommodating between 40 to 64 people. Reservations are required for these sites.

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, its app, or the contact center.

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible. Gravel roads and parking spurs may challenge campers with mobility restrictions.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, offering plenty of room for campers, as per Michelle Ekins (2020). However, some slants and tight spaces may pose challenges for larger rigs (30'+), as noted by Corey House (2022).

PrivacySites provide good separation between neighbors. "Large space between campsites" was highlighted by Joyce A H (2020). Loop A and Loop C are noted for privacy.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesFor large rigs, spots like 2 may not be suitable due to slanting driveways. Loop C is noted for first-come availability, while A and B loops appear reserved for group sites.

Best CampsitesLoop C gets recommended for first-come camping. Site 4 offers privacy and good access. Group sites are spacious. Loop A also has a reputation for separation between neighbors, though Joyce A H's 2020 review noting "large space between campsites" applies broadly. Most sites here give you breathing room.

Need help booking Thompson Flat?

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

The drinking water system is not currently operable, a new well installation is planned; call the Minidoka District Office at 208-678-0430 for latest information on drinking water availability

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Thompson Flat

Thompson Flat offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and wildlife viewing. Lake Cleveland, located two miles away, features options for fishing and canoeing. The campground is situated near several trails for mountain biking, hiking, and off-road vehicles.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking supported locally, including lift-served biking opportunities noted nearby.

Boating3.0/5

Boating/canoeing available at Lake Cleveland two miles away; campground not lakeside.

Water Sports3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (8,400 ft) and remote Sawtooth Forest setting imply excellent dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Mount Harrison, granite slopes, fall color and wildflower meadows create many photographic opportunities.

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided. Cleanliness varies depending on maintenance schedules.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability appears to depend on the provider, as mentioned by John W (2020): "On AT&T we had cell service." Other reviews do not confirm the consistency of service.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

78 reviews

Satisfactory

Thompson Flat is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and spacious sites but point out significant issues with maintenance, including unclean vault toilets and reservation enforcement problems. The average sentiment for camping reviews is 4.142.

Review Summaries

Based on 78 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 78 reviews.

Site 19 (Loop C)Loved
Site 19 (Loop C) is noted for its slanted driveway, making leveling difficult for larger trailers, while Site 20 is praised for its privacy (Joyce A H, 2020).
Loop AIssues noted
Loop A sites often face issues with unauthorized reservations (Cammy G, 2020).

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the campground's tranquility, scenic views, and proximity to Lake Cleveland. "Love this campground!" states Megan Godley (2021). "Beautiful hiking trails and Lake Cleveland...

Based on 78 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of water, poorly maintained vault toilets, and confusion with reserved sites. "Bathrooms were awful... feces and bugs EVERYWHERE!" expressed Monica R (2022)....

Based on 78 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance. Bring your own water and toilet paper, as amenities are limited. Loop C is recommended for first-come, first-served sites, according to David Smeeth (2023).

Based on 78 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly recommended for visiting due to the changing leaves and cooler temperatures. Summer reviews indicate comfortable weather but note potential maintenance issues with vault toilets.

Based on 78 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Love this campground!" (Megan Godley, 2021); "There is a section of campgrounds that can be reserved and another that is first come. I recommend making a reservation." (Courtney Peterson, 2023);...

Based on 78 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are accessible, but gravel roads may pose challenges for campers with mobility restrictions. No additional accessibility features were noted in user reviews.

Based on 78 reviews

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Thompson Flat

$8.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00; S&P Double: $16.00; S&P Single: $8.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $16.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-678-0430

Go if

You want alpine scenery, lake access, and solitude during shoulder season and can pack your own water.

Skip if

You need potable water on-site or rely on strictly enforced reservation boundaries.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.8

(21)

Twin Lakes Campground (Sawtooth)

null

Twin Lakes Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Sawtooth National Forest, a mile from Lake Cleveland. This very small wooded site offers vault toilets, fire rings, and horse corrals for riders exploring nearby trails. Reviewers praise the proximity to the lake and the tree cover, though some note tight spacing and restroom upkeep issues during busy periods.

Thompson Flat

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Weather at Thompson Flat

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Best Time to Camp at Thompson Flat

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