Mill Creek Campground (Co)

Star2.89
85 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$7 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mill Creek Campground (Co)
$7.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Sites are $7 per night for first-come-first-served campers during off-season and $20 per night for reservable sites during peak season. Payment is...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(970) 642-4953jlovelac@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

2.89

Mixed Reviews

Based on 85 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

"User reviews for Mill Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the peaceful environment, excellent facilities, and accessibility to nearby attractions. Cleanliness of the vault toilets and potable water hand pumps were particularly praised. Visitors appreciated the secluded campsites and scenic views."

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Campground Map

Mill Creek Campground (Co)

37.9073, -107.3928

Driving directionsFrom Lake Highway, take highway 149 south for about 2 miles. Turn right onto County Road 30 and continue for about 10.5 miles. Mill Creek Campground is on the left, over the bridge.
Road access is described as maintained gravel. Beyond the campground, 4x4 is recommended. Seasonal access is June through September. Variable weather and summer thunderstorms should be anticipated.
Nearby places
Lake City is 14 miles northeast, approximately a 30-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Lake City offers groceries and gas, but prices are noted as higher than average ($5 for milk, $1 more for gas compared to larger CO stations). Some RV facilities nearby offer showers for $5.

Best Time to Camp at Mill Creek Campground (Co)

Mountain weather here dances to its own rhythm, with afternoon thunderstorms rolling through summer skies like clockwork, bringing dramatic cloud formations and the fresh scent of rain-washed pine. Late May through September unveils Mill Creek at its finest, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and crystal-clear days reveal endless blue skies. For the hardy souls who venture here in winter, the campground transforms into a pristine wonderland, offering challenging but rewarding cold-weather camping amid snow-laden forests.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 26–Sep 30; summer is peak season though afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; fewer crowds and aspen color enhance fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening on May 26 means spring (pre-open) is not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground officially closed outside May 26–Sep 30 despite occasional winter reports.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 26 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 26 through September 30.
  • Current Alerts: Bear sightings have been reported in user reviews. No current official alerts are listed.

About Mill Creek Campground (Co)

Escape to Mill Creek Campground, where towering spruce and fir trees mingle with shimmering aspens to create a natural sanctuary deep in the San Juan Mountains. This remote BLM-managed gem offers primitive camping at its finest, drawing adventurers who seek solitude beneath ancient forest canopies. Perched along the legendary Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, Mill Creek serves as your gateway to world-class hiking trails and thrilling OHV routes that wind through some of Colorado's most spectacular high country.
Mill Creek Campground offers a mix of camping options tailored primarily for tent campers and medium-sized RVs. It is a primitive campground with no modern facilities such as electricity or showers.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly listed.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly listed.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mill Creek Campground offers an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and nearby 14,000-foot peaks.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with nearby trails leading to three 14,000-foot peaks. The area also allows access to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway.
FishingFishing is available along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, with a dedicated fishing access trail provided. A nearby Lake San Cristobal offers additional fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a noted activity, with several reviews mentioning sightings of moose, deer, and other animals. Seasonal wildflowers also add to the natural experience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears in the area, high-altitude sickness, variable weather, and summer thunderstorms.
Active AlertsBear sightings have been reported in user reviews. No current official alerts are listed.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEvery campsite includes a bear-proof food storage box.

Weather at Mill Creek Campground (Co)

Reviews

2.9
85 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mill Creek Campground (Co) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Mill Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the peaceful environment, excellent facilities, and accessibility to nearby attractions. Cleanliness of the vault toilets and potable water hand pumps were particularly praised. Visitors appreciated the secluded campsites and scenic views.
Review Summaries
Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the campground’s cleanliness, the availability of bear-proof food storage, and the peaceful and scenic environment. The proximity to the Alpine Loop and other recreational...
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Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted the lack of cell phone service and showers. A few reviews mentioned struggles with driving tent stakes due to hard ground.
Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early during peak season to secure a site, as the campground operates on a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Bringing a hammer for tent stakes is...
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Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping, with visitors enjoying the warm weather and access to recreational activities. Late September offers fewer crowds. Seasonal wildlife sightings,...
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Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest pit toilets I have ever seen - smell was clean too!!" (Robert Wagner, 2021). "Costs a whopping $7/night and has the coldest, most fresh well water and the cleanest bathrooms you could...
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Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Notable sites include those near the river, which provide relaxing views and fishing access. Spacious sites for 40' RVs are very limited, with only 2-3 suitable options.
Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as bear boxes and well-maintained roads were appreciated. Some sites may be less suitable for larger RVs due to limited space.
Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not specifically mentioned in reviews.
Based on 85 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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