South Mineral

Star4.57
88 reviews

Quick Facts

9,872 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
Get Directions

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
South Mineral
$0.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season and site availability. The recreation use fees are $40 during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
6617021420
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 88 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryprivacycleanspacious

"South Mineral Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its breathtaking natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The vault toilets, in particular, are highly praised, as is the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, the gravel road leading to the campground and its first-come, first-served policy are cited as drawbacks by some."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Mineral

37.8056, -107.7751


Best Time to Camp at South Mineral

Summer days at South Mineral unfold with crisp mountain mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons, creating ideal conditions for both relaxation and exploration. As September arrives, the campground transitions into its winter character—a quieter, more contemplative experience where water taps and flush toilets hibernate until spring, leaving only the essentials for hardy cold-weather campers. Even during the dramatic monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms paint the sky with nature's power, the well-maintained vault toilets stand ready, ensuring comfort regardless of Mother Nature's mood.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5

Peak season with ideal hiking weather and fully available services; busiest time for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Early fall is beautiful but toilets/water shut down around early Sept; shorter season and cooler temps.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Before May 23 services are limited and snow/early-season conditions likely reduce access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter camping limited and services restricted; peak season is May 23–Sept 20.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23rd to September 20th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak camping season runs from May 23 through September 20.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures or campground closures due to wildfire recovery efforts may occur.

About South Mineral

Nestled in the rugged wilderness where adventure seekers gather, South Mineral Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Ice Lake Basin. This first-come, first-served mountain retreat beckons those who crave authentic backcountry experiences, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and remoteness. While the amenities remain refreshingly simple, modern touches like the convenient Scan & Pay system for site fees ensure a hassle-free arrival, letting you focus on what matters most—immersing yourself in the spectacular high country that surrounds you.
South Mineral Campground caters to various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. Group camping may also be supported, though large organized setups are not explicitly detailed.
Advertisement

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 all year.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Mineral Campground provides visitors with a variety of outdoor activities amidst stunning natural surroundings. The location is celebrated for its hiking trails, particularly the Ice Lake Trail, and fishing opportunities in the creek running through the campground. Wildlife spotting has also been noted as an occasional treat.
HikingThe campground is situated at the trailhead for the popular Ice Lake Basin hike. Visitors have called the trail stunning, with one stating, "Ice lake trail is amazing." The trailhead is bustling, serving hundreds of visitors daily, but the hike offers remarkable views that make it worthwhile.
FishingFishing opportunities include catching brook trout in the creek. "The fishing is pretty good in the creek - small but catchable brookies," shared one camper.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and even moose have been spotted by campers. One review mentioned, "We even had deer visiting our site each night!"
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bear sightings) and remote access challenges.
Active AlertsRoad closures or campground closures due to wildfire recovery efforts may occur.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at South Mineral

Reviews

4.6
88 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
South Mineral is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
South Mineral Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its breathtaking natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The vault toilets, in particular, are highly praised, as is the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, the gravel road leading to the campground and its first-come, first-served policy are cited as drawbacks by some.
Review Summaries
Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning natural scenery and proximity to the Ice Lake Trail. - Friendly and attentive camp hosts. - Immaculate vault toilets cleaned multiple times daily. - Spacious campsites with a sense of...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

- Gravel road conditions and remote location requiring preparedness. - Crowded trailhead at the Ice Lake hike entrance. - First-come, first-served system making it difficult to secure a site during...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a campsite as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. - Download the Recreation.gov mobile app and set up payment in advance to facilitate the Scan & Pay system. -...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

South Mineral Campground sees heavier crowds during the summer months, coinciding with the peak hiking season for Ice Lake Basin. Winter camping attracts fewer visitors but comes with limitations...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The vault toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen." - "Ice lake trail is amazing though." - "Absolutely incredible views." - "We even had deer visiting our site each night!" - "Perfect camping...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 was specifically mentioned as spacious and surrounded by lodgepole pine. Sites near the creek were noted for their scenic appeal, and some users appreciated the privacy provided by individual...
Show more
Based on 88 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no specific review information about accessibility features for disabled individuals.
Based on 88 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users did not explicitly mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 88 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to South Mineral? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
South Mineral