South Mineral
4.6835 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Peak camping season ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Peak camping season ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSouth 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
Total Campsite Fees$40.00
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What Campers Say
4.68
Top-Rated
Based on 35 reviews
98 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"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."
Fees & Passes at South Mineral
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground all year.
Cancellation: Changes ahead of arrival date incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made before check-in date refund minus ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away—and not just from the altitude. South Mineral Campground sits in a natural amphitheater where towering peaks frame cascading waterfalls, their mist catching the morning light like scattered diamonds. Majestic lodgepole pines create a living cathedral overhead, their evergreen spires reaching skyward while providing welcome shade for your campsite. The melodic soundtrack of the adjacent creek accompanies your stay, its crystal-clear waters offering patient anglers the chance to test their skills against native trout. This is where Instagram-worthy vistas meet soul-stirring wilderness, creating memories that last long after you've returned home.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeReviews highlight spacious campsites that allow for privacy, with some sites particularly large and accommodating.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious and well-separated, providing an element of privacy: "Campsites are not crammed together" and "some sites are very private."
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommend selecting sites near the creek for privacy and scenic views.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground all year.
Groups
There is no specific information about group site details such as size or vehicle limits.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes shaded and spacious sites surrounded by mature lodgepole pines.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak camping season runs from May 23 through September 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app for first-come, first-served sites during the peak season. Physical arrival is mandatory to claim a site.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served during the peak season from June 20th to September 20th.
Cancellation PolicyChanges ahead of arrival date incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made before check-in date refund minus a $10 cancellation fee and prior reservation fees.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching brook trout in the creek. "The fishing is pretty good in the creek - small but catchable brookies," shared one camper.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Winter camping is possible but limited due to the seasonal closure of facilities such as vault toilets and water taps. Visitors should note that even in winter, a $15 fee is charged, which was highlighted as a downside in reviews.Water Sports
No specific water sport activities like kayaking or canoeing are reported.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Stage I fire restrictions may occur, but campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are Generators are typically turned off by 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife (bear sightings) and remote access challenges.
Active alertsRoad closures or campground closures due to wildfire recovery efforts may occur.
Weather at South Mineral
28
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23rd to September 20th.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided on trash and recycling facilities. However, the campground is consistently described as clean and well-maintained by visitors.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to a creek known for fishing brook trout.
Common complaintsComplaints include high nightly fees ($30-$40), occasional issues with access roads, and difficulty finding available sites.
HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness to cleanliness and vault toilets.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
35 reviews
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 35 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...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
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.
-...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There is no specific review information about accessibility features for disabled individuals.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users did not explicitly mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 35 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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