Mcmillan Spring Campground

4.25

14 reviews

McMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Water is available s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Water is available s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mcmillan Spring Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No minimum fee; pay what you feel your experience is worth. Fee paid on-site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

435-542-3461utrfmail@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadewell-maintained

"McMillan Spring Campground is highly rated among its visitors, with an average sentiment score of 4.8 specific to campgrounds. It is described as a peaceful and secluded area, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat amidst nature."

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Campground Map

McMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA

Mcmillan Spring Campground

McMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 12, take Notom Road south for 15 miles to the Sandy Ranch Junction, then 15 miles east to the campground.

Driving directions indicate a remote journey: "Not the easiest to get to, probably why it’s so nice!" Roads may require careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles and horse trailers.

Nearby places

Hanksville: approximately 30 miles, other nearby population centers not listed.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely found in Hanksville, UT, which is the nearest town.

Best Time to Camp at Mcmillan Spring Campground

At this lofty elevation, McMillan Spring enjoys a refreshingly cool climate that provides welcome relief from desert heat below. The campground experiences characteristically dry mountain weather with gentle summer temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Morning mists often give way to crystal-clear afternoons ideal for photography and exploration. While the area receives modest precipitation, the seasonal spring feeds the campground's water system from May through September, coinciding perfectly with peak camping season. Autumn brings crisp nights and golden days that paint the landscape in spectacular colors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Cool high-elevation climate provides relief from desert heat; potable water May–Sep.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Increased usage in fall for big game hunting; scenery and solitude remain draws.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring conditions vary; water typically becomes available in May, early spring uncertain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Likely snow at 8,400 ft; seasonal water unavailable and no winter info in reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water is available seasonally, typically from May through September. Suitable seasons for camping may align with this water availability.

About Mcmillan Spring Campground

Perched high in the Henry Mountains at 8,400 feet, McMillan Spring Campground offers a serene escape into a pristine Ponderosa Pine forest. This intimate nine-site campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sweeping vistas and cool mountain air. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Seasonal potable water flows from May through September, while well-maintained restrooms ensure comfort during your stay. For equestrian adventurers, the campground features corrals, livestock water access, and dedicated horse troughs, making it a favored destination for riders exploring the high country. Come fall, the campground transforms into a premier staging ground for big game hunters seeking the abundant wildlife that roams these elevated forests.

McMillan Spring Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground suitable for tent camping. It is also designed for visitors with horses, offering horse-friendly facilities like corrals, livestock water, and a trough. There are nine individual sites.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of McMillan Spring Campground may be modest, these ancient forests have long served as a natural crossroads for wildlife and those who seek solitude in the high country. The timeless Ponderosa Pines standing sentinel over the campground have witnessed countless seasons and stories of mountain life.

Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, McMillan Spring enjoys a refreshingly cool climate that provides welcome relief from desert heat below. The campground experiences characteristically dry mountain weather with gentle summer temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Morning mists often give way to crystal-clear afternoons ideal for photography and exploration. While the area receives modest precipitation, the seasonal spring feeds the campground's water system from May through September, coinciding perfectly with peak camping season. Autumn brings crisp nights and golden days that paint the landscape in spectacular colors.

ElevationRising to an impressive 8,400 feet above sea level, McMillan Spring Campground occupies a commanding position in the Henry Mountains. This significant elevation creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain breezes whisper through towering pines and the air carries a crisp clarity found only in high places. The altitude offers more than just cooler temperatures—it provides access to expansive panoramic views that stretch across the Colorado Plateau, revealing a tapestry of canyons, mesas, and distant mountain ranges that seem to go on forever.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanting world where majestic Ponderosa Pines create a natural cathedral of dappled light and shadow across McMillan Spring's spacious flat terrain. This heavily forested sanctuary attracts an impressive array of wildlife—from curious deer browsing at dawn to the occasional glimpse of more elusive mountain residents. The campground's elevated position on its expansive flat creates an amphitheater of views that will leave photographers reaching for their cameras at every turn. As darkness falls, the absence of light pollution transforms the campground into a stargazer's paradise, where the Milky Way blazes across the night sky in breathtaking clarity. The combination of towering pines, sweeping vistas, and abundant wildlife creates an immersive mountain experience that lingers long after you've returned home.

Geological RegionMcMillan Spring Campground claims its place within the remarkable Henry Mountains, one of the last-mapped mountain ranges in the continental United States. This isolated range rises dramatically from the surrounding desert landscape, creating a sky island ecosystem where Ponderosa Pine forests flourish on broad, gently sloping flats. The campground's unique position on one of these elevated plateaus offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological drama of the Colorado Plateau, where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and diversity. The volcanic origins of the Henry Mountains have blessed the area with rich soils that support the lush pine forests, creating a verdant oasis high above the arid lands below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNine sites spread across a flat area within a Ponderosa Pine forest. Corrals are easily accessible from several sites.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground is first come, first serve, and does not take reservations." All sites are walk-up.

Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-serve; no reservations available.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for McMillan Spring Campground.

Site SizeThe campground consists of nine sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches. Site dimensions are not specified.

PrivacyThe campground has a secluded character as noted in reviews like: "Beautiful campground & secluded!

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesCamping near the corrals may be ideal for horse owners. Sites provide easy access to amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The McMillan Spring Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. It is a popular destination for big game hunters in the fall. "You can easily make it to Ellen Peak for a quick two-hour hike," one reviewer noted. Another suggested hiking Mt. Ellen for its "astounding, expansive views."

HikingVisitors can hike to Ellen Peak, a two-hour hike from the campground, and Mt. Ellen, which offers expansive views. Reviewer highlights include: "Few places afford such astounding, expansive views."

Wildlife viewingThe campground is frequented by various wildlife, as noted by reviewers. One described it as "heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various wildlife."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the remote location and challenging access roads. Wildlife such as deer and potentially big game are present.

Weather at Mcmillan Spring Campground

Reviews

4.3

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Mcmillan Spring Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

McMillan Spring Campground is highly rated among its visitors, with an average sentiment score of 4.8 specific to campgrounds. It is described as a peaceful and secluded area, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat amidst nature.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects of the campground include its seclusion, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities. "This is a wonderful campground heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints are noted in the reviews. Accessibility to the campground might be challenging for some, as one reviewer noted, "not the easiest to get to probably why it’s so nice."

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend hiking to Ellen Peak and Mt. Ellen for their scenic views. One user suggested: "By camping here, you can easily make it to Ellen Peak for a quick two-hour hike."

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground sees increased usage in the fall, especially by big game hunters. It remains relatively secluded for the rest of the year.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a wonderful campground heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various wildlife." (Brooks Lindberg) "Very nice camp ground secluded in the Henry mountains with vault toilets,...

Based on 14 reviews