Mill Canyon Campground
03 reviews410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276
Mill Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
The campground charges $8 per night during the main season (Late May to Early September), and there is no fee after the season ends. During the off-season, there are no toilets, no water, and the campground closes with snow.
About this campground
Escape to Mill Canyon Campground, where ten intimate campsites await beneath a canopy of whispering pines and quaking aspens. This hidden gem along the Blackfoot River rewards adventurous souls with the kind of profound quiet that's become increasingly rare. Here, your closest neighbors are likely to be deer stepping through morning mist rather than other campers. Whether you're casting a line into the river's cool waters or simply savoring the absence of cell phone signals, Mill Canyon delivers the authentic wilderness experience that draws people to Idaho's high country.
The campground is primarily designed for tent and small trailer camping with a total of 10 single-family sites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations.
Weather and SeasonsWhen summer heat bakes the valleys below, Mill Canyon becomes a natural refuge, consistently running 15 degrees cooler than nearby Pocatello. July and August bring perfect camping weather, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons ideal for riverside exploration. As autumn arrives, the aspen groves burst into golden flames against evergreen backdrops, creating some of the region's most photographed scenery. Winter transforms this peaceful retreat into an inaccessible wonderland buried under deep mountain snow, forcing the campground to close until spring's return melts away the white blanket.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Mill Canyon occupies that sweet spot where the air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that nurtures wildflower meadows and provides welcome relief from lower-altitude heat. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine resin and wild herbs, while nighttime temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gathering a cherished evening ritual.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering ponderosa pines frame glimpses of the meandering Blackfoot River. In summer, carpets of Indian paintbrush and lupine splash color across forest clearings, while the gentle murmur of river water provides nature's own soundtrack. The interplay of light through aspen leaves creates an ever-changing dance of shadows, and patient observers might spot elk grazing at dawn or hear the haunting call of great horned owls after dark. This thriving ecosystem showcases the Caribou-Targhee National Forest at its most enchanting.
Geological RegionMill Canyon lies within the vast Caribou-Targhee National Forest, specifically in the diverse landscapes of the Montpelier Ranger District. This corner of southeastern Idaho showcases classic Rocky Mountain forest ecology, where ancient geological forces have carved river valleys through pine-covered ridges. The Blackfoot River, flowing gently past the campground, has spent millennia shaping this landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures while remaining wonderfully undiscovered by the masses.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are intended for single-family use and can accommodate tents and small trailers.
Sites PrivacyDescribed as quiet and offering lots of solitude and privacy due to the campground's remote location.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features gravel roads and parking spurs, and the sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Late May to Early September with no water, first-come, first-served. The site remains open after this timeframe until snowfall, but no amenities are provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mill Canyon Campground offers a mix of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Blackfoot River provides opportunities for fishing, while trails for hiking and horseback riding are accessible nearby.
Fishing
The Blackfoot River is a short walk from the campground and offers fishing opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout.Winter Activities
Not mentioned.Water Sports
Not applicable as the campground does not support water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings. Visitors must ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving.
Hazards
General hazardsFlying insects during summer months can be bothersome; visitors are advised to bring insect repellent. Lack of potable water requires campers to bring their own supply.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The Soda Springs District Office is located at 410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276, approximately 26 miles away. Phone: (208) 547-4356
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash as no garbage service exists.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Blackfoot River, which is suitable for fishing and provides a scenic backdrop.
Common complaintsFlying insects are frequently mentioned by visitors as a nuisance. The overgrown condition of campsites is also noted by some.
Campground Map
410 Hooper Ave, Soda Springs, ID 83276
Driving directionsFrom Soda Springs, ID, travel east on ID-34 for 11.8 miles. Turn right onto Blackfoot River Road and continue for 13.7 miles. Then, turn left and proceed 0.5 miles to the campground.
The last 2.7 miles to the campground are on gravel roads. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved conditions, especially during adverse weather.Nearby places
Soda Springs (26 miles / approximately 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Soda Springs, ID, 26 miles away. Additionally, an RV waste station with potable water is located in Soda Springs on US Rt. 30 at the intersection of 2nd South and 2nd East.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Mill Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely praise the solitude and natural beauty of the campground, though some note the overgrown nature of campsites and the prevalence of bugs.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the quiet and remote location. For example, one review states, 'Had a great time camping here for the Great American Eclipse. At $8 a night I was shocked we were the only ones...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers mentioned the overgrown condition of campsites and the presence of bugs: 'Camp spots are pretty overgrown, but the bathroom was well maintained,' and 'The creek through the campground...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing insect repellent due to the prevalence of bugs and carrying enough water as none is available on-site. One user suggests: 'Just be sure to bring your OFF and you'll be...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During the peak season (late May to early September), the campground offers basic facilities at $8 per night. Outside this season, it remains open but without fees or toilets, and closes entirely...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'At $8 a night I was shocked we were the only ones there. Perfect but bring your own water.' - Rita Schmid
2. 'It was 15 degrees cooler at Mill Canyon than in Pocatello. Great mid-summer getaway!'...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews do not mention specific site numbers within the campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-related policies.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025