Montpelier Canyon Campground
4.1020 reviews322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Montpelier Canyon Campground
$13.00 - $13.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$13.00
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
Peak season rates for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $13 per night. Out of season reservations are not available.
About this campground
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the forest, Montpelier Canyon Campground invites you to disconnect and embrace the simplicity of nature. This intimate, rustic retreat sits alongside the gentle murmur of Montpelier Creek, where towering willows create natural privacy screens between campsites. While you won't find modern amenities like running water here, you'll discover something better: authentic wilderness camping with vault toilets and gravel access roads that lead you away from the crowds. The compact layout makes this hideaway perfect for tent campers and small RVs seeking solitude rather than sprawling spaces.
The Montpelier Canyon Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, though the sites are better suited to smaller setups due to their size. Two sites are designated as tent-only, and the rustic nature of the campground makes it ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the canyon into a sun-dappled paradise, where warm days invite creek-side relaxation and gentle mountain breezes keep evenings comfortable. The typically dry conditions make it ideal for stargazing and campfire gatherings. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the willows and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags. Cloud-covered skies often bring moderate snowfall, creating a serene atmosphere for those brave enough to experience the canyon's quieter season.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet in the mountain air, this high-country haven offers naturally cooled temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer heat. The elevation gifts visitors with crisp, clean air and panoramic views that stretch across the forested ridgelines, while nights bring that special mountain chill that makes campfire conversations and hot cocoa all the more memorable.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a private sanctuary here, where dense willow thickets form living walls that muffle the outside world and create an intimate camping atmosphere. Montpelier Creek winds through the campground like a liquid lullaby, its waters singing campers to sleep each night. Just moments away, the shimmering expanse of Montpelier Reservoir beckons anglers and boaters to try their luck in its fish-filled depths, adding aquatic adventures to your forest retreat.
Geological RegionDeep within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this 6,400-foot sanctuary occupies a special niche where Montpelier Creek has carved its path through the landscape. The dense willow groves that characterize this area tell the story of centuries of water flow and rich soil deposits, creating a lush riparian corridor that stands in beautiful contrast to the surrounding mountain terrain. This unique ecosystem represents a perfect meeting point between water and forest, offering campers a front-row seat to one of nature's most harmonious partnerships.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and rustic, potentially limiting their suitability for larger RVs and trailers. One user noted, 'The spaces are too small for the newer travel trailers, be good for tent camping.'
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer a good degree of privacy due to dense vegetation and willow stands. As one camper described, 'Nice privacy with woods and a creek next to us.' Another stated, 'My spot had a creek running behind my tent spot and there is plenty to explore around the campground.'
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers are recommended to use sites closer to the creek for scenic views (e.g., #013), while larger groups may need to carefully organize space due to site size limitations.
Best CampsitesCampsite #13 is highly praised for its privacy and proximity to a creek: "Beautiful with wildflowers blooming and a small stream nearby." (Janene A., 2022).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Sites are small and rustic
- likely suitable for single families or small groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall and rustic layout surrounded by dense vegetation. Narrow roads and gravel parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 - September 1 (peak season). Out of season reservations not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation is not explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before the scheduled arrival date, with a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. Montpelier Creek offers opportunities to fish for rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout, and the nearby Montpelier Reservoir provides additional fishing and boating options. The natural surroundings include dense willow stands and a creek running alongside the campground, which enhance wildlife viewing and exploration opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the surrounding areas, with one user highlighting nearby dirt trails suitable for vehicles as well. While there are no specific trails listed, the natural setting provides spaces for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Montpelier Creek and the nearby Montpelier Reservoir. Anglers can catch rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. As one reviewer noted, 'Great fishing in Montpelier Reservoir just up the road.'Biking
Biking is noted as an activity at nearby Bear Lake, which is a 35-minute drive from the campground. No specific biking trails within the campground were mentioned.Boating
Boating is available at Montpelier Reservoir, which is within five miles of the campground. A boat ramp is provided at the reservoir.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is facilitated by the natural creek-side setting and dense vegetation, making it an enjoyable activity for campers.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
Limited to boating and fishing at the nearby Montpelier Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are Highway noise may persist until 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsGuests should be cautious of narrow roads and low-hanging trees, which may pose challenges for large vehicles. Wildlife caution is advised.
Active alertsNo drinking water available. Campers must bring their own.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.4 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
Closest to Montpelier (~5 minutes by car), which should have emergency services like hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1, annually.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresMontpelier Creek runs through the campground, and Montpelier Reservoir is within a short drive (~5 miles).
Common complaints"Spaces are too small for newer travel trailers." (Ken Lloyd, 2021). "Bathrooms were okay—not the cleanest..." (Kilina Roach, 2023).
Campground Map
322 N 4TH, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Driving directionsThe campground is located three miles east of Montpelier, Idaho, on U.S. Highway 89.
Located directly off Highway 89, providing easy access. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel. Larger RVs and trailers may have difficulty maneuvering due to narrow driveways and dense vegetation.Nearby places
Montpelier (3 miles, ~5 minutes)
Bear Lake (35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Montpelier (~5 minutes drive) offers supplies including groceries and fuel. Other necessities can likely be found there.
Camper Reviews
4.1
20 reviews
Montpelier Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Montpelier Canyon Campground highlight its rustic and peaceful nature but note limitations such as small site sizes and a lack of water facilities. It is particularly favored by solo campers and tent campers for its quiet, secluded atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include 'beautiful views and the stars were so beautiful,' 'nice privacy with woods and a creek next to us,' and 'great fishing in Montpelier Reservoir just up the road.' The...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints focus on the small size of campsites, making them challenging for large RVs, trailers, or groups. Additionally, the lack of drinking water and broken water spigots are...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and consider the campground's small size when planning their visit. Solo and tent campers are likely to have the best experience here. As one reviewer...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season (May to September) sees the best weather and the highest visitation, with campers enjoying fishing, boating, and stargazing. Off-season visits may not be possible due to reservation...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'I LOVE this campground. It’s 25 minutes from Bear Lake and that’s the point. You won’t have to deal with large groups of people.' 2. 'Nice, quiet campground! We were tent camping and it was...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #13 is frequently mentioned positively for its beauty and proximity to a stream. Site #8 is appreciated for its quiet and creek-side location but noted for a broken water spigot.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews were mentioned.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025