Third Creek Group Site
4.327 reviews4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA
Third Creek Group Site
$40.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Non-electric sites cost $80 per night during peak season, with an additional $40 per weekend. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Third Creek Group Site Campground, where your large gathering can find both adventure and solitude in the heart of Weston Canyon. This hidden gem comfortably hosts up to 125 guests, making it the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor celebrations. Beneath the expansive picnic shelter, your group will gather around sturdy tables and sizzling grills, sharing stories and meals as the day unfolds. With three well-maintained vault toilets, convenient potable water spigots, and a central fire pit that beckons evening gatherings under starlit skies, every amenity has been thoughtfully placed to enhance your wilderness experience.
Third Creek Group Site provides options for group camping with a focus on tent and trailer setups. It does not offer RV hookups or cabins.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Weston Canyon, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinctive palette. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the adventurous cold-weather camper. As spring emerges, wildflowers dot the meadows and temperatures climb to comfortable levels. Summer arrives with crystal-clear skies and pleasantly moderate temperatures that make for perfect camping conditions—warm days ideal for exploration give way to cool evenings around the campfire. The shoulder seasons of spring and summer offer the most inviting conditions, when nature strikes the perfect balance between comfortable weather and stunning scenery.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 5,000 feet above sea level in the scenic expanse of Weston Canyon, Third Creek offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air is crisp and refreshing without being uncomfortably thin. This sweet spot provides cooler temperatures than the valley below while remaining accessible and comfortable for campers of all ages and fitness levels.
Natural Features and SceneryThird Creek's landscape unfolds as a spacious natural amphitheater, where level ground meets the sky in an open meadow dotted with majestic pines and sturdy hardwoods. This thoughtful blend of open space and forest creates multiple environments within your campsite—sunny spots for group activities and shaded retreats for quiet moments. In winter, the area transforms into a snow-dusted paradise, while summer reveals a verdant tapestry of native grasses and wildflowers. The scattered tree canopy provides just enough shade to offer relief from the sun while maintaining those coveted mountain views that make every sunrise and sunset a memorable event.
Geological RegionNestled within the geographical wonder of Weston Canyon at 5,000 feet elevation, Third Creek occupies a unique geological niche where ancient forces carved out this perfectly level plateau. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where scattered pines and resilient hardwoods have found their foothold in the mountain soil. This open, flat terrain—a rarity in canyon country—provides an ideal foundation for group camping while the encircling forest creates a natural boundary between your wilderness retreat and the outside world. Winter snows highlight the area's contours and elevations, while the growing season reveals the rich diversity of plant life that thrives in this mountain ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is accessible via paved and gravel roads, suitable for RVs and trailers. There are no explicit mentions of wheelchair-accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe site can accommodate up to 125 people with ample room for tents and trailers. "The site is huge with lots of room to play and many options for tents and trailers," one reviewer pointed out.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a secluded experience, with one user commenting, "It is a great secluded location." Another noted that campers are "to yourself," enhancing privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for large groups due to ample space, plentiful picnic tables, and a large pavilion. Suitable for family gatherings or events.
Best CampsitesOnly one group campsite is available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified in authoritative sources.
Check-out
Not specified in authoritative sources.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights. Maximum of 14 nights total within a calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 125 people per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 125 people and features a large picnic shelter and multiple tables. "The pavilion had a lot of tables and is a really good size for a large group," one review highlighted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group site with a pavilion, fire pit, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Open layout surrounded by scattered trees and greenery.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025 (Reservable dates). Contact the ranger district for non-peak season stays, during which water is not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information provided regarding walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Changes cost $10 if the dates differ entirely from the original reservation, but no charge for adding/removing nights to the stay.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers various recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. "There are some good 4-wheeling trails if you have side-by-sides or 4-wheelers," mentioned one user. The nearby Deep Creek Reservoir provides opportunities for fishing and swimming, though swimming is restricted. "Fishing at Weston Reservoir or Deep Creek is quiet and enjoyable," noted another review.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are plentiful via the adjacent Third Creek Trailhead, which accesses the Oxford Peak Trail System. "Third Creek Trailhead is adjacent to the campground, complete with hitching racks for horses," the official description states.Fishing
Fishing is available at Deep Creek Reservoir, which offers good trout fishing. "The reservoir for fishing is close by, and it is close enough to get things from neighboring towns," noted a reviewer.Swimming
Deep Creek Reservoir allows swimming but with restrictions. One user commented, "The second [issue] is the no swimming at the nearby reservoir," emphasizing the limitations for swimming activities.Biking
Biking trails are linked to the Oxford Peak Trail System, accessible via the Third Creek Trailhead.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Deep Creek Reservoir, catering to small craft users.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible in the area, although specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
The campground sees snow in the winter, making it potentially ideal for activities like snowshoeing. Specific winter activities are not described.Water Sports
Fishing and boating are supported at Deep Creek Reservoir, though kayaking or paddleboarding is not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within the designated fire pit only.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife cautions noted. No cell service available, which could cause communication issues during emergencies.
Active alertsPotential lack of water during non-peak seasons. Contact Westside Ranger District for availability.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Westside Ranger District in Pocatello, ID (phone: 208-757-3999). Additional emergency services may be available in nearby Malad, Idaho.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. "Garbage pickup or a dumpster would be nice with bigger groups camping," noted one reviewer.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity (approximately 1 mile) to Deep Creek Reservoir offering fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsDirections to Forest Road 231 may be confusing, as mentioned by users. Some reviews noted overgrown weeds or lawns.
HostManaged by Pinnacle Parks LLC under special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Contact available at 208-757-3999, between 8 AM and 9 PM.
Campground Map
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA
Driving directionsFrom Malad, travel 3.5 miles north on I-15 to exit 17. Turn east onto Weston Highway and continue for 7 miles to Upper Deep Creek Reservoir. Turn left on Forest Road 231. Go one mile to Third Creek Group Site Campground.
Weston Highway is paved and the one-mile stretch of road to the campground is a good gravel road with easy access for RVs and trailers.Nearby places
Malad, Idaho (12 miles northeast)
Weston, Idaho (approximately 7 miles west)
Pocatello, Idaho (approximately 50 miles southeast).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained from nearby towns such as Malad, Idaho (12 miles northeast).
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Third Creek Group Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground’s spaciousness, cleanliness, and secluded nature. The average sentiment is positive, with features like clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Key positives include well-maintained vault toilets, spacious grounds, and the pavilion for group activities. "Everything was as explained on the website," one user stated, adding that the pavilion...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include overgrown grass and limited swimming options at the reservoir. "The weeds/lawn area was a bit overgrown," noted one review.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own games and planning activities due to limited on-site recreational options. "There is nothing to do here unless you bring your own games," advised one reviewer.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, the campground is noted for its greenery and pleasant atmosphere. Winter usability is limited due to snow and the lack of water availability during the non-peak season.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The bathrooms didn’t smell at all, which was surprising and the bugs were bearable," noted one user. "The site is huge with lots of room to play," added another.
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Reviews are specific to the group site, with the pavilion and fire pit frequently praised. "The large pad around the fire pit was great," noted one reviewer.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features such as suitable roads for RVs and trailers are mentioned, but there are no explicit reviews from users with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically address pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025