Mill Creek Campground
03 reviewsMill Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10 per night for single units. Discounts available with Senior and Access Passes.
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About this campground
Tucked along the legendary Custer Motorway near Challis, Mill Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's rugged backcountry. This hidden gem features eight thoughtfully spaced single campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring for those quintessential campfire evenings, plus one spacious group site perfect for family gatherings or outdoor clubs. While ATVs must stick to the Forest Roads beyond camp boundaries, the real adventure here unfolds on foot or by fishing rod. With vault toilets and a hand-operated water pump providing the essentials, this pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground strips away modern distractions. Cast a line for rainbow trout in the babbling waters of Mill Creek, or use the camp as your basecamp for exploring the extensive motorized trail network that winds its way to Bayhorse Lake and beyond.
Mill Creek Campground features 8 individual sites and one group camping site. Accommodations cater to both tent and RV camping. Primitive facilities like vault toilets and a hand pump for water are available.
Historical SignificanceJourney back in time along the historic Custer Motorway, where interpretive signs reveal tales of Idaho's mining boom and the intrepid souls who carved this route through the wilderness. This scenic byway serves as both your path to adventure and a living museum, with Mill Creek Campground offering a peaceful rest stop where modern explorers can reflect on the prospectors, pioneers, and Native peoples who once traversed these ancient trails.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into a camper's paradise, with the campground welcoming visitors from June through September when wildflowers dot the meadows and warm days give way to cool, star-filled nights. While winter blankets the region in snow and freezing temperatures, the camping season offers ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, bringing occasional summer rain showers that enhance the forest's pine-scented air and keep Mill Creek flowing strong for eager anglers. Pack layers for chilly mornings and warm afternoons, and don't forget rain gear for those dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll through the peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryMill Creek's crystal-clear waters dance through the campground, creating a natural soundtrack for your stay while harboring prized rainbow trout that tempt anglers at dawn and dusk. Towering pines and firs provide a verdant canopy overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. The surrounding landscape reveals itself in layers - from the intimate creek-side setting to distant peaks that glow amber in the evening light, creating a photographer's dream and a nature lover's sanctuary.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Salmon-Challis National Forest, Mill Creek Campground sits at the heart of Idaho's geological wonderland. This rugged terrain, sculpted by ancient volcanic activity and millennia of erosion, creates the perfect habitat for native rainbow trout in its pristine streams. The historic Custer Motorway threads through this dramatic landscape, connecting adventurers to a network of trails and hidden treasures while showcasing the raw beauty that defines central Idaho's mountain country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information regarding accessibility features for disabled campers.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 8 standard sites and one larger group site.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on site privacy, but the campground's small size may offer a quieter experience.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
The larger group site can accommodate multiple campers, but exact details about capacity or vehicles allowed are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of eight single camping units and one larger group site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 1st to September 30th
Walk-in AvailabilityNo reservations, first-come-first-served basis
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
Campers can engage in a variety of activities like fishing for rainbow trout in Mill Creek and exploring nearby motorized trails. ATV use is allowed on Forest Roads but restricted within the campground. There is no mention of additional recreational activities like swimming, biking, or cultural programs.
Fishing
Rainbow trout fishing is available in Mill Creek, situated conveniently near the campground.Winter Activities
No information provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
No details about water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNo garbage collection service is available, requiring guests to pack out all trash.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo garbage collection is available. Campers must pack out all garbage.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Mill Creek, a known location for rainbow trout fishing.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Challis, turn west up main street from Highway 93. Continue until pavement ends, stay right on dirt road to Custer Motorway (070). Stay on Motorway, campground is 8 miles from the pavement end (approximately 14 miles from Challis). Turn left into campground entrance off of the motorway. This is part of the historic Custer Motorway; look for the interpretive signs along the road!
Road access requires travel on a dirt road after pavement ends. The campground is located along the Custer Motorway, and travelers should look out for interpretive signs along the road.Nearby places
Challis, approximately 14 miles
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Mill Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's scenic beauty, basic but functional amenities, and quiet surroundings. Users appreciate the vault toilets and the hand pump for water.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's scenery ('Gorgeous campground with an amazing view'), accessibility ('Absolutely excellent campground'), and basic amenities ('Pump water and vault toilets....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
There are no explicit complaints in the available reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to come prepared due to the lack of garbage collection services and limited amenities. Bringing all essentials, including drinking water and waste disposal supplies, is...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are noted in user reviews, but the campground is open from June 1 to September 30, suggesting summer and early fall are popular times.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Gorgeous campground with an amazing view. Will be back!' - Kelly Chashchin.
2. 'Absolutely excellent campground. Pump water and vault toilets. Just like it should be. Pleasant surroundings.' -...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or areas within the campground are highlighted in reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025