Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground
02 reviewsMill Creek Trailhead & Campground
Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
Single site fee is $5 per night. Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Passes offer a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payments accepted via cash or check.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a tranquil forest setting, Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground invites adventurers to experience the peaceful rhythm of mountain life. Six intimate campsites nestle among towering trees, where the gentle murmur of Mill Creek creates nature's perfect soundtrack. While this backcountry gem keeps things simple—offering an accessible vault toilet, hitching rail, and unloading ramp for your gear—it's the absence of modern distractions that makes it special. Without potable water on-site, campers come prepared and leave transformed by the authentic wilderness experience.
Mill Creek Campground offers primitive camping with limited facilities. The campsites cater to tent camping, and the rustic amenities align with a self-sufficient camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Mill Creek in different hues. Spring arrives gently in May, bringing mild temperatures and an almost meditative solitude—seasoned visitors cherish mid-May's peaceful atmosphere when you might have the entire campground to yourself. July transforms the forest into a warm, sun-dappled retreat perfect for creek-side relaxation. Winter wraps the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the cold.
ElevationElevation details not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryMill Creek weaves its way through dense forest, creating a natural sanctuary where ancient trees stand sentinel over moss-covered ground. The crystal-clear waters babble past your campsite, inviting quiet contemplation or adventurous exploration. Just beyond your tent, trails beckon toward spectacular destinations—the shimmering expanse of Mill Creek Lake, the scenic Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail winding through diverse terrain, and the wildflower-dotted expanse of Firebox Meadows, where nature puts on seasonal displays of color.
Geological RegionDeep within the majestic Salmon-Challis National Forest, Mill Creek Campground occupies a special corner of Idaho's vast wilderness. This forested haven sits where mountain ecosystems converge, creating diverse habitats along Mill Creek's winding path. The surrounding landscape tells ancient geological stories through its peaks and valleys, while nearby treasures like Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail, the pristine waters of Mill Creek Lake, and the open expanse of Firebox Meadows showcase the region's remarkable variety—from dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides an accessible vault toilet and an unloading ramp, catering to basic accessibility needs.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of six campsites, but specific size dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described for the campsites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend visiting in May for fewer crowds and enjoyable creek activities.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No official guest limitations mentioned.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of six campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 20 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available; no specific platforms mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information available about walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyNo information provided.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Mill Creek Campground can engage in a variety of outdoor activities. These include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving. The nearby Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail and Mill Creek Lake offer additional recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is available with nearby trails such as the Mill Creek Lake National Recreation Trail providing scenic routes for day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby river/stream and lake/pond, though the specific types of fish are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the highlighted activities, with opportunities to observe local plants and animals.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned as available activities at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policies provided.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned; however, absence of water and emergency services suggests campers should prepare accordingly.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season pricing dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside Mill Creek, with nearby Mill Creek Lake.
Common complaintsNo complaints noted in official sources or user reviews.
Campground Map
Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground
Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 south of Mackay 7 miles to the Pass Creek Road. Turn left on the Pass Creek Road. Follow this road 28 miles to the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Turn left on the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Follow this road 0.2 miles to the Sawmill Canyon Road. Turn right on the Sawmill Canyon Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Road. Turn right on the Mill Creek Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Trailhead. From Arco: Take US Highway 20/26 south of Arco 8 miles to State Highway 22/33. Turn left on State Highway 22/33. Follow this road 16 miles to Howe. Continue straight through Howe onto the Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road. Follow this road 37 miles to the Sawmill Canyon Road. Turn right on the Sawmill Canyon Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Road. Turn right on the Mill Creek Road. Follow this road to the Mill Creek Trailhead.
The campground is accessible via multiple roads, including Pass Creek Road, Little Lost/Pahsimeroi Road, and Sawmill Canyon Road. Directions indicate a mix of paved and unpaved roads. No information is provided on seasonal closures, but the remote location suggests caution.Nearby places
Mackay: approximately 35 miles and about 1 hour drive
Arco: approximately 63 miles and about 1.5 hours drive
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the tranquility, cleanliness, and scenic beauty of the campground. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds and its proximity to outdoor attractions like Mill Creek Lake and Barney Hot Springs.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers emphasize the cleanliness of the vault toilet, the quiet and uncrowded nature of the campground, and the scenic environment. Matthew Rellaford stated, 'This is one of the best campsites...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints were mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend combining a camping trip with visits to nearby attractions such as Barney Hot Springs and Mill Creek Lake.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is quieter and less populated in mid-May, as noted by Matthew Rellaford: 'We were the only people there mid-May.'
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. Adele Adams: 'Clean camp area and restroom. Loved it!'
2. Matthew Rellaford: 'This is one of the best campsites I’ve ever been to. It has the perfect combination of beauty and lack of people.'
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or recommendations are provided for individual campsites.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The accessible vault toilet and unloading ramp are mentioned, but no direct user feedback on accessibility experiences is provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One review mentions a dog enjoying the nearby creek, indicating that pets are likely allowed ('The nearby creek was a lot of fun for my little boys and dog'). Specific pet policies are not detailed.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025