Bennett Springs Campground
4.586 reviewsAlbion Mountains, Idaho
Bennett Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Bennett Springs Campground is a non-fee site; camping is free.
About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine Albion Mountains, Bennett Springs Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This intimate, primitive campground welcomes adventurers seeking solitude without the price tag – it's completely free and perfectly suited for those who prefer canvas walls to RV hookups. With just a handful of sites featuring sturdy picnic tables and well-maintained chemical toilets, Bennett Springs strips camping down to its essence. Pack your water bottles though – this rustic retreat asks you to bring your own drinking water in exchange for the gift of untouched wilderness and star-filled nights.
Bennett Springs Campground is a primitive, non-fee, non-reservation campground specifically designed for tent camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bennett Springs into an alpine paradise from June through October, with warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and cool nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forest puts on a spectacular show before winter claims the mountains. Once the snow flies, this high-country hideaway becomes inaccessible, sleeping under a thick blanket of white until the following summer. Those precious warm months offer the ideal window for experiencing this mountain sanctuary at its finest.
ElevationPerched high in the Albion Mountains, Bennett Springs sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and crisp, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with little warning. This lofty position among the peaks means cooler temperatures even on summer days, making it a refreshing escape when the valleys below swelter. The high-altitude setting creates that distinctive mountain atmosphere where mornings arrive with a chill and wildflowers bloom in compressed seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryA babbling creek winds past the campground, its clear mountain waters beckoning anglers to try their luck with native trout. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Each campsite feels like its own private wilderness retreat, carefully carved from the landscape while preserving the wild character that makes this spot special. The rugged beauty of the surrounding peaks provides an ever-changing backdrop as shadows shift across rocky faces and afternoon clouds build over distant ridgelines.
Geological RegionThe Albion Mountains cradle Bennett Springs in their ancient embrace, part of the greater Sawtooth National Forest's remarkable tapestry of peaks and valleys. This rugged alpine landscape tells a story written in granite and sediment, where mountain streams have carved their paths over millennia. The geological drama of the region creates the perfect setting for primitive camping – dramatic cliff faces, boulder-strewn hillsides, and the persistent sound of water shaping stone just as it has for countless generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features is provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeEach campsite can accommodate up to 8 visitors.
Sites PrivacySites are described as roomy and spread out. One user review noted, "Sites are roomy and spread out," providing a sense of privacy.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days within a 28-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 visitors per campsite.
Groups
Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 6 spread-out campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open seasonally, typically from June through October.
Reservation PlatformsThis is a non-reservation campground; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates entirely on a walk-up/first-come, first-served basis, with 6 campsites available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bennett Springs Campground provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Fishing is available in the nearby creek, and hiking trails are suitable for day hikes, as per authoritative sources. User reviews emphasize the proximity of the campground to such activities, with one noting: "Close to Lake Cleveland and pet friendly."
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should be aware of the absence of potable water and the potentially rugged terrain.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 nearest emergency services are located in Malta, Idaho. For specific emergencies within the Sawtooth National Forest, the Minidoka Ranger District office can be contacted at 208-678-0430.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to October
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews, so details about their availability and schedules remain unclear.
Proximity to water featuresA creek runs near the campground, providing fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the presence of overgrown invasive weeds at the campsites and significant foot traffic near the trailhead.
Campground Map
Albion Mountains, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Malta go west and north 11 miles on ID 77, then 5 miles west on Forest Road #549.
Roads to the campground are accessible via paved highways (ID 77) and then unpaved Forest Road #549 for the final 5 miles. There is no mention of seasonal road closures, but travelers should be prepared for potential unpaved road conditions.Nearby places
Malta (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest town for groceries, fuel, and other supplies is Malta, Idaho, which is located approximately 16 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Bennett Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bennett Springs Campground generally describe it as a quiet and clean campground best suited for tent camping. Many reviewers appreciated the free access and the peaceful atmosphere, though some highlighted issues such as overgrown weeds near campsites. The site's proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities was well thought of.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the presence of picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite, availability of vault toilets, proximity to a creek, and the free access. "Nice campground with tables and fire...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative mentions include overgrown invasive weeds near campsites and significant foot traffic due to its proximity to trailheads. One user stated, "The camp spot that I stayed at was overgrown with...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest using this site exclusively for tent camping, as it is unsuitable for RVs. It is advisable to bring your own drinking water, as none is provided.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Camping seasons are generally June through October, with reviewers noting its accessibility and the surrounding activities during these months. Complaints about foot traffic were more common in...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice quiet little campground," "Good clean campground with a nearby creek and restroom," "Thanks Forest Service website. This campground is free and it has bathrooms," "Sites are roomy and spread...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews. General mentions of campsite conditions, such as overgrown weeds and proximity to trailheads, are provided.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, as confirmed by authoritative sources and user mentions. "Close to Lake Cleveland and pet friendly," said one reviewer.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025