How much does camping cost at South Mineral?

Camping fees at South Mineral range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Mineral first-come first-served or reservation?

South Mineral accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Mineral before I book?

Yes! South Mineral has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit South Mineral?

South Mineral is open May 23rd to September 20th.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at South Mineral?

South Mineral does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at South Mineral?

Fire policies at South Mineral: Stage I fire restrictions may occur, but campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at South Mineral?

Pets are not allowed at South Mineral. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at South Mineral?

South Mineral offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Mineral?

Popular activities at South Mineral include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

South Mineral

4.57

88 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

9,872 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

9,872 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Peak camping season ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

South Mineral

$0.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates vary by season and site availability. The recreation use fees are $40 during peak season.

Standard Site Fee$40.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 88 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryprivacycleanspacious

"South Mineral Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its breathtaking natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The vault toilets, in particular, are highly praised, as is the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, the gravel road leading to the campground and its first-come, first-served policy are cited as drawbacks by some."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Mineral

37.8056, -107.7751

Best Time to Camp at South Mineral

The campground opens May 23 and closes September 20. Summer mornings drop to 30–45°F, afternoons warm into the 60s and low 70s°F. Pack warm gear for overnight. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during monsoon season. July offers the best combination of wildflower displays and trail access, though expect company on weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season May 23–Sep 20; ideal weather and trail access but busier crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23rd to September 20th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak camping season runs from May 23 through September 20.
Current Alerts: Road closures or campground closures due to wildfire recovery efforts may occur.

About South Mineral

South Mineral Campground sits at 9,872 feet in San Juan National Forest, serving as the trailhead for Ice Lake Basin. This first-come, first-served campground charges $30–40 per night and fills quickly on summer weekends. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, though the access road is gravel. No cell service.

South Mineral Campground caters to various camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. Group camping may also be supported, though large organized setups are not explicitly detailed.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens May 23 and closes September 20. Summer mornings drop to 30–45°F, afternoons warm into the 60s and low 70s°F. Pack warm gear for overnight. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during monsoon season. July offers the best combination of wildflower displays and trail access, though expect company on weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a high-alpine basin framed by San Juan peaks, with a creek running through the property. Lodgepole pines provide shade across the sites. Waterfalls are visible from camp, and wildflowers peak in mid-July. The creek holds native trout for anglers willing to work for them. At nearly 10,000 feet, the setting delivers big views and thin air.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground all year.

Groups

There is no specific information about group site details such as size or vehicle limits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious and well-separated under mature lodgepole pines. Not crammed together. Some sites are particularly private, others less so.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app for first-come, first-served sites during the peak season. Physical arrival is mandatory to claim a site.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served during the peak season from June 20th to September 20th.

Cancellation PolicyChanges ahead of arrival date incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made before check-in date refund minus a $10 cancellation fee and prior reservation fees.

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is available.

Site SizeReviews highlight spacious campsites that allow for privacy, with some sites particularly large and accommodating.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious and well-separated, providing an element of privacy: "Campsites are not crammed together" and "some sites are very private.

Recommended SitesCampers recommend selecting sites near the creek for privacy and scenic views.

Need help booking South Mineral?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

South Mineral Campground provides visitors with a variety of outdoor activities amidst stunning natural surroundings. The location is celebrated for its hiking trails, particularly the Ice Lake Trail, and fishing opportunities in the creek running through the campground. Wildlife spotting has also been noted as an occasional treat.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bear sightings) and remote access challenges.

Active AlertsRoad closures or campground closures due to wildfire recovery efforts may occur.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyStage I fire restrictions may occur, but campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators are typically turned off by 10 PM.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided on trash and recycling facilities. However, the campground is consistently described as clean and well-maintained by visitors.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to a creek known for fishing brook trout.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness to cleanliness and vault toilets.

Weather at South Mineral

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

88 reviews

Top-Rated

South Mineral is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

South Mineral Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its breathtaking natural beauty, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. The vault toilets, in particular, are highly praised, as is the friendliness of the camp hosts. However, the gravel road leading to the campground and its first-come, first-served policy are cited as drawbacks by some.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

What Campers Love

- Stunning natural scenery and proximity to the Ice Lake Trail. - Friendly and attentive camp hosts. - Immaculate vault toilets cleaned multiple times daily. - Spacious campsites with a sense of...

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

- Gravel road conditions and remote location requiring preparedness. - Crowded trailhead at the Ice Lake hike entrance. - First-come, first-served system making it difficult to secure a site during...

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a campsite as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. - Download the Recreation.gov mobile app and set up payment in advance to facilitate the Scan & Pay system. -...

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

South Mineral Campground sees heavier crowds during the summer months, coinciding with the peak hiking season for Ice Lake Basin. Winter camping attracts fewer visitors but comes with limitations...

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The vault toilets are the cleanest I have ever seen." - "Ice lake trail is amazing though." - "Absolutely incredible views." - "We even had deer visiting our site each night!" - "Perfect camping...

Based on 88 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 was specifically mentioned as spacious and surrounded by lodgepole pine. Sites near the creek were noted for their scenic appeal, and some users appreciated the privacy provided by individual...

Based on 88 reviews