Mcmillan Spring Campground
05 reviewsMcMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA
Mcmillan Spring 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
No minimum fee; pay what you feel your experience is worth. Fee paid on-site.
About this campground
Perched high in the Henry Mountains at 8,400 feet, McMillan Spring Campground offers a serene escape into a pristine Ponderosa Pine forest. This intimate nine-site campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sweeping vistas and cool mountain air. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Seasonal potable water flows from May through September, while well-maintained restrooms ensure comfort during your stay. For equestrian adventurers, the campground features corrals, livestock water access, and dedicated horse troughs, making it a favored destination for riders exploring the high country. Come fall, the campground transforms into a premier staging ground for big game hunters seeking the abundant wildlife that roams these elevated forests.
McMillan Spring Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground suitable for tent camping. It is also designed for visitors with horses, offering horse-friendly facilities like corrals, livestock water, and a trough. There are nine individual sites.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of McMillan Spring Campground may be modest, these ancient forests have long served as a natural crossroads for wildlife and those who seek solitude in the high country. The timeless Ponderosa Pines standing sentinel over the campground have witnessed countless seasons and stories of mountain life.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, McMillan Spring enjoys a refreshingly cool climate that provides welcome relief from desert heat below. The campground experiences characteristically dry mountain weather with gentle summer temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Morning mists often give way to crystal-clear afternoons ideal for photography and exploration. While the area receives modest precipitation, the seasonal spring feeds the campground's water system from May through September, coinciding perfectly with peak camping season. Autumn brings crisp nights and golden days that paint the landscape in spectacular colors.
ElevationRising to an impressive 8,400 feet above sea level, McMillan Spring Campground occupies a commanding position in the Henry Mountains. This significant elevation creates a unique microclimate where cool mountain breezes whisper through towering pines and the air carries a crisp clarity found only in high places. The altitude offers more than just cooler temperatures—it provides access to expansive panoramic views that stretch across the Colorado Plateau, revealing a tapestry of canyons, mesas, and distant mountain ranges that seem to go on forever.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanting world where majestic Ponderosa Pines create a natural cathedral of dappled light and shadow across McMillan Spring's spacious flat terrain. This heavily forested sanctuary attracts an impressive array of wildlife—from curious deer browsing at dawn to the occasional glimpse of more elusive mountain residents. The campground's elevated position on its expansive flat creates an amphitheater of views that will leave photographers reaching for their cameras at every turn. As darkness falls, the absence of light pollution transforms the campground into a stargazer's paradise, where the Milky Way blazes across the night sky in breathtaking clarity. The combination of towering pines, sweeping vistas, and abundant wildlife creates an immersive mountain experience that lingers long after you've returned home.
Geological RegionMcMillan Spring Campground claims its place within the remarkable Henry Mountains, one of the last-mapped mountain ranges in the continental United States. This isolated range rises dramatically from the surrounding desert landscape, creating a sky island ecosystem where Ponderosa Pine forests flourish on broad, gently sloping flats. The campground's unique position on one of these elevated plateaus offers visitors a front-row seat to the geological drama of the Colorado Plateau, where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and diversity. The volcanic origins of the Henry Mountains have blessed the area with rich soils that support the lush pine forests, creating a verdant oasis high above the arid lands below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for McMillan Spring Campground.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of nine sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches. Site dimensions are not specified.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has a secluded character as noted in reviews like: "Beautiful campground & secluded!"
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping near the corrals may be ideal for horse owners. Sites provide easy access to amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
Best CampsitesMultiple reviews highlight the scenic nature of all sites and their proximity to horse facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNine sites spread across a flat area within a Ponderosa Pine forest. Corrals are easily accessible from several sites.
Open and Closed SeasonWater is available seasonally, typically from May through September. Suitable seasons for camping may align with this water availability.
Walk-in Availability"This campground is first come, first serve, and does not take reservations." All sites are walk-up.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-serve; no reservations available.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The McMillan Spring Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. It is a popular destination for big game hunters in the fall. "You can easily make it to Ellen Peak for a quick two-hour hike," one reviewer noted. Another suggested hiking Mt. Ellen for its "astounding, expansive views."
Hiking
Visitors can hike to Ellen Peak, a two-hour hike from the campground, and Mt. Ellen, which offers expansive views. Reviewer highlights include: "Few places afford such astounding, expansive views."Wildlife viewing
The campground is frequented by various wildlife, as noted by reviewers. One described it as "heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various wildlife."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is used by big game hunters in the fall.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted; each site has a fire ring and grill.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the remote location and challenging access roads. Wildlife such as deer and potentially big game are present.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 14 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Henry Mountains Field Station in Hanksville, UT, approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided regarding trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSeasonal potable water availability from May through September; livestock water and trough for horses.
Common complaints"Not the easiest to get to"—road accessibility challenges are mentioned.
Campground Map
McMillan Spring Campground, Henry Mountains Field Station, 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT, 84734, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 12, take Notom Road south for 15 miles to the Sandy Ranch Junction, then 15 miles east to the campground.
Driving directions indicate a remote journey: "Not the easiest to get to, probably why it’s so nice!" Roads may require careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles and horse trailers.Nearby places
Hanksville: approximately 30 miles, other nearby population centers not listed.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely found in Hanksville, UT, which is the nearest town.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Mcmillan Spring Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
McMillan Spring Campground is highly rated among its visitors, with an average sentiment score of 4.8 specific to campgrounds. It is described as a peaceful and secluded area, ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat amidst nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects of the campground include its seclusion, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities. "This is a wonderful campground heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No significant complaints are noted in the reviews. Accessibility to the campground might be challenging for some, as one reviewer noted, "not the easiest to get to probably why it’s so nice."
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend hiking to Ellen Peak and Mt. Ellen for their scenic views. One user suggested: "By camping here, you can easily make it to Ellen Peak for a quick two-hour hike."
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground sees increased usage in the fall, especially by big game hunters. It remains relatively secluded for the rest of the year.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is a wonderful campground heavily shaded by Ponderosa Pine and frequented by various wildlife." (Brooks Lindberg) "Very nice camp ground secluded in the Henry mountains with vault toilets,...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
All nine sites are well-equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and benches. No specific site numbers were discussed in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressed pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025