Mink Creek Group Campground
Mink Creek Group Campground is located 12 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest’s Westside Ranger District. Situated at an elevation of 5,159 feet, it is accessible by heading southeast from Pocatello on Bannock Highway for approximately 3.7 miles, then continuing onto North Mink Creek Road for 5.8 miles to the campground entrance.
Natural Features:
The campground is situated along Mink Creek in the scenic Bannock Mountain Range of southeastern Idaho. A grove of ponderosa pines borders one side of the site, offering partial shade, while aspens and additional pines dot the surrounding mountainsides. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird, and Calliope Hummingbirds commonly spotted.
Recreation:
Mink Creek Group Campground offers access to a variety of outdoor activities. The West Fork Mink Creek Trail begins just outside the campground, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Additional nearby trails, including Corral Creek Trail and Valve House Trail, provide further exploration opportunities. The Mink Creek area is known for birding and wildlife viewing, while the nearby Cherry Springs Nature Area offers a namesake spring, a fishing stream, and paved self-guided nature trails. In winter, the Mink Creek Nordic Center provides groomed cross-country ski trails.
Facilities:
The campground features one large, accessible group site that can accommodate up to 200 people, making it ideal for family reunions, weddings, or group retreats. The site includes a 40x80-foot picnic pavilion with a concrete base, night lighting, and two electrical outlets, along with 12 large picnic tables, two serving tables, a large fire ring, and a paved parking area. Amenities include two accessible vault toilets and four potable water hydrants. The entrance is secured with a locked gate, and the campground is monitored by hosts and periodic sheriff patrols. The access road is paved, ensuring easy entry for RVs and cars.
This campground has 1 groupsite and is open all year. In the summer is also has a hook-up. Reservations only.
Season: Late May-Early September
Mink Creek Group Campground
Reservations
Make Reservations HereGeneral Information
Season: Late May-Early September
Open 24 hours/day
Firewood Permits: Firewood permits are available to purchase from the Westside Ranger District June 1 through November 30 and allow the collection of wood that is standing dead or dead/down on the ground. Purchase is a minimum of 4 cords of wood for $25.00 with a maximum of 8 cords per household. You must have a map and brochure of the Ranger Districts you will be cutting in and the Caribou-Targhee Terms and Conditions.
Federal Passes: *America the Beautiful Pass (Annual, Senior, Access, and Military Passes) will waive fee to picnic areas and trailheads. Senior passes waive camping fees by 50% at campgrounds in the forest. Federal Recreation Passes can be purchased at any ranger district office or at Recreational Passes | USGS Store.
ATV's or ORV's are allowed on designated trails only. No ATV riding in the campground. Vehicles and RV's must park in developed parking lot only.
Overnight Use:
Group Site: $80/night (Sunday - Thursday); $120/night (Friday - Saturday).
Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*
For current fees, please go to Recreation.gov
Address: 4350 Cliffs Drive Pocatello, ID 83204
Phone: (208) 236-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 42.7286
Longitude: -112.4171
Directions
From Pocatllo, ID head southeast on Bannock Hwy for approximately 3.7 miles. Continue onto N Mink Creek Rd for 5.8 miles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
