Established Camping
Mill Creek
Mill Creek, near Lake City, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without breaking the bank. With sites that are clean and well-kept, it’s a great place to set up camp, especially if you enjoy the sound of a nearby creek and the sight of towering pine trees.
This campground is perfect for families and pet owners, as many visitors have noted the fun their kids and dogs had splashing around in the creek. The vault toilets are impressively clean, and while there are no showers or electric hookups, the simplicity adds to the charm of the experience. One camper mentioned, “The kids had fun playing in the water, as did the dogs,” highlighting the family-friendly vibe here.
For those who love adventure, Mill Creek is a gateway to the Alpine Loop, offering access to ATV trails, fishing, and hiking. The peaceful setting provides a nice balance of solitude and accessibility, making it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. Just keep in mind that it can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a smart move. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Mill Creek offers a refreshing escape into the great outdoors.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management
Overview
Mill Creek Campground is located 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado at 9,500 feet above sea level. Nestled along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, the campground offers a fishing access trail for anglers and river access (though boating is not recommended from this location). The campground is surrounded by the Redcloud Peak and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas with world class hiking opportunities just a short drive away, including trails to three 14,000-foot peaks. From the campground, licensed OHV's and high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles can access the legendary Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway; a rugged 65 mile road system that connects the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray through the spectacular mountain scenery of the San Juan Mountains. The campground is accessible June through September.
Recreation
Mill Creek Campground is an ideal base camp for exploring the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and the majestic San Juan Mountains. Whether you like to ride an off-highway vehicle, fly fish the Lake Fork, learn about the area's hardrock mining history, or challenge yourself to hike one of the 14,000-foot peaks, this area has something for everyone. There are also opportunities for viewing wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, and fishing the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River or nearby Lake San Cristobal.
Natural Features
Mill Creek offers shaded campsites among a mixed spruce/fir and aspen forest with magnificent mountain views of some of the highest peaks in Colorado and the sounds of the nearby Mill Creek and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy Lake City, nestled in the valley of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and Henson Creek, not only for shopping but to take in the impressive Hinsdale County Museum that celebrates the residents of past and present and tells of the rich railway history of the rail line that went to Lake City from 1889 to 1933. A variety of tours are also available including learning about the momental volcano that formed Lake City. Lake City also is a Gateway Community for hiking the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) that traverses 800 miles of majestic and challenging peaks dotted with abandoned homesteads, ghost towns, and remnants of Native Americans and settlers who flocked here to mine gold and silver. Other shorter hikes from town can lead to some wonderful waterfalls. Discover Lake San Cristobal, the second largest natural lake in Colorado that was formed by the Slumgullion Earthflow that slid 700 years ago, damming the Lake Fork of the Gunnison. The lake offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities including boating and fishing and much more.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 642-4940.
Fee Info
At Mill Creek Campground thirteen sites are RESERVABLE up to 180-days in advance. The remaining nine sites are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED with camp fee paid on site with cash or check. Sites cost $20 per night. Please pay with cash or check in the fee envelope at the campground for FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED sites.
Location
Mill Creek is located in Colorado
Directions
From Lake Highway, take highway 149 south for about 2 miles. Turn right onto County Road 30 and continue for about 10.5 miles. Mill Creek Campground is on the left, over the bridge.
Coordinates
37.90726 N
107.39283 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonFair
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 25 min from Grand Junction
- 4 hrs 56 min from Farmington
- 5 hrs 21 min from Pueblo
- 5 hrs 42 min from Colorado Springs
