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Bennett Springs

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Creek access and a short trail network make Bennett Springs a functional base for families and campers who want moving water nearby without driving deep into the backcountry. Set in a mountain pass within Sawtooth National Forest, the campground sits at an elevation high enough to provide noticeably cooler air than the surrounding valley floors, which draws visitors from lower-lying areas during summer heat. The site count is small. Just four sites total, with a vault toilet on-site and no fee to camp.

The creek running alongside the campground is the main draw. One site sits directly next to the water, making it a good pick for families with kids who want to wade or explore. A trail follows the creek from the lowest campsite, and a second route climbs toward the Pomerelle Ski Resort parking lot. Michael J. describes it as "a surprise little campground in a mountain pass between two plains." Shade is limited across the sites, which is worth factoring in for summer afternoon heat. Nearby options include Thompson Flat Campground about a mile to the west and Sawtooth National Forest Twin Lakes Campground (Albion Division) to the southwest.

The access road is rough and warrants attention, particularly early in the season. A May 2024 visitor arrived at night and nearly got stuck in snow blocking the entrance. The campground typically runs June through October, and conditions at the pass can lag behind lower elevations. Reservations are available, cell service is present, and trash service is provided. This campground works best for campers who prioritize creek access, low cost, and a small-site atmosphere over developed amenities or shade.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBennett Springs is located in Idaho near Albion

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Malta go west and north 11 miles on ID 77, then 5 miles west on Forest Road #549.

Coordinates

42.3260005 N
113.60300054 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/14/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/14/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Bennett Springs

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

A small free campground with basic amenities including bathrooms and creek access that families appreciate. Some accessibility issues with snow blocking entrance seasonally and limited shade at sites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 11, 2024

Snow

Took the long drive up and arrived at the campground at night. Didn’t see the snow and almost got stuck. Currently (5/10/24) there is snow blocking the entrance and impassible.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Hidden gem

We found this site on the Dyrt in looking for a stopover between Park city Utah and Boise Idaho. Wow, Bennet Springs is a hidden gem! We took the site at the eastern end and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Nice trail along the creek and wildflowers everywhere. The road is visible from camp but it it little traveled.

SiteEast end
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bennett Springs by Laurie , July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Bennett Springs by Laurie , July 17, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

Hidden respite

A surprise little campground in a mountain pass between two plains. The altitude gain is enough to get some cool air if you are down in the valley and hot. It's a nice basic campground, nothing fancy but it's pretty.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bennett Springs by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Bennett Springs by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Bennett Springs by Michael J., July 31, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2018

Small but free!

When we can't get to the top of Mt. Harrison because there's still snow there, but we're itching to go camping, we come to Bennett Springs. It only has 4 sites but it is free and it has a bathroom. Our favorite site has a little creek right next to it. Great for kids to play in. There's also a trail that goes along the creek which starts at the bottom most campsite. There's another trail that goes up to Pomerelle Ski resort parking lot. It would get a 5 rating if the campsites had better shade....

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bennett Springs Campground located in Idaho?

Bennett Springs Campground is nestled in a mountain pass between two plains in Idaho, near Albion. This hidden gem is situated at a higher elevation, providing cooler temperatures than the surrounding valleys. The campground sits along a scenic route that connects different regions of Idaho, making it a perfect stopover location for travelers moving between destinations like Boise and the Utah border. Its mountain setting features beautiful creek access and wildflower displays during the growing season.

Is fishing available near Bennett Springs Campground in Idaho?

Bennett Springs Campground has a small creek running through it that provides water play opportunities, particularly for children. While specific fishing details aren't confirmed, the creek likely offers modest fishing opportunities typical of small mountain streams in Idaho. For more substantial fishing experiences, visitors may need to check nearby water bodies in the region. The primary water feature at the campground itself is better suited for recreational play than serious angling.

What amenities are available at Bennett Springs Campground?

Bennett Springs Campground offers basic amenities in a rustic, natural setting. The campground features just four sites, making it a peaceful, uncrowded destination. Facilities include a bathroom and free camping with no fee required. One of the most appealing features is the small creek that runs through the campground, particularly next to certain sites. While the campground doesn't offer luxury accommodations, its simplicity is part of its charm in this beautiful mountain setting.

When is the best time to visit Bennett Springs Campground in Idaho?

The best time to visit Bennett Springs Campground is late spring through early fall, with summer being ideal for guaranteed access. Due to its mountain elevation, the area can experience snow that blocks access during colder months, typically making it inaccessible in winter and early spring. May can still have snow blocking the entrance, as recently happened in mid-May. The campground serves as an excellent alternative when higher elevations like Mt. Harrison remain snow-covered but campers are eager to enjoy the outdoors. Summer visits offer the added bonus of beautiful wildflower displays throughout the area.