Caribou National Forest's Mink Creek Group Site Campground sits just off South Fork Mink Creek Road, past the ranger station, on a paved route that reviewers confirm is accessible even with a transit van and trailer setup. The site is gated and reservation-only, functioning as a single bookable unit for large groups rather than a collection of individual sites. RVs up to 50 feet can access the area without issue. Campers planning a trip through places to camp around Caribou National Forest will find this one of the more structured group options in the corridor.
The site includes a gazebo, water fountain, restrooms, grills, a firepit, and a large grassy area alongside Mink Creek. Beavers have dammed a stretch of the creek, which has created a series of small fishing holes worth exploring. T-Mobile users have reported reliable cell coverage here, though other carriers may not fare as well. Several trailheads are within walking distance, with more accessible by a short drive. Scout Mountain Campground is a nearby alternative worth considering if a non-reservable site better fits your plans.
Cleanliness has come up repeatedly in reviews, and campers are encouraged to pack out what they pack in. Nightly rates run $80 to $120 depending on the booking. Because the site requires a reservation and operates as a single unit, it works best for organized groups rather than individual campers or small families. Book well in advance for summer weekends, as gated access means walk-up camping is not an option here.
Description
Overview
Mink Creek Group Site Campground is located just 12 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho, along the Bannock Highway. The Mink Creek area is a popular area for birding and wildlife viewing, with many miles of multi-use trails waiting to be explored.
Recreation
The West Fork Mink Creek Trail begins just outside the campground and is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Additional trails including Corral Creek Trail and Valve House Trail are in the vicinity.
Facilities
The campground offers one large accessible group site that can accommodate up to 200 people. The site contains a 40x80-foot picnic pavilion with concrete base, large paved parking area, 12 large picnic tables, two serving tables and a large fire ring, two accessible vault toilets and four potable water hydrants.The pavilion has two electrical outlets and night lighting. The road to the campground is paved, allowing easy access for RVs and cars. Security is provided by a locked entrance gate, area campground hosts and periodic county sheriff patrols.Mink Creek Group Area is popular for outdoor weddings; if you plan to move any site furniture please call Pinnacle Parks LLC for approval at (208)757-3999. Remember that site check-in time is 2:00 pm on the day of your reservation and check-out time is noon of the following day. Firewood is not provided and is not available on site for gathering. Garbage service is not provided.Mink Creek Group Site is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.
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. Aspens and pines dot the surrounding mountainsides. A wide variety of birds can be found in the area, including the Western Scrub-Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mountain Bluebird and Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees and Calliope Hummingbirds.
Nearby Attractions
Cherry Springs Nature Area is nearby, with its pretty namesake spring, a stream for fishing, paved self-guided nature trails and picnic facilities. Mink Creek Nordic Center is also nearby, with hiking and horseback riding trails in summer months and groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMink Creek Group Site Campground is located in Idaho near Inkom
Directions
Take exit 63 off I-15 just south of Pocatello. Follow the brown \"Mink Creek Recreation Area\" signs to Bannock Highway for 2 miles, then turn left up Mink Creek Canyon. Go 7 miles south on Bannock Highway, past Bannock Guard Station, to the campground.
Address
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE
Pocatello, ID 83204
Coordinates
42.7286111 N
112.4172222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 19 min from Pocatello, ID
- 55 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 32 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 54 min from Twin Falls, ID
