McClendon Spring Campground sits at an elevation of about 5,500 feet, providing campers with views across the lower valley around Malta, Idaho. The campground access road rises significantly from the valley floor, creating temperature differences that can reach 10-15 degrees cooler than Malta itself. Road conditions vary seasonally, with spring months often creating challenging mud conditions on the dirt access roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Independence Lakes Campground, the hiking trail leads to multiple alpine lakes stocked with fish. "My son fished with hopes of catching a grayling," reports one visitor, while another notes that "fishing is also available as they refill the lakes every year."
Rock climbing: City of Rocks Campground offers extensive climbing routes for various skill levels. A camper explains, "Main recreation activity is rock climbing. Durfee Hotsprings in Almo is a must on any visit. The Outpost for a good burger or Rock City for pizzas."
Stargazing: The dark skies at Smoky Mountain Campground provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. One camper describes the experience: "We went to bed early and opened the blinds on the front stargazing window of our Lance. The view was breathtaking! It was such a clear night (and so dark in the campground) that we could see hundreds of stars."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Thompson Flat Campground offers sites with good separation. "Our site was not too close to any others except the other one we booked with friends," notes one camper. Another mentioned that "the sites are well-maintained" with "decent separation between campsites."
Mountain views: The elevation at many camping spots near Malta provides panoramic vistas. At McClendon Spring Campground, a visitor notes, "Amazing views. Cows got in the fence," while another states it "offers great views of the mountains."
Water features: Lake Cleveland - East Side provides lakeside camping at high elevation. "This is a beautiful Campsite right on Lake Cleveland. The East side is great for RV's while the West end is better for Tents," reports one camper. The "crystal clear water" allows visitors to "see fish swimming among the rocks from 20' above on the road."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require careful navigation. For McClendon Spring, a visitor advises, "About 3 1/2 miles on a semi maintained gravel road. Lots of cows." Another warns, "If you have travel trailer, 4x4 is recommended as the road is rough and steep in places."
Seasonal access: Higher elevation sites have limited seasons. At Bennett Springs, a May visitor reported, "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."
Facilities vary widely: Campgrounds range from primitive to developed. At Twin Lakes Campground, a camper notes, "There is an outhouse but no running water and it's a trash in/trash out campsite." Some sites have no facilities at all, while others offer toilets and tables.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Lake Cleveland provides family-friendly water access. A camper shared, "The lake itself was very beautiful and had crystal clear water! We could see fish swimming among the rocks from 20' above on the road!"
Hiking options: Independence Lakes offers graduated difficulty levels suitable for families. "The hike up to the lakes is dog friendly and baby carrying friendly," notes one visitor, who adds that "based off my experience, the hike up to the lakes is dog friendly and baby carrying friendly."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds may have unpredictable crowds. At Village of Trees RV Resort, a camper reported, "Being an RV resort but tent camping we were a bit concerned about being placed between big RV. But for tent camping we were told we could install wherever we wanted in one of 2 very large grass fields."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Smoky Mountain Campground, an RVer advises, "Make sure you use the filter to eliminate those with a smaller driveway. The restrooms were clean with nice showers. This campground is 40 miles or so from the interstate so make sure you are well provisioned before you arrive."
High clearance needs: For many camping spots near Malta, Idaho, vehicle clearance matters. A visitor to Independence Lakes warns, "We stopped at this campground hoping it was Trailer Friendly. We were able to get up to the parking lot but I wouldn't recommend it. If my trailer was not lifted we would have had issues."
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer limited services. At Thompson Flat Campground, one camper notes, "I'm still a bit disappointed they haven't worked out the water issue. We always bring a lot though." Most dispersed sites have no hookups, while established campgrounds may offer water and electric.
