Albion, Idaho · Camping
Thompson Flat Campground is a seasonal mountain camping destination near Albion in Cassia County, with individual and group sites among meadows and conifers in the Sawtooth National Forest. It makes a convenient base for exploring nearby Lake Cleveland, Mount Harrison and the Howell Canyon area.
- Admission
- Paid
- Hours
- Confirm current opening times
- Parking
- Details not confirmed
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Access
- Accessible
- Setting
- Outdoor · All Ages · Seasonal
Choosing a campsite
The Forest Service lists 25 individual and double campsites plus three group areas. Some sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while others are first come, first served. Group A accommodates up to 40 people, Group B up to 64 and Group C up to 56. Reserve group sites in advance and check the selected site’s equipment limits, driveway size and availability before bringing an RV or trailer.
Water and facilities
Bring your own drinking water. Recreation.gov currently warns that the water system is not operating. Although the Forest Service amenities section lists potable water, call the Minidoka Ranger District at 208-678-0430 to confirm the latest status before relying on a supply onsite.
Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables and grills. The Forest Service describes accessible sites, and Recreation.gov identifies accessible vault toilets; confirm the particular campsite and route that meet your family’s needs. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Pack out your trash and leave the campsite clean.
Fees and seasonal access
The Forest Service fee panel posts $8 per night for a single site and $50 per night for a group site. Confirm the total for your selected site and dates when booking, including any reservation charges.
The season depends on snow and road conditions, usually between July and October. Do not assume a holiday opening date guarantees access: check current campground conditions before leaving home. The approach from Albion follows ID 77 to Howell Canyon Road, also called Forest Road 549, toward Pomerelle. The mountain road is steep and winding.
Campground rules and family tips
Bring warm layers, food and enough water for your whole stay. Park only on the designated gravel spurs and keep roads clear; the Forest Service lists a two-vehicle limit per site. Horses are not allowed in the campground, and Recreation.gov prohibits off-road vehicle use within it. Check current fire restrictions before using a grill or fire ring.
Nearby places to explore
- Lake Cleveland & Campgrounds: a nearby option for fishing, non-motorized paddling and lakeside scenery.
- Mount Harrison & Lookout: summit views farther up the mountain; confirm road and lookout access separately.
- Pomerelle Mountain Resort: nearby in the Howell Canyon area, with its own operating season and activity schedule.
Official information and reservations
- Forest Service: Thompson Flat Campground
- Recreation.gov: sites, reservations and current notices
- Sawtooth National Forest current conditions
- Forest Service alerts and fire restrictions
Listing review date: 2026-10-15. Unconfirmed details remain noted in this listing.
Good to Know
Bring drinking water: Recreation.gov reports the water system is not operating; confirm with Minidoka Ranger District at 208-678-0430. Seasonal snow-dependent access. Reserve group sites; check individual campsite fit. Vault toilets, picnic tables and grills. Pack out trash, park on designated gravel spurs, and check fire restrictions.
