Mills Canyon Campground

What an interesting place. Makes our current life struggles appear petty. Its a bit off the beaten path. Not the most easily accessible, dropping into the canyon one must be slow and patient. Not the most manicured location either. However it is quiet and plenty of things to explore. Great for an overnight stop.

As of Sept 2025, the campground is in bad shape. A summer of big rains has turned the canyon floor to a jungle of 4 foot tall tumbleweeds and kochia. Not a pleasant environment to hike in. Most of the campsites are unmaintained and covered with grasses so tall you cant even see the parking areas. The lower sites are a bit better. I spent a couple hours clearing tumbleweeds out of site 11, so it is decent. I don't think forest service has done any maintenance in a long while. Just saying….

Roads: 9 miles of gravel road to get into forest service area are well maintained. If it rains, the last half mile can be muddy and slick, but the road is packed underneath. The 2 miles to get to the lower campground are rocky. Safe, but rocky. 100% doable in a truck/jeep/etc, but also very doable in a crossover if you take it slowly. Taking a trailer down to the canyon floor would be foolish, especially since there are multiple stretches were two cars cannot fit side by side, so you may have to back up. Campgrounds: Campground on the rim has great camping spots, 3 of which have 2 covered horse pens each with more than enough room to park a 4h trailer. Each camping spot had at least 1 picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Tent spots were fairly level and clear of vegetation. The vault toile

This place is amazing, but it is not for the casual camper. First it is 9 miles on a good dirt road to get to the edge of the canyon. Then you have 4 miles drive down a narrow and steep at times dirt/rock road to the valley floor. The campsites are great. They are clean and have a table, fire pit and grill. There are also very nice, clean toilets. However, there is no water available of any kind. There is also no power if you need it and shade is sparce. A pop up canopy is a great addition especially in the summer months. It can get very hot during the day in the canyon. Bring a couple of gallons of water per person per day. There isn't any good river access and in the summer the river is not flowing or inviting. The ruins are interesting and the canyon is spectacular. There are old roads

This canyon is a true hidden gem. Yes, the reviews are true. It's a bit of a trek getting down into the canyon. Has a sign that says RVs and Trailers are not recommended. From pavement to the campsites is over 5 miles at least. There are a few hiking trails, old settlement buildings, and information panels for the canyon. Very well maintained area with very clean vault toilets. This is primitive camping, meaning no water or electricity, so be sure to plan accordingly to enjoy this beautiful place.