About THOMPSON FLAT
Overview Thompson Flat Campground is located high in the Albion Mountain Range of southern Idaho, near the towns of Declo and Albion. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trails, alpine lakes and scenic beauty.Recreation The Twin Lakes Campground area is located just outside the campground and across the road. It offers picnic areas, horse corrals and access to a variety of trails. Lake Cleveland is a two-mile drive from the campground, offering fishing, canoeing and trail opportunities. Several additional hiking, mountain biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are on the mountain. Facilities The campground contains three group sites, which can accommodate from 40 to 64 people, respectively. All sites are equipped with large picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. There are four reservable single units and four double unit campsites as well as 17 additional single-family campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but the group sites must be reserved. Accessible vault toilets are provided. A campground host is located on-site. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel.Natural Features The campground is situated in a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow lined with tall pine and fir trees, on the eastern slope of Mount Harrison. It sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Nearby Attractions A visit up the road to the Mount Harrison Lookout offers interesting area information and breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys below. Pomerelle Ski Area, just below Thompson Flat, offers lift-served hiking and mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and a few dining options, generally on weekends.
How to Get There
From Interstate 84, take exit 216 and follow State Highway 77 south for approximately 18 miles, through the towns of Declo and Albion, to Howell Canyon Road. Turn west at the Pomerelle Ski Area sign and drive seven miles up the canyon on Howell Canyon Road. The road is steep and winding, watch for the campground entrance sign on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to THOMPSON FLAT
Heading to THOMPSON FLAT? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for THOMPSON FLAT?
No central reservation system listed for THOMPSON FLAT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234192) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to THOMPSON FLAT?
From Interstate 84, take exit 216 and follow State Highway 77 south for approximately 18 miles, through the towns of Declo and Albion, to Howell Canyon Road. Turn west at the Pomerelle Ski Area sign and drive seven miles up the canyon on Howell Canyon Road. The road is steep and winding, watch for the campground entrance sign on the right.
How do I contact THOMPSON FLAT?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-678-0430.
References & Official Resources
