Facility · Idaho ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Challis Field Office (Bureau of Land Management ID) · Open Access
Tucked along the Salmon River at 5,400 feet in elevation, Bayhorse Campground offers a scenic and historic getaway just ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named after the nearby Bayhorse Mining District, this quiet riverside retreat features 12 campsites perfect for anglers, history buffs, and outdoor explorers alike.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities here, with resident cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead, and mountain whitefish thriving in the clear waters of the Upper Salmon River. Beyond the river, a short drive west leads to Bayhorse Townsite ran by the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, which showcases remnants of historic mines, offering a glimpse into Idaho’s rugged mining past. The campground also serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork, rich in trails, interpretive sites, and striking mountain landscapes.
12 first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables & fire rings
Seasonal campground hosts
Potable water & vault toilets
Boat ramp and day-use parking area
Hiking trails & interpretive historic sites nearby
Limited cell service
No electric or water hook-ups available
Approximately 10 miles southwest of Challis, Idaho: travel south from Challis on Highway 93 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 75 and drive southwest for approximately 8 miles. The recreation site is on your right between the highway and the Salmon River.
44.38555, -114.26028 · 44°23'8.0"N 114°15'37.0"W
Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 29°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 29 | 37 | 49 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 87 | 85 | 75 | 59 | 41 | 29 |
| Low °F | 11 | 17 | 26 | 31 | 40 | 46 | 52 | 50 | 42 | 32 | 21 | 11 |
| Precip in | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
$10 per night Campsites are first come, first served
Stay limit: 14 Days
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments