Mcfarland Campground
3.757 reviews1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467
Mcfarland Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite nightly rates are $5/site and $2 per additional vehicle. Fees can be paid on-site using fee envelopes or through the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
About this campground
Nestled along the peaceful banks of the Lemhi River, McFarland Campground invites you to discover one of Idaho's hidden gems. This intimate retreat features 9 thoughtfully spaced sites that welcome both tent campers and RV adventurers seeking solitude in nature. Here, the gentle murmur of the river sets the rhythm for days filled with fly fishing, scenic hiking trails, and memorable wildlife encounters. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching elk graze in the evening light, McFarland offers an authentic escape where the modern world fades away.
McFarland Campground offers both RV and tent camping options. It includes 9 campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceMcFarland Campground serves as a gateway to one of America's most epic journeys - the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This legendary 3,100-mile pathway has witnessed centuries of human passage, from Native American hunting parties to modern-day thru-hikers chasing their dreams. The trail's proximity transforms your camping experience into a connection with history, where each step along its route follows in the footsteps of countless adventurers who have tested themselves against the backbone of the continent.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints McFarland Campground with its own distinct palette. Spring awakens the valley with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while fall transforms the riverside cottonwoods into a golden corridor. Summer brings warm, dry days punctuated by dramatic afternoon winds that whisper through the valley, creating nature's own air conditioning. Winter transforms this riverside haven into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the landscape and only the heartiest adventurers venture forth to experience the profound silence of a frozen river valley.
ElevationCradled in a dramatic valley where towering peaks rise like ancient sentinels on all sides, McFarland Campground occupies a sweet spot in Idaho's vertical landscape. While the exact elevation remains nature's secret, you'll feel the embrace of the mountains that surround you, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the river's song and frames spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Natural Features and SceneryMcFarland Campground is nature's masterpiece of contrast - a verdant oasis where the Lemhi River has carved out a ribbon of life through the otherwise austere high desert landscape. Towering cottonwoods and willows create a lush canopy along the water's edge, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze. The dramatic Beaverhead and Lemhi ranges rise abruptly from the valley floor, their rugged peaks creating a photographer's paradise that shifts from purple dawn shadows to alpenglow at sunset. This riparian sanctuary attracts an abundance of wildlife, from browsing deer to soaring raptors, all drawn to this emerald lifeline threading through the sage-covered valley.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Lemhi Valley, McFarland Campground occupies a geological wonderland where the ancient Beaverhead Mountains and the majestic Lemhi Range face each other across millennia. The Lemhi River, patient sculptor of this landscape, has created an unexpected riparian paradise in the rain shadow of these towering peaks. This unique geography creates a microclimate where cottonwood galleries thrive against a backdrop of sage-covered slopes and exposed rock faces that tell the story of millions of years of geological drama - from ancient seas to volcanic upheavals that lifted these mountains toward the sky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets and campsites are accessible.
Sites SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate RVs, vehicles, and tents. There is also a green space on the north end for tent campers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is arranged in a circular layout, which may affect privacy between sites.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites close to the river provide scenic views but are subject to wind and noise from the highway.
Best CampsitesSpecific best sites are not identified.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
First-come, first-served sites available during open season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of one additional vehicle per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a circular layout, making pull-throughs convenient for RVs. Tent sites are located on the northern end.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1st to December 31st each year. Reservations available with a rolling 6-month booking window. First-come, first-served applies for parts of the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and its Scan & Pay App.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available during open season.
Cancellation PolicyNo changes, cancellations, or refunds are allowed. Fees are paid either onsite or through the Recreation.gov Scan & Pay App.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
McFarland Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities such as fishing on the Lemhi River, hiking on nearby trails like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Additionally, the area supports both motorized and non-motorized trail use. Activities like birding, star gazing, and photography are also popular due to the area's natural beauty.
Hiking
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is located along the Beaverhead Mountains to the east and offers single-day and multi-day hiking opportunities. Other motorized and non-motorized trails in the surrounding ranges provide additional options.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Lemhi River, which is directly accessible from the campground. However, one reviewer noted the challenge of fishing near willows and suggested hiking downstream for better spots.Wildlife viewing
The lush riparian zone created by the Lemhi River attracts diverse wildlife, making it a good spot for wildlife observation.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings; campers are advised to use local firewood to prevent pest spread.
Hazards
General hazardsWillows along the river can make fishing challenging. Wildlife and environmental hazards, such as bears, require food storage precautions.
Active alertsAs of September 2023, some camping locations were under construction but expected to reopen in 2024.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Salmon, ID (32 miles) has emergency services including hospitals and police stations. The campground itself is unstaffed.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season occurs January 1st through December 31st.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campsites are adjacent to the Lemhi River, offering access for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention the proximity to the highway as noisy and the vault toilets needing more frequent cleaning.
HostThe campground is unstaffed. For general inquiries, campers can contact the Salmon Field Office at (208) 756-5400.
Campground Map
1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467
Driving directionsTake Highway 28 east from Salmon, ID for 32 miles. The campground will be on the left between the highway and the Lemhi River.
The campground is accessible directly from Highway 28, making it easy to find and convenient for travelers. The road is paved and suitable for vehicles, including RVs.Nearby places
Salmon, ID (32 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Salmon, ID, located 32 miles away.
Camper Reviews
3.8
7 reviews
Mcfarland Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of McFarland Campground highlight its clean facilities, scenic surroundings, and suitability for short stays. Some users found the proximity to the highway a drawback while others appreciated the convenient access and amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets; potable water availability; scenic location with shade; pet-friendly; spacious sites suitable for RVs and vehicles.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Proximity to the highway can cause noise. Occasional maintenance issues with vault toilets. Fishing near the campground is challenging due to willows.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs if sensitive to highway noise. For fishing, consider exploring downstream areas. Use the green space on the northern end for tent camping.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but some amenities like potable water are seasonal. Spring and summer appear to be popular for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great spot with access to sportsman activities. Sites are large enough for RVs and vehicles with plenty of green space for dogs and kids." - Ntegra GS-R. "Fishing is a little challenging because of...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are arranged in a circular layout, which some found convenient for pull-through access. The northern green space is preferred for tent campers.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and campsites are accessible, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, offering plenty of green space for dogs to roam.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025