How much does camping cost at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Camping fees at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site range from $20-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site before I book?

Yes! Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site have?

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

Popular activities at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

4.55

152 reviews

721 E Main Ave, Challis, ID, 83226

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho Boating Camping Idaho Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,109 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial Hookups

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Challis Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,109 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial Hookups

Book on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Challis Field Office Official Website

Get Directions

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use Shelter: $50.00; Double: $40.00; Single Non: $20.00; Single: $20.00; Tent Site: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-878-6200BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

721 E Main Ave, Challis, ID, 83226

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

721 E Main Ave, Challis, ID, 83226

Nearby places

Mackay (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Challis (approximately 45 minutes).

Weather at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

Current alerts(1)

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site is dedicated to Jospeh T. Fallini who grew up in Mackay, ID and served as the BLM Idaho State Director from 1959-1970. During his time with BLM Idaho, Joseph Fallini was a strong advocate for outdoor recreation on public lands.

Best Time to Camp at Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights dropping into the 40s–50s at 6,100 ft) and the fullest reservoir for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. This is peak season for water activities, hiking in the nearby Lost River Range, and wildlife viewing along the shoreline; campsites are sunny but shaded picnic areas keep things comfortable. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends—book ahead (site open May 1–Sept 30; reservations Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Summer is peak season with fullest reservoir and best conditions for boating, swimming and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to September 30 for reservations. First-come, first-served availability June 20-21, 2025.

About Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site sits at 6,100 feet on the shore of Mackay Reservoir, 20 miles south of Challis in east-central Idaho. Managed by the BLM Challis Field Office, this mid-elevation campground offers tent sites, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and group camping options. Anglers fish from shore and boat, while wildlife viewers scan the shoreline for birds and other species against the backdrop of the Lost River Range.

The Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site accommodates a variety of camping types, including tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, and group shelters. Specific site types include 'Tent Only Nonelectric,' 'RV Electric,' and 'Group Shelter Nonelectric.'

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights dropping into the 40s–50s at 6,100 ft) and the fullest reservoir for boating, swimming, and shore fishing. This is peak season for water activities, hiking in the nearby Lost River Range, and wildlife viewing along the shoreline; campsites are sunny but shaded picnic areas keep things comfortable. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends—book ahead (site open May 1–Sept 30; reservations Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6109 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a valley between two mountain ranges. The Lost River Range rises to the east, the Knob Mountains frame the west, and Mackay Reservoir fills the space between them. Mt. McCaleb's silhouette dominates the view across the water. The setting is a geological crossroads shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial carving over millions of years. Sites are generally open with limited shade, though shaded picnic areas exist. The landscape blends mountain and water environments in a way that changes throughout the day.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly camping accommodations (RV, tent, group) are mentioned; there is no indication of hotel-style lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesNo organized cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Information not specified in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group shelters are available and cost $25 per night. No additional details provided about group capacities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov mobile app or website.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, parking, drinking water, picnic area, pit toilets, and trails are mentioned as available.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates various sizes including RVs and tents. Examples include 'large RV sites' and tent-specific areas with 'room for multiple tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. One review mentioned the campground being packed but still having 'plenty of space,' while others noted open areas with limited shade.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Chukkar Loop for mature trees. Grouse Loop near water is ideal for swimming.

Best CampsitesGrouse Loop puts you closest to the water. Tent sites are fewer in number but come with covered tables and grills. Reviewers note that Grouse Loop has particularly limited shade. The campground can get packed on summer weekends but still offers plenty of space between sites.

Need help booking Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

The Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site offers a wide array of amenities. Official descriptions highlight that this is the only recreational site in the Challis Field Office with full RV hookups, also featuring a dump station, restrooms, potable water, a boat ramp, and an interpretive trail. Other facilities include accessible campsites and parking, grills, picnic shelters, tent pads, and paved sites and roads. User reviews provide additional insights: 'Bathrooms and camping spots on site' and 'each site has picnic table, fire pit, raised tent site, power and water' (review by Greg S). A complaint noted that 'pit toilets were a bit gnarly' (Kera Judy).

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site offers diverse activities including boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife viewing, nature walking, and stargazing. Recreational highlights include the boat ramp for water sports such as jet skiing and sailing, as well as ice fishing in winter. User reviews elaborate: 'Great place for fishing and camping' (Oded Paz), and 'fishing was subpar' during late July (Michelle F.).

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

152 reviews

Top-Rated

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives generally positive feedback, with an average sentiment of 4.52 for campground-specific reviews. Common themes include cleanliness, beautiful views, and reasonable pricing. However, there are mixed opinions about camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 152 reviews

What Campers Love

Positives highlighted include the campground being 'clean and spacious' with 'beautiful views,' full hookups, and a variety of recreational activities. Users appreciated amenities like fire pits,...

Based on 152 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with certain camp hosts being rude ('Camp host a grumpy old bear' - Margaret Cawelti), limited shade, and poor fishing in late summer.

Based on 152 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites on the Grouse Loop are closer to water but lack shade compared to Chukkar Loop.

Based on 152 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own trash bags as trash services may not always be available. Visit during cooler months to avoid the summer heat and take advantage of better fishing conditions in May.

Based on 152 reviews

Seasonal Insights

May and September are popular times, with reports of better fishing and cooler weather. July can be hot with less shade, and October is quieter with fewer visitors.

Based on 152 reviews

Camper Quotes

'This full hookup campground sits on the edge of the Mackay Reservoir with 360° views of the beautiful Lost River mountain range' (Mountain Woman). 'Bathrooms and camping spots on site' (Andrea...

Based on 152 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility, but official descriptions note accessible features like restrooms and trails.

Based on 152 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one user noted a camp host complaining about dogs (Margaret Cawelti).

Based on 152 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want reservoir fishing and boating with electric and water hookups in a small BLM campground.

Skip if

You need dense shade or prefer campgrounds with consistent host service.

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Campgrounds

Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

About Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site

Context for the broader area surrounding Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

The Joseph T. Fallini Campground is the only recreational site in Challis that offers full RV hookups and features a diversity of other facilities. This scenic area has a gorgeous view of the Lost River Range and offers recreational opportunities such as boating in the summer and ice fishing in late winter. There are 26 camp sites, an RV hook ups and dump station, restrooms, drinking water, boat ramp and interpretive trail. Mackay Reservoir offers a boat ramp providing access to the reservoir for jet skiing, water skiing and sailing . Other boat launches along the reservoir (and one downstream of the dam) are also available.

Directions

North of Mackay, Idaho and south of Challis, Idaho. Travel north from Mackay on Highway 93 for approximately 6 miles. The site is on the west side of the highway and has a view of the spectacular Mt. McCaleb in the Lost River Range.