How much does camping cost at Mackay Bar Campground?

Camping fees at Mackay Bar Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Mackay Bar Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mackay Bar Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All three campsites at Mackay Bar Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Mackay Bar Campground?

Mackay Bar Campground is open The campground is open year-round, but accessibility may be affected by snow.. 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 Mackay Bar Campground?

Mackay Bar Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mackay Bar Campground have?

Mackay Bar Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mackay Bar Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mackay Bar Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mackay Bar Campground?

Mackay Bar Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mackay Bar Campground?

Popular activities at Mackay Bar Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mackay Bar Campground

3 reviews

Featured in:Spring Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Mackay Bar Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee to use Mackay Bar Campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mackay Bar Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Mackay Bar Campground

45.3009, -115.6217

Nearby places

Dixie (approximately 44 miles south of the Red River Ranger Station)

Driving directionsFrom State Highway 14, turn south on Red River-Dixie Road #222 and continue past the Red River Ranger Station (now closed), through Dixie Town, past the Dixie Guard Station and to the Salmon River (approximately 44 miles south of the Red River Ranger Station). Turn left and continue approximately 0.5 mile to the campground.

Access to Mackay Bar Campground is challenging due to a very rough, winding road with many tight switchbacks. Low-range, 4-wheel drive is recommended, and trailers are not advised.

Weather at Mackay Bar Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mackay Bar Campground

Summer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs run 75–95°F with nights cooling to 45–60°F. July and August offer the most reliable access and long daylight hours for fishing and hiking. Winter temperatures drop to an average low of 8.4°F, with snow and ice making access difficult or impossible. Summer sees some weekend use, but crowds stay light compared to roadside campgrounds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

July–August offer best access, warm days and long daylight—summer is best season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but accessibility may be affected by snow.

About Mackay Bar Campground

Mackay Bar Campground sits on the north bank of the Salmon River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, accessible only by low-range 4WD. The campground has three sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Parking is limited. You'll need to navigate a challenging access road and watch for rattlesnakes and private property boundaries.

Mackay Bar Campground provides three campsites suitable for basic camping, but does not specify whether these are for RVs, tents, or other types.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions. Daytime highs run 75–95°F with nights cooling to 45–60°F. July and August offer the most reliable access and long daylight hours for fishing and hiking. Winter temperatures drop to an average low of 8.4°F, with snow and ice making access difficult or impossible. Summer sees some weekend use, but crowds stay light compared to roadside campgrounds.

ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet above sea level, Mackay Bar Campground occupies a sweet spot in Idaho's vertical landscape. This moderate elevation provides the perfect balance – high enough to offer crisp mountain air and stunning vistas, yet accessible enough that most visitors won't experience altitude-related discomfort. The elevation contributes to the area's pleasant summer temperatures and dramatic seasonal changes, creating a dynamic environment that shifts from snow-laden winter wonderland to sun-drenched summer paradise.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Salmon River flows past the campground at 2,300 feet elevation, cutting through steep canyon walls of granite and volcanic rock. Dense coniferous forests cover the hillsides above the sites. The canyon walls expose ancient rock formations, and the river's current runs strong through this section of the drainage. The surrounding Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests rise sharply from the riverbank.

Geological RegionMackay Bar Campground sits within the spectacular Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and complexity. The Salmon River, cutting through this rugged terrain, has carved deep canyons and exposed ancient rock formations that tell the story of Idaho's dramatic geological past. Dense coniferous forests blanket the steep hillsides, their roots gripping weathered granite and volcanic soils. This convergence of river, forest, and mountain creates a unique ecosystem where the forces of water and stone continue their eternal dance, offering campers a front-row seat to one of the West's most impressive natural theaters.

Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy views of the Salmon River and the surrounding wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no information available about hotel-style lodges or other accommodations at this park.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information provided about cultural or educational programs at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree sites spread along the riverbank, each with a table and fire grate. Limited parking keeps the campground intimate.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll three campsites at Mackay Bar Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Site SizeThere is no information provided about the size of the campsites.

PrivacyThere is no information provided about the level of privacy between campsites.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesIf accessible, all three campsites are recommended for their proximity to the Salmon River.

Amenities available

Mackay Bar Campground features three campsites equipped with tables and fire grates, but parking is limited. The site lacks many amenities, with no potable water or garbage services available, requiring visitors to pack out all trash. Access to the campground is challenging due to a rough, winding road with tight switchbacks that necessitate a 4-wheel drive, low-range vehicle. Additionally, trailers are not recommended. Visitors should be mindful of adjacent private properties and natural hazards including rattlesnakes and poison ivy. Restrooms are available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Mackay Bar Campground offers limited recreational opportunities primarily focused on fishing in the Salmon River. Hunting and shooting activities are also mentioned as available, but no further details are provided.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of rattlesnakes and poison ivy in the area, as well as the dangers posed by the rough access road.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Mackay Bar Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Mackay Bar Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are not provided, making it difficult to assess camper experiences at Mackay Bar Campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

There is no user input available to highlight specific positive aspects of the camping experience.

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

No user feedback has been provided about potential complaints or issues.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews are provided for specific sites or areas within the campground.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user reviews or recommendations are available to provide specific tips.

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are available to describe trends or experiences across different seasons.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are available to offer insights into the camping experience.

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user feedback is available regarding accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.

Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user feedback is available regarding policies or experiences of camping with pets.

Based on 3 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers and self-sufficient car campers who own a capable 4WD rig will find a quiet riverbank camp that costs nothing. Summer is the reliable window, with warm days, fishable water, and access that's actually open.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything in yourself, and the rough access road with tight switchbacks makes trailers a no-go. Rattlesnakes and poison ivy are real, not fine print.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited