Mackay Bar Campground

3 reviews

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests site

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

Opens Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mackay Bar Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee to use Mackay Bar Campground.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

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

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Campground Map

Mackay Bar Campground

45.3009, -115.6217

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.

Nearby places

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

Best Time to Camp at Mackay Bar Campground

Mackay Bar transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter wraps the campground in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with temperatures plummeting to an average low of 8.4°F – a true test for only the hardiest cold-weather campers. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its most inviting season. July and August bring bluebird days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 72°F, creating perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and backcountry exploration. These warm months showcase the Salmon River at its most spectacular, with clear mountain air and endless sunshine beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to experience Idaho's untamed beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer likely best for access and river recreation; campground open year-round but access varies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall offers scenic changes and cooler weather, but no season-specific visitor info available.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Spring runoff and seasonal change may affect river access; no review data to confirm conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but 'accessibility may be affected by snow'; limited winter-activity info.

Planning Tips

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

About Mackay Bar Campground

Tucked away along the pristine north bank of the legendary Salmon River, Mackay Bar Campground offers adventurous souls a truly remote wilderness escape. This intimate hideaway features just three thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with sturdy tables and fire grates perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. The journey here is part of the adventure – you'll navigate a rugged road that demands a low-range 4-wheel drive vehicle and rewards you with unparalleled solitude. With limited parking preserving the campground's peaceful atmosphere, visitors find themselves immersed in raw natural beauty. As you settle into this wilderness retreat, remember to respect the neighboring private property boundaries and stay alert for the area's wild residents, including rattlesnakes and patches of poison ivy that remind us we're guests in nature's domain.

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 SeasonsMackay Bar transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter wraps the campground in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with temperatures plummeting to an average low of 8.4°F – a true test for only the hardiest cold-weather campers. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its most inviting season. July and August bring bluebird days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 72°F, creating perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and backcountry exploration. These warm months showcase the Salmon River at its most spectacular, with clear mountain air and endless sunshine beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to experience Idaho's untamed beauty.

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 mighty Salmon River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its powerful waters carving through ancient canyon walls and creating a dramatic backdrop for your wilderness adventure. Surrounding the campsites, the dense forests of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests rise like natural cathedral walls, their towering pines and firs providing shade, shelter, and homes for countless wildlife species. This rugged terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration, from riverside contemplation to challenging hikes through untamed backcountry. The interplay of rushing water, towering trees, and raw mountain landscape creates a sensory experience that reconnects visitors with the primal beauty of the American West.

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.

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Check-in

Open 24 hours/day

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day

Groups

There is no information provided about group sites at this campground.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes three individual campsites equipped with tables and fire grates.

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

AccessibilityThere is no information provided about accessibility features at this campground.

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

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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.

FishingFishing is available in the Salmon River, which flows near the campground. However, there are no specific details about the types of fish or the quality of fishing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

Weather at Mackay Bar Campground

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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