Bighorn Crags Campground

4.44

11 reviews

Quick Facts

8,678 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,678 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bighorn Crags Campground

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The camping fee is $4 per night for a single unit. Discounts are available for holders of Senior and Access passes.

Standard Site Fee$4.00

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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingfriendly

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews for Bighorn Crags Campground are mixed. Positive mentions include its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and phenomenal trails. Common complaints highlight the poor condition of vault toilets, lack of cell service, and limited activities for young children."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bighorn Crags Campground

45.1034, -114.5267

Driving directionsFrom North Fork, go 24 miles west on The Salmon river road (Forest Road 030), turn left at the confluence with Panther creek and travel approximately 28 miles south on FR 055. Turn at Forney townsite and travel approximately 22 miles northwest on Forest Roads 112 and 113. The route to the campground is on rough, steep dirt roads, and should be negotiated with care.

The campground is accessible via rough, steep dirt roads that require careful negotiation. The roads are not recommended for RVs or cars with trailers.

Best Time to Camp at Bighorn Crags Campground

The high country here dances between extremes, offering visitors a dramatic showcase of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures climb to a pleasant 69°F (20°C), creating perfect conditions for alpine exploration under azure skies. As autumn arrives, the mercury begins its descent, painting the landscape in golden hues while crisp air signals the approaching change. Winter transforms the Bighorn Crags into a frozen wonderland, where heavy snows blanket the peaks and temperatures plummet well below freezing. Spring brings a gradual awakening, with snowmelt feeding countless streams and wildflowers beginning their colorful emergence. Visitors should come prepared for rapid weather changes and cooler temperatures even in summer months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open from July 1 with pleasant summer highs (~69°F); main season for trail access and camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

High country offers dramatic weather and scenery in fall but season length and trail conditions vary.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site opens July 1, so spring season is not applicable for camping here.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground opens July 1; closed/unsuitable for winter camping per site info.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open starting from July 1.

About Bighorn Crags Campground

Perched at the gateway to the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Bighorn Crags Campground offers 14 intimate campsites where adventurers gather before embarking on journeys into one of America's most pristine backcountry areas. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire grates, perfect for sharing trail stories under starlit skies. The campground serves as the primary launching point for exploring the dramatic Bighorn Crags region, where jagged peaks and crystalline lakes create a landscape that seems lifted from another world. Equestrian adventurers will appreciate the dedicated horse camping area, complete with sturdy corrals and fresh water troughs, making this an ideal basecamp for both hikers and riders seeking to explore this cathedral of stone and sky.

The campground offers standard campsites and a separate area for horse camping. There is no mention of cabins, glamping, or group-specific sites. It is primarily suited for tent camping due to access limitations for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsThe high country here dances between extremes, offering visitors a dramatic showcase of mountain weather throughout the year. Summer temperatures climb to a pleasant 69°F (20°C), creating perfect conditions for alpine exploration under azure skies. As autumn arrives, the mercury begins its descent, painting the landscape in golden hues while crisp air signals the approaching change. Winter transforms the Bighorn Crags into a frozen wonderland, where heavy snows blanket the peaks and temperatures plummet well below freezing. Spring brings a gradual awakening, with snowmelt feeding countless streams and wildflowers beginning their colorful emergence. Visitors should come prepared for rapid weather changes and cooler temperatures even in summer months.

ElevationSet high in Idaho's remote backcountry, the campground's lofty elevation places visitors in the realm of eagles and mountain goats. The thin mountain air at this altitude offers crystalline clarity but demands respect—many visitors find themselves catching their breath more often as their bodies adjust to the reduced oxygen. This elevated perch rewards those who acclimate with sweeping vistas and access to alpine terrain that few ever experience.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Bighorn Crags region stands as one of Idaho's most spectacular geological galleries, where ancient forces have sculpted a masterpiece of stone. Towering hoodoos rise like nature's own skyscrapers, their weathered forms creating an otherworldly skyline against the mountain backdrop. Crystal-clear alpine lakes mirror the surrounding peaks, offering refreshing swimming holes for brave souls and stunning reflections for photographers. The rugged mountains surrounding the campground reveal layer upon layer of geological history, while trails wind through this natural sculpture garden toward hidden cirques and secret valleys that have captivated wilderness enthusiasts for generations.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the campground sits amidst one of North America's most remarkable geological showcases. This rugged landscape tells a story written in stone, where ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion have created a dramatic tableau of peaks, spires, and balanced rocks. The famous hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock protruding from the bottom of arid basins—stand as sentinels throughout the region, while pristine mountain lakes fill glacier-carved bowls between soaring granite walls. This is wilderness in its purest form, where the forces that shaped our planet remain on full display.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned or described in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 14 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire grates, with a separate horse camping area that includes corrals and water troughs.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 14 sites, though specific size classifications (e.g., large, small) are not provided.

PrivacyInformation on individual campsite privacy is not explicitly mentioned in the source.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bighorn Crags Campground offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The main trailhead provides access to extensive trails through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, featuring rugged landscapes, lakes, and hoodoos. Visitors can also enjoy observing wildlife like moose, based on user experiences.

HikingThe campground is near the main trailhead for the Bighorn Crags, which leads to numerous trails in the wilderness. "The trails were just phenomenal," according to a user review by Ashton Owens (2018). These trails pass through lakes and fascinating geological formations.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight the opportunity to see wildlife like moose. "Great, clean campground, with lots of MOOSE sightings!!!!!! Moose surprised us and literally coming right near our tent," quoted from Chrissi Prom (2018).

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife presence is notable, including moose sightings. "Moose surprised us and literally came right near our tent," one reviewer noted. Vault toilets had a significant issue with flies, which some campers found unpleasant.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyThe sites are equipped with fire grates, but no specific fire policies were detailed.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no garbage collection services on-site. Campers must pack out all their trash and waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near numerous lakes, accessible via hiking trails.

Camp HostUser reviews describe campground hosts as "really nice and friendly" and noted their efforts to keep the campground clean.

Weather at Bighorn Crags Campground

Reviews

4.4

11 reviews

Recommended

Bighorn Crags Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bighorn Crags Campground are mixed. Positive mentions include its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and phenomenal trails. Common complaints highlight the poor condition of vault toilets, lack of cell service, and limited activities for young children.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's cleanliness, friendly hosts, and the quality of the hiking trails. "Camp guide was informative," and "The trails were just phenomenal," were among the positive...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focused on the poorly maintained vault toilets, which one camper described as a 'pit with a hundred flies.' Other complaints include the lack of cell service and the area's limited...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing entertainment for children and being prepared for no cell service. Additionally, it is advised to pack out all trash due to the lack of garbage collection services.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends were identified in user reviews, but the campground is open starting July 1st annually.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great, clean campground, with lots of MOOSE sightings!!!!!!" (Chrissi Prom, 2018). "The trails were just phenomenal." (Ashton Owens, 2018).

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are singled out in user reviews.

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews explicitly addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.

Based on 11 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bighorn Crags Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 5, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Bighorn Crags Campground