How much does camping cost at Bighorn Crags Campground?

Camping fees at Bighorn Crags Campground range from $4/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Bighorn Crags Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bighorn Crags Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.

What is the best time to visit Bighorn Crags Campground?

Bighorn Crags Campground is open The campground is open starting from July 1.. 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 Bighorn Crags Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Bighorn Crags Campground?

Fire policies at Bighorn Crags Campground: The sites are equipped with fire grates, but no specific fire policies were detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bighorn Crags Campground have?

Bighorn Crags Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bighorn Crags Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Bighorn Crags Campground?

Bighorn Crags Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bighorn Crags Campground?

Popular activities at Bighorn Crags Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bighorn Crags Campground

3.64

11 reviews

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bighorn Crags Campground

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$10 per night for single unit is charged for overnight use of this site.

Standard Site Fee$4.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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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.

Weather at Bighorn Crags Campground

Best Time to Camp at Bighorn Crags Campground

July and August offer the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 60-70°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails and alpine lakes are snow-free during this window, though moderate crowds appear at trailheads on weekends. Winter brings heavy snow and temperatures well below freezing. Spring arrives gradually as snowmelt feeds streams and wildflowers emerge. Weather changes rapidly at this elevation, even in summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Open July 1; July–Aug offer best weather, snow‑free trails and lakes.

Planning Tips

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

About Bighorn Crags Campground

Bighorn Crags Campground sits at 8,678 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, serving as the primary access point for the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The campground has 14 tent sites at $4 per night. There's no cell service and no garbage collection, so visitors pack out everything they bring.

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 SeasonsJuly and August offer the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach 60-70°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Trails and alpine lakes are snow-free during this window, though moderate crowds appear at trailheads on weekends. Winter brings heavy snow and temperatures well below freezing. Spring arrives gradually as snowmelt feeds streams and wildflowers emerge. Weather changes rapidly at this elevation, even in summer.

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 campground sits within one of North America's most dramatic geological has. Ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion created the region's famous hoodoos. Tall, thin spires of rock that stand throughout the landscape. Pristine alpine lakes fill glacier-carved bowls between granite walls. The surrounding peaks and balanced rocks form what one visitor called "a cathedral of stone." Trails lead to crystalline lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains. Wildlife includes elk, deer, and raptors.

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.

Scenic ViewsGuests can enjoy views of rugged mountainous landscapes, lakes, and unique rock formations (hoodoos).

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or cabins being available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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 has 14 tent sites with picnic tables and fire grates. A separate horse camping area includes corrals and water troughs. Sites are equipped for equestrian use as well as traditional tent camping.

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

Bighorn Crags Campground offers 14 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire grates. The facility also features a separate area for horse camping, complete with corrals and water troughs. Amenities include piped drinking water and vault toilets. However, there are no garbage collection services on-site, so campers need to pack out all trash. This campground is located in a rugged mountainous area characterized by lakes and hoodoos, with trails leading to popular wilderness regions.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided instead.

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.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bighorn Crags Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are singled out in user reviews.

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Backpackers and horse campers using the Bighorn Crags trailhead get the most out of this place. July and August are the reliable window, trails lead through hoodoos and glacier-carved lakes, and friendly hosts keep the 14 sites clean.

Skip if

Families with young kids will find little to keep them busy, the vault toilet has a serious fly problem, the access road is rough, and there's zero cell service. RVs can't use this site at all.

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