Bighorn Crags Campground
04 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$4/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$4/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
14 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$4.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 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."
Fees & Passes at Bighorn Crags Campground
$4/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 14 sites, though specific size classifications (e.g., large, small) are not provided.
Sites PrivacyInformation on individual campsite privacy is not explicitly mentioned in the source.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Best Campsites
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open starting from July 1.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.
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.
Hiking
The 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 viewing
User 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
Winter activities are not mentioned in the sources.Water Sports
Details on water sports are not provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- The sites are equipped with fire grates, but no specific fire policies were detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather at Bighorn Crags Campground
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 17.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage collection services on-site. Campers must pack out all their trash and waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near numerous lakes, accessible via hiking trails.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlighted a few concerns: the vault toilet's hygiene, the absence of cell service, and limited activities for families with young children. Access road conditions were also noted as challenging.
HostUser reviews describe campground hosts as "really nice and friendly" and noted their efforts to keep the campground clean.
Campground Map
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.Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Bighorn Crags Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends were identified in user reviews, but the campground is open starting July 1st annually.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great, clean campground, with lots of MOOSE sightings!!!!!!" (Chrissi Prom, 2018). "The trails were just phenomenal." (Ashton Owens, 2018).
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are singled out in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews explicitly addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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