How much does camping cost at Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

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

Is Little Bayhorse Camping Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Bayhorse Camping Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is first-come, first-served; no reservations possible.

What is the best time to visit Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Little Bayhorse Camping Area is open null. 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 Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Little Bayhorse Camping Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Fire policies at Little Bayhorse Camping Area: Fire rings provided at campsites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Little Bayhorse Camping Area have?

Little Bayhorse Camping Area has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Pets are not allowed at Little Bayhorse Camping Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Little Bayhorse Camping Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Bayhorse Camping Area?

Popular activities at Little Bayhorse Camping Area include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Bayhorse Camping Area

3.78

9 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

8,379 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Opens on July 1 (sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,379 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Opens on July 1 (sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Little Bayhorse Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at the site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Little Bayhorse Camping Area

44.4125, -114.3874

Nearby places

Stanley (approximately 19 miles), Challis (approximately 6 miles)

Nearby supplies

null

Driving directionsFrom Stanley: The Bayhorse Road (Forest road #051) takes off Highway 75, 19 miles downriver from the Yankee Fork Work Center Office. Continue 6 miles to Little Bayhorse turnoff. Little Bayhorse Road (#382) is extremely hazardous when wet. It is steep and narrow and not recommended for trailers. From Challis: approximately six miles east on Highway 75, turn right onto Forest Road #051 (at sign), and continue upward and onward 6 miles to Little Bayhorse turnoff(#382). Little Bayhorse Road is extremely hazardous when wet. It is steep and narrow and not recommended for trailers.

Road access is steep, narrow, and hazardous when wet. The last 1/2 mile to the lake is rough, and trailers are not recommended.

Weather at Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Current alert: Little Bayhorse Road (#382) is extremely hazardous when wet. It is steep and narrow and not recommended for trailers.

Best Time to Camp at Little Bayhorse Camping Area

The campground opens July 1, when snow typically clears from the lake and trail. Summer afternoons run 55–70°F, but nights drop to 30–40°F. Plan for cold mornings and bring warm layers. July and August offer the most reliable conditions, with dry days and long light for fishing or hiking. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country. Winter is inaccessible, with deep snow and frigid temperatures lasting well into spring.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Opens July 1; days 55–70°F and prime fishing/hiking in summer months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens on July 1 (seasonal use).

About Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Little Bayhorse Camping Area sits at 8,379 feet beside a high alpine lake in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The campground has three primitive sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There's no water or trash service, and the access road requires a 4x4. The tradeoff: excellent fishing, a dock on the lake, and a hiking trail to neighboring Bayhorse Lake.

The campground is a primitive camping area with three sites. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to steep and narrow road access.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens July 1, when snow typically clears from the lake and trail. Summer afternoons run 55–70°F, but nights drop to 30–40°F. Plan for cold mornings and bring warm layers. July and August offer the most reliable conditions, with dry days and long light for fishing or hiking. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country. Winter is inaccessible, with deep snow and frigid temperatures lasting well into spring.

ElevationPerched high in the mountain realm where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly, this alpine lake campground sits at a significant elevation that rewards visitors with cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and that unmistakable feeling of being on top of the world. While exact elevation measurements aren't specified, the 'high mountain lake' setting promises that rarified atmosphere only found in the upper reaches of the wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryA clear mountain lake anchors the campground, surrounded by dense evergreen forest and rugged peaks. The lake reflects the sky and surrounding ridges, and a wooden dock extends into the water for fishing or just sitting. The forest frames the shoreline, and the elevation means thin air and big views. Reviewers consistently mention the scenery as a standout feature, with the lake and surrounding wilderness creating what one visitor called 'stunning' alpine beauty.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this high mountain lake campground showcases the rugged beauty of Idaho's central mountains. The surrounding landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient forces carved deep valleys and thrust peaks skyward, creating the dramatic topography that defines this remarkable corner of the American West.

Scenic ViewsViews of Bayhorse Lake and surrounding mountainous terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations or luxury camping (glamping) options are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree primitive sites scattered near the lake, some with chairs left by previous campers. The vault toilet is nearby, and the sites are spaced to offer different views of the water and forest.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served; no reservations possible.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThree primitive campsites. Size specifics are not mentioned.

PrivacyPrivacy level is not mentioned.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend using a 4x4 vehicle due to steep terrain and rough road conditions.

Amenities available

There is a toilet within the campground, but no drinking water or garbage pick-up available on site. Road access is steep and narrow. The last 1/2 mile to the lake is rough, trailers are not recommended here.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Little Bayhorse Camping Area offers fishing opportunities at the lake, picnicking, and hiking trails that connect to Bayhorse Lake. User reviews mention a dock, but other recreational activities are not extensively covered.

Hiking

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Road access is steep and narrow, hazardous when wet. Trailers are not recommended."

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

3.8

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Little Bayhorse Camping Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and basic amenities such as outhouses and picnic tables. However, the challenging road conditions are pointed out as a concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as an 'awesome campground' with stunning scenery, a dock, outhouses on-site, and picnic tables.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

The steep and narrow road requiring a 4x4 truck or SUV is noted as a major concern. Trailers and RVs are not recommended.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to use a 4x4 truck or SUV for safe access and to bring their own water and trash disposal supplies due to the lack of potable water and garbage pick-up.

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are mentioned explicitly, but the campground's accessibility and usability may vary significantly due to road conditions becoming hazardous when wet.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome campground. Had a dock, has outhouses on site and multiple camp sites with chairs.' - Eli Coon 2. 'Steep need a 4x4 truck or SUV.' - Eli Coon

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and tent campers with a 4x4 and self-sufficient gear will get a lot out of this place. Free lakeside camping at elevation, a dock to fish from, and a trail connecting to Bayhorse Lake nearby, all for nothing.

Skip if

Road #382 is steep, narrow, and genuinely dangerous when wet. No trailer gets up there safely, no water on site means packing every drop in, and only three sites means driving 6 miles from Challis to find it taken.

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Big Bayhorse Campground sits at 8,615 feet beside Bayhorse Lake in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The eight sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers under 32 feet. A narrow, steep access road rules out larger rigs. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets are available, but there's no water.

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RVs

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Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Little Bayhorse Camping Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Little Bayhorse Camping Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Beautiful high mountain lake with plenty of fishing. Hiking trail connects to Bayhorse Lake. Three primitive campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a toilet within the campground, but no drinking water or garbage pick-up available on site. Road access is steep and narrow.  The last 1/2 mile to the lake is rough, trailers are not recommended here.</p>

Open Season: 7/1