Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Star4.86
9 reviews
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

8,379 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Opens on July 1 (sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Little Bayhorse Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged for camping at the site.
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

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenery

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Little Bayhorse Camping Area

44.4125, -114.3874

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.
Nearby places
Stanley (approximately 19 miles), Challis (approximately 6 miles)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Experience dramatic seasonal transitions in this high-altitude paradise, where winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland with frigid temperatures and potential snowfall that can linger well into spring. As summer arrives, the mountain air becomes crisp and invigorating, with warm, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures. July and August emerge as the golden months for camping, when wildflowers paint the meadows, the lake sparkles under endless blue skies, and comfortable temperatures invite you to explore from dawn to dusk.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Opens July 1; summer affords lake access, fishing and hiking in comfortable conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Late summer/early fall likely pleasant, but accessibility and snow risk shorten the window.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow can linger into spring and seasonal opening suggests limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter brings snow and frigid temps; site is seasonal and opens July 1, so not used in winter.

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

About Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Escape to a pristine alpine sanctuary where crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks and endless sky. This secluded high mountain lake offers an authentic wilderness experience with excellent fishing opportunities and a scenic hiking trail that winds its way to neighboring Bayhorse Lake. Three thoughtfully placed primitive campsites, each furnished with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings, provide intimate spaces to reconnect with nature. While you'll find basic facilities including a conveniently located toilet, this off-the-grid gem embraces simplicity—pack in your water and supplies, and prepare to pack out what you bring, as no drinking water or garbage services are available on site.
The campground is a primitive camping area with three sites. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to steep and narrow road access.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe hiking trail connects Little Bayhorse Lake to Bayhorse Lake. Specific details such as trail length or difficulty are not available.
FishingFishing is available at the high mountain lake. User reviews and official sources confirm fishing opportunities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Road access is steep and narrow, hazardous when wet. Trailers are not recommended."
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Little Bayhorse Camping Area

Reviews

4.9
9 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Little Bayhorse Camping Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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