Little Bayhorse Camping Area
01 reviewQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Opens on July 1 (sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Opens on July 1 (sea...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 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."
Fees & Passes at Little Bayhorse Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
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 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.
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)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records for this pristine location remain unrecorded, the surrounding wilderness has long served as a haven for those seeking solitude and connection with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a postcard-perfect setting where a jewel-like mountain lake serves as the centerpiece of your wilderness retreat. Dense forests of evergreens frame the water's edge, creating a natural amphitheater of green that changes with the light throughout the day. Recent visitors rave about the unexpected amenities that enhance the natural beauty—a wooden dock extends into the clear waters, providing the perfect platform for fishing or simply soaking in the views. Multiple campsites, some thoughtfully equipped with chairs, offer varied perspectives of this mountain paradise, while well-maintained outhouses blend discretely into the forest backdrop.
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.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThree primitive campsites. Size specifics are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy level is not mentioned.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend using a 4x4 vehicle due to steep terrain and rough road conditions.
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree primitive campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens on July 1 (seasonal use).
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served; no reservations possible.
Cancellation Policynull
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.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings provided at campsites.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"Road access is steep and narrow, hazardous when wet. Trailers are not recommended."
Active alertsnull
Weather at Little Bayhorse Camping Area
25
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 18.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo garbage pick-up is available on-site.
Proximity to water features"Had a dock" - close to Bayhorse Lake.
Common complaintsNo complaints mentioned.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Little Bayhorse Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 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 1 reviewsCommon 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 1 reviewsPro 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 1 reviewsSeasonal 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 1 reviewsCamper 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 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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