Mcfarland Campground

Star3.79
22 reviews
1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467

Quick Facts

5,374 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from January 1s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon Field Office (BLM) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mcfarland Campground
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite nightly rates are $5/site and $2 per additional vehicle. Fees can be paid on-site using fee envelopes or through the Recreation.gov Scan &...
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Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-756-5400
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What Campers Say

3.79

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespaciouslocation

"User reviews of McFarland Campground highlight its clean facilities, scenic surroundings, and suitability for short stays. Some users found the proximity to the highway a drawback while others appreciated the convenient access and amenities."

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Campground Map

1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467

Mcfarland Campground

1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467

Driving directionsTake Highway 28 east from Salmon, ID for 32 miles. The campground will be on the left between the highway and the Lemhi River.
The campground is accessible directly from Highway 28, making it easy to find and convenient for travelers. The road is paved and suitable for vehicles, including RVs.
Nearby places
Salmon, ID (32 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Salmon, ID, located 32 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Mcfarland Campground

Each season paints McFarland Campground with its own distinct palette. Spring awakens the valley with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while fall transforms the riverside cottonwoods into a golden corridor. Summer brings warm, dry days punctuated by dramatic afternoon winds that whisper through the valley, creating nature's own air conditioning. Winter transforms this riverside haven into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the landscape and only the heartiest adventurers venture forth to experience the profound silence of a frozen river valley.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular for hiking and fishing in summer; open year-round but summer is a main season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall transforms riverside cottonwoods and is noted as a visually appealing season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in ID

Spring brings wildflowers and ideal camping temps; popular season for hiking and fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but potable water is seasonal and few winter amenities or activities cited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season occurs January 1st through December 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from January 1st to December 31st each year. Reservations available with a rolling 6-month booking window. First-come, first-served applies for parts of the year.
  • Current Alerts: As of September 2023, some camping locations were under construction but expected to reopen in 2024.

About Mcfarland Campground

Nestled along the peaceful banks of the Lemhi River, McFarland Campground invites you to discover one of Idaho's hidden gems. This intimate retreat features 9 thoughtfully spaced sites that welcome both tent campers and RV adventurers seeking solitude in nature. Here, the gentle murmur of the river sets the rhythm for days filled with fly fishing, scenic hiking trails, and memorable wildlife encounters. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching elk graze in the evening light, McFarland offers an authentic escape where the modern world fades away.
McFarland Campground offers both RV and tent camping options. It includes 9 campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
First-come, first-served sites available during open season.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

McFarland Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities such as fishing on the Lemhi River, hiking on nearby trails like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Additionally, the area supports both motorized and non-motorized trail use. Activities like birding, star gazing, and photography are also popular due to the area's natural beauty.
HikingThe Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is located along the Beaverhead Mountains to the east and offers single-day and multi-day hiking opportunities. Other motorized and non-motorized trails in the surrounding ranges provide additional options.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Lemhi River, which is directly accessible from the campground. However, one reviewer noted the challenge of fishing near willows and suggested hiking downstream for better spots.
Wildlife viewingThe lush riparian zone created by the Lemhi River attracts diverse wildlife, making it a good spot for wildlife observation.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWillows along the river can make fishing challenging. Wildlife and environmental hazards, such as bears, require food storage precautions.
Active AlertsAs of September 2023, some camping locations were under construction but expected to reopen in 2024.

Weather at Mcfarland Campground

Reviews

3.8
22 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mcfarland Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of McFarland Campground highlight its clean facilities, scenic surroundings, and suitability for short stays. Some users found the proximity to the highway a drawback while others appreciated the convenient access and amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets; potable water availability; scenic location with shade; pet-friendly; spacious sites suitable for RVs and vehicles.
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to the highway can cause noise. Occasional maintenance issues with vault toilets. Fishing near the campground is challenging due to willows.
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs if sensitive to highway noise. For fishing, consider exploring downstream areas. Use the green space on the northern end for tent camping.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, but some amenities like potable water are seasonal. Spring and summer appear to be popular for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great spot with access to sportsman activities. Sites are large enough for RVs and vehicles with plenty of green space for dogs and kids." - Ntegra GS-R. "Fishing is a little challenging because of...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are arranged in a circular layout, which some found convenient for pull-through access. The northern green space is preferred for tent campers.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and campsites are accessible, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with disabilities.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, offering plenty of green space for dogs to roam.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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