Big Bayhorse Campground

Star4.44
19 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,615 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open seasonally star...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Bayhorse Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground currently has no site fees.
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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakewell-maintained

"User reviews generally highlight the beautiful setting, quiet atmosphere, and good fishing opportunities at Big Bayhorse Campground. However, several reviews note the lack of water and the steep, narrow access road as potential challenges."

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Campground Map

Big Bayhorse Campground

44.4106, -114.3991

Driving directionsFrom Stanley: The Bayhorse Road takes off Highway 75, 19 miles downriver from the Yankee Fork Work Center Office. It passes the old Bayhorse mining town and continues upward and onward to Big and Little Bayhorse Lakes. From Challis: Approximately six miles east on Highway 75, turn right onto Forest Road #051 (at sign), and continue upward and onward 7 miles to Big Bayhorse Lake.
Access is via a narrow and steep dirt road. While trailers are allowed, caution is advised. It is best suited for trailers and motorhomes less than 32 feet in length. Users should take additional precautions while navigating the road, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Nearby places
Challis (approximately 13 miles via Highway 75 and Forest Road #051)
Nearby supplies
Campers will have to rely on Challis or surrounding towns for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, as the site lacks on-site provisions.

Best Time to Camp at Big Bayhorse Campground

Mountain mornings often greet early-season campers with a delicate frost or surprise snowfall, reminding visitors of nature's unpredictable beauty. As summer unfolds and wildflowers bloom, July brings warm days perfect for hiking and fishing—though savvy campers know to pack extra bug spray for those twilight hours when mosquitoes emerge to dance in the evening air.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open from July 1; summer popular though reviewers note mosquitos and flies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

September quieter but some reviews cite reduced maintenance and issues (toilet paper, sprinklers).

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens July 1; spring season not applicable for camping access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal access; campground opens July 1, so winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Unknown; peak season likely coincides with summer months due to seasonal access beginning July 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally starting July 1. Closing dates are unspecified.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts are mentioned.

About Big Bayhorse Campground

Nestled beside a pristine high mountain lake, Big Bayhorse Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's untamed wilderness. Eight thoughtfully spaced campsites welcome adventurers seeking solitude among towering peaks and crystal-clear waters. Each site comes complete with a picnic table for lakeside dining, a fire ring for evening storytelling, and a cooking grill for preparing the day's catch or trail-worthy meals.
Big Bayhorse Campground offers dispersed camping suitable for tent campers and RVs, as well as day-use picnicking.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Unknown

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Bayhorse Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, ATV trail access, and picnicking. The lake and surrounding streams provide ample opportunities for fishing, with trout being a popular catch. Non-motorized boating is supported via a boat launch and docks, and the hiking and ATV trails provide access to the surrounding high mountain terrain.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, though specific details about difficulty levels or lengths are not provided. Trails can also be used for ATV rides.
FishingPlentiful fishing opportunities exist in the lake and surrounding streams. According to one reviewer, "Plenty of trout in the lake." Another noted that "Fishing was fantastic but the water was warm and the fish were noticeably stressed."
BoatingThere is a boat launch and two docks available for non-motorized watercraft on Bayhorse Lake.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos and flies are noted as prevalent by reviewers. The lake water can become warm and impact fish health during certain months. The dirt access road can be challenging.
Active AlertsNo current alerts are mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Bayhorse Campground

Reviews

4.4
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Bayhorse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the beautiful setting, quiet atmosphere, and good fishing opportunities at Big Bayhorse Campground. However, several reviews note the lack of water and the steep, narrow access road as potential challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the scenic high mountain lake setting, well-maintained vault toilets, plentiful fishing opportunities, and the peacefulness of the campground. "Great view...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the rough access road, and instances of poorly stocked toilets. One reviewer expressed frustration with sprinklers soaking their gear during a...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, bug spray for flies and mosquitos, and cautioning that the road may be difficult for larger vehicles. "Bring plenty of water as there is none...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months (July and August) are popular, with reviewers mentioning mosquitos and flies. September saw a decline in maintenance, such as a lack of toilet paper and unexpected sprinkler activity.
Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground by the lake. There are about 8 campsites, each with a fire pit with a grill top." "Great view of the stars at night." "Fishing was fantastic but the water was warm and the fish were...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site information indicates there are approximately 8 campsites, each featuring a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill top. "Awesome little campground!! Just the right size, only 8 spots...
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Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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