About Bayhorse Recreation Site
Tucked along the Salmon River at 5,400 feet in elevation, Bayhorse Campground offers a scenic and historic getaway just ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named after the nearby Bayhorse Mining District, this quiet riverside retreat features 12 campsites perfect for anglers, history buffs, and outdoor explorers alike. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities here, with resident cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead, and mountain whitefish thriving in the clear waters of the Upper Salmon River. Beyond the river, a short drive west leads to Bayhorse Townsite ran by the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, which showcases remnants of historic mines, offering a glimpse into Idaho’s rugged mining past. The campground also serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork, rich in trails, interpretive sites, and striking mountain landscapes.…
- Fees: $10 per night Campsites are first come, first served
- Managed by: Salmon River, BLM
- Where: 8 mi south of Challis, ID · 44.38555, -114.26028
Things to do:
Weather by month
Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: Jun–Sep (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: Oct–Apr.
Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.
Trails near camp
| Trail | Open to | From camp | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayhorse System | ATV / OHV, Dirt bike | 2.6 mi | 7.4 mi |
| West Fork Beardsley Cr. | ATV road | 2.9 mi | 2.9 mi |
| Keystone Mtn. | ATV road | 2.9 mi | 5.4 mi |
Straight-line distance from camp, from Forest Service, BLM, state and OpenStreetMap trail data.
Good to know
No signal at camp
From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.The Milky Way casts shadows and the sky is crowded with stars.
Class 1 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.Dump station: 8.1 mi
Water fill-up: 10.4 mi
Camps nearby
- Deadman Hole Campground 2.8 mi
- Little Bayhorse Camping Area 6.5 mi
- Campsite · 2 mi SE of Challis 6.8 mi
- Big Bayhorse Campground 7 mi
- Challis Golf Course RV Park 8.1 mi
- Round Valley RV Park Office 8.2 mi