Mackay Bar Campground
00 reviewMackay Bar Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite 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
There is no fee to use Mackay Bar Campground.
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About this campground
Tucked away along the pristine north bank of the legendary Salmon River, Mackay Bar Campground offers adventurous souls a truly remote wilderness escape. This intimate hideaway features just three thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with sturdy tables and fire grates perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. The journey here is part of the adventure – you'll navigate a rugged road that demands a low-range 4-wheel drive vehicle and rewards you with unparalleled solitude. With limited parking preserving the campground's peaceful atmosphere, visitors find themselves immersed in raw natural beauty. As you settle into this wilderness retreat, remember to respect the neighboring private property boundaries and stay alert for the area's wild residents, including rattlesnakes and patches of poison ivy that remind us we're guests in nature's domain.
Mackay Bar Campground provides three campsites suitable for basic camping, but does not specify whether these are for RVs, tents, or other types.
Weather and SeasonsMackay Bar transforms dramatically with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter wraps the campground in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with temperatures plummeting to an average low of 8.4°F – a true test for only the hardiest cold-weather campers. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to its most inviting season. July and August bring bluebird days with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 72°F, creating perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and backcountry exploration. These warm months showcase the Salmon River at its most spectacular, with clear mountain air and endless sunshine beckoning outdoor enthusiasts to experience Idaho's untamed beauty.
ElevationPerched at 2,300 feet above sea level, Mackay Bar Campground occupies a sweet spot in Idaho's vertical landscape. This moderate elevation provides the perfect balance – high enough to offer crisp mountain air and stunning vistas, yet accessible enough that most visitors won't experience altitude-related discomfort. The elevation contributes to the area's pleasant summer temperatures and dramatic seasonal changes, creating a dynamic environment that shifts from snow-laden winter wonderland to sun-drenched summer paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryThe mighty Salmon River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its powerful waters carving through ancient canyon walls and creating a dramatic backdrop for your wilderness adventure. Surrounding the campsites, the dense forests of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests rise like natural cathedral walls, their towering pines and firs providing shade, shelter, and homes for countless wildlife species. This rugged terrain offers endless opportunities for exploration, from riverside contemplation to challenging hikes through untamed backcountry. The interplay of rushing water, towering trees, and raw mountain landscape creates a sensory experience that reconnects visitors with the primal beauty of the American West.
Geological RegionMackay Bar Campground sits within the spectacular Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and complexity. The Salmon River, cutting through this rugged terrain, has carved deep canyons and exposed ancient rock formations that tell the story of Idaho's dramatic geological past. Dense coniferous forests blanket the steep hillsides, their roots gripping weathered granite and volcanic soils. This convergence of river, forest, and mountain creates a unique ecosystem where the forces of water and stone continue their eternal dance, offering campers a front-row seat to one of the West's most impressive natural theaters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided about accessibility features at this campground.
Sites SizeThere is no information provided about the size of the campsites.
Sites PrivacyThere is no information provided about the level of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIf accessible, all three campsites are recommended for their proximity to the Salmon River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day
Groups
There is no information provided about group sites at this campground.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes three individual campsites equipped with tables and fire grates.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round, but accessibility may be affected by snow.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll three campsites at Mackay Bar Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Mackay Bar Campground offers limited recreational opportunities primarily focused on fishing in the Salmon River. Hunting and shooting activities are also mentioned as available, but no further details are provided.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the Salmon River, which flows near the campground. However, there are no specific details about the types of fish or the quality of fishing.Winter Activities
There is no information provided about winter-specific activities such as snowshoeing or skiing.Water Sports
There is no information provided about non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should be aware of rattlesnakes and poison ivy in the area, as well as the dangers posed by the rough access road.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are not available. Visitors are required to 'Pack It In, Pack It Out.' Recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located near the north bank of the Salmon River, providing opportunities for river-based activities like fishing.
Common complaintsLimited parking and the challenging access road are recurring concerns among visitors.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom State Highway 14, turn south on Red River-Dixie Road #222 and continue past the Red River Ranger Station (now closed), through Dixie Town, past the Dixie Guard Station and to the Salmon River (approximately 44 miles south of the Red River Ranger Station). Turn left and continue approximately 0.5 mile to the campground.
Access to Mackay Bar Campground is challenging due to a very rough, winding road with many tight switchbacks. Low-range, 4-wheel drive is recommended, and trailers are not advised.Nearby places
Dixie (approximately 44 miles south of the Red River Ranger Station)
Camper Reviews
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Mackay Bar Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are not provided, making it difficult to assess camper experiences at Mackay Bar Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
No user feedback is available regarding accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user feedback is available regarding policies or experiences of camping with pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025