Big Bayhorse Campground
4.408 reviewsBig Bayhorse 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
This campground currently has no site fees.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceJust beyond the whispering pines lies the ghostly remnants of Bayhorse, a once-thriving mining town where fortune seekers carved their dreams into these rugged mountains. Today's visitors can explore weathered structures and abandoned mine shafts that tell tales of boom-and-bust prosperity, adding layers of human history to this wild landscape.
Weather and SeasonsMountain 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.
ElevationPerched high in Idaho's mountain country, this alpine retreat sits at an elevation where the air grows thin and the views stretch endlessly. The campground's lofty position means shorter seasons but rewards hardy souls with cooler summer temperatures and dramatic vistas that change with each passing cloud.
Natural Features and SceneryBayhorse Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks in its glassy surface, creating a photographer's paradise at dawn and dusk. Ancient forests of pine and fir provide natural shelter, while rocky outcroppings reveal the geological forces that shaped this dramatic landscape. Anglers will discover that both the lake and nearby mountain streams teem with native trout, making this a premier destination for those who find peace at the end of a fishing line.
Geological RegionDeep within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this high-altitude sanctuary showcases the raw geological drama of central Idaho. The surrounding peaks tell a story written in stone—ancient sea beds thrust skyward, volcanic intrusions, and mineral veins that once drew miners to these remote valleys. Today, this rugged terrain offers modern explorers a chance to walk through millions of years of Earth's history while camping where prospectors once pitched their tents in search of silver fortunes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground is best suited for trailers and motorhomes less than 32 feet long due to the narrow and steep access road.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites were not explicitly mentioned, though one reviewer described the campground as "peaceful and very quiet."
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNone provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites are highlighted as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Unknown
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 8 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill top.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally starting July 1. Closing dates are unspecified.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served. There are no reservable sites.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Plentiful 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."Boating
There is a boat launch and two docks available for non-motorized watercraft on Bayhorse Lake.Winter Activities
No information available about winter recreational activities.Water Sports
No information provided about non-motorized water sports beyond boating.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings with grill tops.
- Quiet hours are Unknown.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitos 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.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely available in Challis, the nearest town. Exact locations for hospitals, police, or ranger stations are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesUnknown; peak season likely coincides with summer months due to seasonal access beginning July 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are not provided; campers must pack in and pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is a short walk away from Bayhorse Lake, which features a boat launch and two docks for non-motorized watercraft.
Common complaintsLack of water and challenging road access are common concerns. Some mention that the vault toilets were poorly maintained in late season.
HostNo details are available about campground hosts.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.4
8 reviews
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 8 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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews mention experiences related to pets or pet policies.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025