Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table

About Bayhorse Recreation Site

OverviewTucked along the Salmon River at 5.4 ft 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.Campground Amenities:12 first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables & fire ringsSeasonal campground hostsPotable water & vault toiletsBoat ramp and day-use parking areaHiking trails & interpretive historic sites nearbyKnow Before You Go:Limited cell serviceNo electric or water hook-ups available 

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Boat Ramp / Launch
Missing information?

Reviews

5 reviews

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 5 reviews

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5 stars 80.0% (4)
4 stars 20.0% (1)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 5 reviews

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Andrew “Drew” Duzan

Andrew “Drew” Duzan

December 13, 2023 Google Maps

Valued toilets
5$ fall/ winter
10$ spring/summer

There's about 12 spots I believe, located about 15 min from town. I have At&t and my fiance has Verizon and we both didn't have service.

Very quiet, but then again we came in early Dec.

Helpful

Russell Tanner

Russell Tanner

September 3, 2023 Google Maps

A great roadside place to camp for the night. We have a 30 ft 5th wheel, and there was plenty of room for us.

As the traffic was light, road noise never bothered us. There is a camp host on site. Water is available with garbage dumpsters too.

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julia Hopkins maxwell

julia Hopkins maxwell

September 27, 2020 Google Maps

Really cool old mining town. Can't go inside any of the buildings. Has nice campground with camp host. Also Bayhorse Lake is up.the road about 4 mi.

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Jason McGiffin

Jason McGiffin

July 2, 2020 Google Maps

There aren't many spaces for big trailers or motorhomes, but there are a few. The camp hosts were very nice and cordial, but didn't have much of a grasp on the campground itself. The sprinklers came on 3 times a day even during the weekend, which made any outdoor activities a challenge. Other than that, it's a nice campground.

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Robert 'Rob' Scott

Robert 'Rob' Scott

June 25, 2019 Google Maps

Clean, convenient and easy access. No campground host~illness. Irrigation canal blocks river access except for the tiny boat launch. Convenient to Bayhorse Lake and Ghost Town. Don't try to take your camper up Bayhorse rd. #SKETCHY.😜

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Location & Directions for Bayhorse Recreation Site

Challis Field Office, 721 East Main Avenue, Suite 8, Challis, ID 83226 United States

Elevation: 1,578 ft

Nearest town

Challis, ID - 10 mi

About 12 min to downtown

Highway access

Bayhorse Recreation Site is located along Highway 75, which is the primary access road in the area.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

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Explore Challis, ID

Population: 854

Elevation: 5,246 ft

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