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Map showing campground location near Challis, Idaho
Camper submitted image from Bayhorse Recreation SiteView 18 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Challis, Idaho

Bayhorse Recreation Site

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via Highway 93 just ten minutes from Challis, Bayhorse Recreation Site provides a convenient overnight stop for travelers along Idaho's salmon country corridor. This Bureau of Land Management campground operates year-round with fewer than 20 first-come, first-served sites at $10 per night, cash only. Sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and grills, with drinking water and toilets available on-site.

The campground sits directly alongside the Salmon River, with several sites offering direct water access for fishing or launching small watercraft. A boat ramp serves river users, and informational displays detail local salmon populations. Teri S. calls it an "exceptionally clean and well kept BLM campground" with well-spaced sites. Highway noise occurs regularly throughout the night as vehicles pass, though most reviewers find it manageable.

The location serves as a staging area for exploring nearby attractions including Bayhorse Ghost Town, Malm Canyon's petrified sequoias, and the Custer Motorway. An automated sprinkler system operates throughout the campground at unpredictable times, potentially soaking tents placed in irrigation zones. Cell service is nonexistent, though satellite internet functions normally.

This roadside campground works well for RV travelers and tent campers who need basic amenities near camping near Challis without hookups. Pets are not permitted at this location.

Fee Info

Camping fee: $10/night. Campsites are first come, first served. Stay limit: 14 Days.

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Location

Public Campground

Bayhorse Recreation Site is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

Approximately 10 miles southwest of Challis, Idaho: travel south from Challis on Highway 93 for 2 miles, turn right onto Highway 75 and drive southwest for approximately 8 miles. The recreation site is on your right between the highway and the Salmon River.

Address

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

Coordinates

44.385555 N
114.260278 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 3/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Drive Time

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned the clean, well-maintained sites and excellent $10 value at this BLM campground along the Salmon River. Highway proximity creates mixed reactions regarding noise levels, though many found it manageable.

L
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2025

Basic but, solid

BLM managed campground. Host on site, if needed. Cheap at $10 night. Seems to be cash only. No hookups of any kind. Clean and convenient. Less than 20, first come sites. Next to highway.

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Layne R., June 29, 2025
T
Reviewed May. 29, 2025

Grass, trees, beautiful vault toilets

Exceptionally clean and well kept BLM campground. Tables, fire pits, and grills at each well spaced site. Close to the highway, but noise at night is minimal. No cell reception of any kind. Starlink works. Next to the Salmon River (raft trips) and a lot of nearby sites and experiences to take in: Malm Canyon Petrified Sequoias, Bayhorse Ghost Town and lakes, Custer Motorway with more lakes, ghost towns, and mining history; Yankee Fork State Park and Challis Hot Springs, many other primitive hot springs, miles of dedicated ATV/OHV and motorcycle trails not to mention hiking, fishing, hunting in season and a wild horse herd. Supplies of all kinds available in Challis 10 miles away.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Ok for an overnight

Only 10 minutes outside of Challis, this is a small campground next tot he Salmon river. Try and get a site on the river side as some have access tothe water. Amenities are the standard picnic tables and fire pits, with the added bonus of a grill. There is a nice boat ramp and info about the salmon populations. Right next to the highway, this is not a destination campground but a nice spot for a quick overnighter.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Annie C., July 31, 2021
  • (14) View All
Mack T.
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2021

Good site when you need one.

I would say there are plenty more options along 93 that are worth your time but if you’re like us and needed a place last minute, it’ll do. Maybe about 12-17 sites and only 3 were filled when we showed up at 9:30pm. All rvs. There is a bathroom and running water. Hosts are there and mind their own business. $10. It’s along the road so expect head lights every 20-30 minutes. It’s along the snake river but there is no noise from it at that location. Also there is a sprinkler system that randomly comes on all over the campground so be cautious of that. It scared the living crap out of us in the middle of the night and you could easily get wet if you put your tent in the wrong spot.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
Jessica C.
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2017

Unexpected fishing fun!

We decided to check out a ghost town that was on the way up the road to Bayhorse. Unfortunately we arrived to early so decided to follow the signs up to the campground. Beautiful drive up an old road that takes you past amazing mining ruins. At the top we found a beautiful campground next to a mtn top lake. We instantly got the poles out and ended up fishing all day. caught countless rainbows throughout our stay. Never even made it to the ghost town! Great hidden gem!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Jessica C., September 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Jessica C., September 5, 2017
  • Review photo of Bayhorse Recreation Site by Jessica C., September 5, 2017
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bayhorse Recreation Site located in Idaho?

Bayhorse Recreation Site is located approximately 10 minutes outside of Challis, Idaho, situated along the Salmon River. The campground is conveniently accessible from Highway 75 and Highway 93. It offers a scenic setting with mountain views and riverside access, making it a strategic base for exploring central Idaho's outdoor attractions including nearby mining ruins and ghost towns.

What camping facilities are available at Bayhorse Recreation Site?

Bayhorse Recreation Site is a well-maintained BLM campground with approximately 12-17 first-come, first-served sites. Each site features picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. The campground offers restrooms with running water and has an on-site host. There are no hookups available for RVs. The fee is $10 per night, typically cash only. Sites are well-spaced, and some offer direct access to the Salmon River. There's also a boat ramp for river access.

Can you visit the Bayhorse Ghost Town from the recreation site?

Yes, the Bayhorse Ghost Town is accessible from the recreation site. The campground is connected to the ghost town area by a scenic drive that passes impressive mining ruins. The beautiful route takes you through historically significant areas, making it a convenient base for ghost town exploration. The proximity allows for easy day visits to explore this fascinating piece of Idaho mining history.

Is there fishing access at Bayhorse Lake near the campground?

While there isn't specific information about Bayhorse Lake fishing access, the recreation site does provide excellent access to the Salmon River for fishing opportunities. Several campsites have direct river access, and there's a boat ramp available for launching watercraft. The Salmon River is known for its fishing, particularly for various salmon species. For specific information about Bayhorse Lake fishing, contact the local BLM office or Idaho Fish and Game.

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