Big Bayhorse

Eight miles of rough, winding dirt road separate Big Bayhorse from the valley floor, and that approach filters the crowd. Campers who make the drive in trucks and trailers arrive at a small campground adjacent to Big Bayhorse Lake, set within camping near Challis National Forest at no cost. The road has a reputation for feeling sketchy in spots, though reviewers consistently note that larger rigs had already made it up when they arrived. RVs up to 32 feet are permitted. Plan the approach accordingly.

Sites vary by position. Upper sites tend to be more level and well-suited to tent camping, while lower sites are pull-through and offer partial lake views. No water is available on-site, so bring enough for the full stay. Vault toilets are on-site and reported to be clean, with forest service staff making periodic visits. Trash packs out with you. This is open-range land, and cattle roam the surrounding grassland, so watch the paths around the lake.

Fishing draws repeat visitors. As Beth B. notes, the lake is "perfect for young boys that need to catch something frequently." Trout are catchable in numbers. The dock fills up, so kayaks or small watercraft give an advantage. Cell service is limited or absent. The campground runs July through September, and midweek visits offer a better chance at open sites than weekends, when the area can fill quickly.

Campers wanting a shorter drive or a different setup can look at Challis National Forest Little Bayhorse Campground, located less than a mile away, or Mill Creek to the northwest for a different configuration along the drainage.