River access draws anglers and paddlers to Buckhorn Bar Campground, a US Forest Service facility operating year-round in Payette National Forest. The campground divides into two distinct sections: riverside sites along the water and mountainside spots featuring dense vegetation and plant cover. A central pit toilet serves both areas, while a water spigot provides untreated water that requires boiling before use.
Summer visitors may encounter full occupancy, as one camper noted when unable to secure a site during peak season. The $0-15 nightly fee structure and pet-friendly policy make this a budget-conscious option for pet-friendly campgrounds around Payette National Forest. Drive-in access accommodates standard vehicles, though campers should prepare for basic amenities and plan accordingly for water treatment needs.
Description
Overview
Located alongside the South Fork Salmon River, Buckhorn Bar Campground has 9 campsites, and an additional four walk-in, tent only sites. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
Fishing and rafting in the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Facilities
There are nine campground units, four walk-in sites with tables, fire rings, grills, handicapped accessible toilets and drinking water.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuckhorn Bar Campground is located in Idaho near Yellow Pine
Directions
Eight miles south of the confluence of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River on the South Fork of the Salmon River Road. From McCall, go 30 miles northeast on Forest Road 48, then 7.5 miles south on FR 674; or access via Warm Lake Road just north of Cascade and then down the South Fork of the Salmon River road.
Coordinates
44.937104 N
115.738568 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 37 min from Boise, ID
- 5 hrs 8 min from Lewiston, ID
- 6 hrs 54 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 7 hrs 24 min from Missoula, MT
