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Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area

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Where the sagebrush transitions to juniper at 7,200 feet elevation, Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area serves as the staging point for Idaho's highest peak. The Forest Service campground sits roughly 19 miles from Mackay, accessed by driving across the visible scarp from the 1983 Mt. Borah earthquake. Each site includes a picnic table and metal fire ring, with vault toilets available but no water source on-site.

The elevation provides cooler temperatures than the Big Lost River Valley below, with adequate shade despite sparse large trees. Campers pay $5 per night for these primitive sites. The trailhead begins the brutal 5,200-foot ascent over 3.5 miles to Borah's summit, making this the logical overnight base for alpine starts before 6 AM. For those preferring lake fishing to peak bagging, Mackay Reservoir offers water access 13 miles southeast.

Reservation Info

The following passes are good for a 50% reduction in camping fees: SENIOR PASS – Available for $10.00 to US Citizens 62 years and older. Must be purchased in person with proof of age such as a driver’s license. ACCESS PASS – Available FREE of charge to US citizens that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities. Must be maintained in person with written proof of disability.

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Map & DirectionsMt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area is located in Idaho near Mackay

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 20 miles north of Mackay to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead. From Challis: Take Us Highway 93 south of Challis to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead. From Sun Valley/Ketchum: Take Highway 75 (main street) to Sun Valley Road. Turn northeast onto Sun Valley Road. This road turns into Trail Creek Road (closed in winter). Follow this road to Highway 93. Turn left on Highway 93. Follow this road 4.5 miles to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead.

Coordinates

44.13360139 N
113.83729318 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area

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4.5

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2019

Wonderful Views @ a Semi-Primitive CG

Wow!  Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah!  The campground sits right around 7200'  which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west.  There is also a good bit of shade despite there being few large trees.  Its kind of a transition between the sage brush and juniper climate zones.  There are picnic tables and metal fire rings @ each site but there is absolutely no running water so be sure to fill your water bottles and camelbaks in Mackey which is the closest town.  There are vault toilets but no other amenities.  The perk of being fairly primitive is that the sites are only $5 a night!

If you're planning on summiting Borah it's a good idea to get an alpine start <6 AM so you don't get baked by the sun as there's no shade the last 2 miles and sparse shade the first 1.5.  It is a brutal hike if you're not prepared.  The trail ascends 5200' of elevation in just over 3.5 miles.  Your legs will probably burn, bring hiking poles for the descent!  If you don't feel like hiking there are plenty of rivers nearby in which to fish and great spots to check out the scarp of the 1980's Mt. Borah earthquake, which you drive across on the way to the campground/trailhead.

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitAugust
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  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
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Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

Perfect Location

Easy access, adequate parking, fairly priced and enclosed, clean toilets. This is the best place to camp for an early ascent of Borah Peak.

There are no questions where the trailhead is and even at the peak, you can glance down and see your car. We had no issues with theft or vandalism. The smell of sage permeates the air as you look out over the open fields at camp.

NOTE:  No water available at the site.  We stopped in Mackay on our way there to get water, food and fuel.

Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Borah Peak Campground?

Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area offers basic but adequate facilities for hikers and climbers. The campground features enclosed, clean toilet facilities and sufficient parking for vehicles. The camping area is fairly priced and provides the essentials needed for an overnight stay before tackling Idaho's highest peak. While amenities are limited, the site is well-maintained and provides everything necessary for a comfortable base camp experience.

What is the best time of year to camp at Borah Peak?

Summer, particularly July and August, is the best time to camp at Borah Peak. The campground sits at approximately 7,200 feet elevation, which stays notably cooler than the Big Lost River Valley below. This higher elevation provides pleasant camping temperatures during summer months when lower elevations may be too hot. The area also offers some shade despite limited tree cover. For safety and comfort, avoid winter and early spring when snow and ice make both camping and summit attempts dangerous.

Can you tent camp at the Borah Peak trailhead?

Yes, tent camping is permitted and popular at the Borah Peak trailhead. The area is specifically designed to accommodate tents, making it an ideal spot for hikers planning an early morning start on the mountain. The campground provides a flat area for setting up tents and is the perfect base camp for those attempting to summit Idaho's highest peak.

Where is the Borah Peak Campground located in relation to the trailhead?

The campground is conveniently located directly at the trailhead for Mt. Borah. This prime location means there's no additional travel needed between your campsite and the start of your hike - you can see your vehicle from various points on the trail. The campground sits at approximately 7,200 feet elevation, providing an ideal starting point for an early morning summit attempt. This positioning allows climbers to begin their ascent immediately from camp.

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