The Clayton, Idaho area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet in the Sawtooth National Forest, creating dramatic temperature fluctuations even in summer months. Campsites near Clayton offer direct access to the Salmon River corridor with several free or low-cost options available on BLM and Forest Service lands. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations, though many forest roads become inaccessible after snowfall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds along the Salmon River provide excellent fishing opportunities. At Deadman Hole, the shallow riverbank allows easy access, though as one camper noted, "The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly."
Explore ghost towns: The historic Bayhorse Ghost Town is accessible from camping areas in the region. A visitor to Bayhorse Recreation Site mentioned, "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."
Natural hot springs: Soaking in local hot springs provides a unique experience in the Clayton area. A camper at Torreys Burnt Creek Inn reported, "Natural hot springs flowing into the Salmon just south. Great place for a soak."
Wildlife viewing: The remote nature of Clayton camping areas makes wildlife sightings common. One camper who stayed at a dispersed site noted, "Saw mama moose and twin babies. Despite July heat we had 77 degree days and cool breezes."
What campers like
Alpine lakes: Higher elevation campsites offer peaceful lake settings. A visitor to Big Bayhorse Lake wrote, "This place is absolutely gorgeous. The road can be a bit sketchy in spots but all in all not completely difficult."
Riverside camping: Many campers appreciate sites directly on the Salmon River. One reviewer of Whiskey Flats Campground observed, "This campground sits just below a highway bridge which makes it noisy but you also get to hear the river as almost all the campsites sit next to it."
Star viewing: The remote location offers exceptional night skies with minimal light pollution. A camper at Big Bayhorse noted, "Very quiet and the sky view at night was amazing... clear view of the Milky Way!"
Budget-friendly options: Several free or low-cost sites exist throughout the area. A visitor to Deadman Hole appreciated that "Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!"
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have extremely limited connectivity. At The Sawmill Station, one camper reported, "We have AT&T and no cell service. There is no trees for shade."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating unpaved or rough roads. A visitor to Big Bayhorse Lake warned, "We only made it partially up the steep narrow road before our truck started to over heat."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate on specific schedules. At Holman Creek Campground, a camper noted, "Closes September 15 for the season."
Wildlife precautions: Bears have been reported in some camping areas. One visitor to Big Bayhorse Lake mentioned, "No one seemed cautious of bears, and we didn't see signs but were told they have been seen before."
Tips for camping with families
Fishing-friendly lakes: Some alpine lakes offer high catch rates ideal for children. A visitor to Big Bayhorse Lake shared, "Fishing was perfect for young boys that need to catch something frequently to keep them engaged. Caught 6 trout in the first hour."
Water planning: Bring sufficient water supplies for remote locations. A camper recommended, "We left early only because we didn't have enough water. Bring plenty for drinking and other daily uses!"
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on amenities and location within campgrounds. At Holman Creek Campground, a visitor advised, "Try and get site 8, 9, or 10 as they are the farthest from the highway and have a little creek next to them."
Open range awareness: Cattle roam freely in some camping areas. A visitor at Big Bayhorse noted, "This area is open range, and there are cattle roaming the grassland next to the lake. Watch your step on the paths around the site."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campsites are not suitable for larger RVs. A visitor to Whiskey Flats observed, "The road down is potholed, also this would not be a good spot for larger rigs or trailers. We were in 26' class C and we seemed monstrous in this petite campground."
Full hookup options: Limited full-service RV sites exist in the area. At Torreys Burnt Creek Inn, campers can find "full hookups, wifi included, only $48 including tax."
Leveling challenges: Campsite terrain varies significantly. One camper at Big Bayhorse Lake advised, "Try and get a site at the top, even tho it puts you closer to the vault toilet. The top sites are the most level."
