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The Big Lost River Valley surrounding Mackay, Idaho features a diverse range of camping environments from riverside dispersed sites to full-service RV parks. Big Lost River Dispersed camping areas provide free primitive camping with basic vault toilets and picnic tables, while established options like Mackay Tourist Park and Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park offer more amenities within town limits. Mackay Reservoir Access Area, located just northwest of town, provides water access for boating and fishing alongside camping facilities. The region sits at the base of the Lost River Range, home to Idaho's highest peak, Mt. Borah, creating a dramatic backdrop for outdoor recreation.
Summer brings optimal camping conditions with warm days and cool nights, though visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations at higher elevations. Many dispersed sites require self-sufficiency as water sources are limited or nonexistent. As one camper noted, "No water available at the site. We stopped in Mackay on our way there to get water, food and fuel." Roads to dispersed sites often feature washboard sections and may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage in town and minimal to none in more remote areas. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, especially in higher-risk zones.
Fishing access ranks as a primary attraction for many campers, with the Big Lost River and Mackay Reservoir offering productive waters. According to one visitor, "If you show up in the summer you get amazing weather and incredible fishing." Mountain views dominate the landscape, with several campers highlighting the scenic vistas as worth the journey over rough roads. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species and occasional larger mammals. The area serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including Craters of the Moon National Monument, approximately 45 minutes south. Vault toilets are standard at most sites, while shower facilities are limited to in-town locations and select developed campgrounds.
"Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief!"
"Nice to be next to the river. Seems to be a popular place. Very rustic. Pack out your own trash."
"I love mackay andits community, of you show up in the summer you get amazing weather and incredible fishing. Would 10/10 recommend to anybody"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"I love this place I was a little stressed out because I was driving quite a distance and wasn't sure if I was gonna make the cut off time but I did and they were supernice superfriendly dog friendly"
from $40 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Grear place by lake...some shade availablenice campground!"
"Weather was 10 plus degrees cooler then most places around the Salmon/Mackay area."
"Many provide nice views of the lake. Sites are all paved as are the roads (no dust). They all have fire pits and picnic tables - some with shade covers. Lots of pull through sites."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's. "
"We enjoyed the nearby creek and beautiful wildflowers that were blooming. Port-a-potties were there when we first set up camp but they were later taken by forest staff which left us without a toilet."
"This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!"
"All facilities are closed so it’s just camping and exploring the park which is all within walking distance of the campground. Very friendly ranger working the front! Level sites on pavement."
"There is access to a toilet across the road and there is a fire ring with a picnic table. We would go back there again."
"Dirt road with loose gravel but my AWD suv had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge."
"We like staying here while traveling through Idaho. It’s a short drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Arco, Idaho is a neat little town."
"It’s surrounded by views of huge mountains and open plains with a horse pasture next door. It was quiet and everyone here was respectful of others."
from $25 - $55 / night
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ScoutPulled in early afternoon on a Sunday and had the choice of almost every spot. Well organized sites that can fit various set-ups. Limited shade options. Cell reception spotty.
GuideWe stayed at the most northern spot (where Google says 'Silver Creek (North and South)') Perfect spot, with toilet, picnic table, plenty of room and creek access. Somebody built a little dam, so you can take a dip in the creek without too much current. Very nice! We had the whole place for ourselves. A bit further on the road, on the other spots, there were a few other campers.
RangerIt's July; I was tired of driving and looking for a place to camp for a few days. This area is 5 miles North of Ketchum. The road takes you through a residential area then becomes a washboard dirt road. I drove by a few spots that were spacious enough for a 40' rig. The spaces are far enough apart where you can barely see the other campsites. There isn't any shade. Some light traffic, kicking up dust as people drive to Taylor canyon trailhead. No amenities, but you're very close to town. Good ATT signal. There is a 3 day limit.
GuideWe spent two nights, peaceful. About 2-300yards from sawtooth hwy 75 in Idaho. There are 9 campsites. Camping is in designated sites only. All of them have their own fire ring. There’s only 1 vault toilet. And only one way in/out of the campground. There’s no actual name for the campground the sign in the Hwy just says camping. We sent a name in to the forest service naming it!
GuideThe spaces are around lava rocks, so you might have a hard time fitting if you're a big rig. It's so peaceful. No hookups but there is a water spigot where you can fill jugs. $7.50 per night with a senior pass. $15 without. Lots of spaces still available when we came in at 4:30 PM.
ScoutNo fee area! 5 sites. Nice shady campsites, right next to Baker Creek, improved fire pits, picnic tables, and a single vault toilet. Very few bugs (in july). Nobody else here on weekdays. Campsites are close together so might feel a little cramped on weekends. 50 yards off Baker Creek Rd so occasional traffic noise.
GuideBeautiful spot on north fork of Big Wood River in Sawtooth mountains at 6800ft. Big flat pad, but no shade or ammenities. Limited fishing due to access and fast moving water. No cell reception. Approx 4 miles off main road up rocky dirt road. Not great for big rigs.
LegendHot and dry but that’s to be expected in July. Very peaceful and cooled off beautifully as the sun set. The were so many stars out once it was dark and the light layer of clouds moved on. A local came by this morning to say hi and remind us that if we see smoke-leave immediately as the vegetation will burn fast! We camped at the last one on the road.
RangerWe stayed here for 2 nights in July 2025. We were on the way back from Yellowstone and planned a stop here so we could go to Craters of the Moon. It's a lovely park, very clean, nice people. The only thing that was disappointing was that there is a BBQ restaurant on-site that had fantastic reviews and it happened to be closed on the days we were there. This is right on a main road, but Arco is a quiet town and I did not notice any traffic noise at all. There were fields around the rest of the park and horses in one of them so we visited them one night on a walk.
Dispersed camping spots near Mackay, Idaho range in elevation from 5,900 feet in town to over 7,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Summer nighttime temperatures typically drop into the 40s even when daytime highs reach the 80s. Many campsites along Big Lost River require high-clearance vehicles, especially after spring runoff when roads can develop deep ruts.
Fishing access points: The Mackay Reservoir Fishing Access provides direct water access for anglers. "Quiet and secluded. 2 other vehicles overnight, plenty of space. Mosquito swarms! Beware!" notes camper Gabriel M. The dirt road has loose gravel but is manageable for larger vehicles.
Hot springs hiking: Located near Pass Creek Narrows Camping Area & Picnic Site, hot springs are accessible by trail. This small canyon campsite offers beautiful scenery with "access to a toilet across the road and there is a fire ring with a picnic table," according to Jamie M. Morning temperatures remain cool due to the deep canyon location.
Wildflower viewing: Bear Creek Dispersed Campground features impressive wildflower displays during summer months. "The road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too. As you continue to this spot, there's lots of places to pull off and camp," shares Nikki A. Four-wheel drive vehicles can access more remote creek and forest spots.
Mountain backdrop: The towering Lost River Range provides dramatic scenery from multiple camping areas. At Mackay Tourist Park, campers enjoy "beautiful views of the mountains. Had 2 deer meander through the campground in the morning!" according to Lori. This free dry camping area features grassy sites with picnic tables and fire pits.
Ease of access: Many dispersed sites are surprisingly accessible despite their remote feel. Tom P. notes that Big Lost River Dispersed offers "surprisingly easy access. Clean and ADA accessible. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing."
Temperature variations: The higher elevation areas provide relief from summer heat. Kathy B. discovered at Joe T. Fallini Campground that "weather was 10 plus degrees cooler than most places around the Salmon/Mackay area. We snagged one of the two water sites! Absolutely wonderful."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the region. Christopher E. reports at Big Lost River Dispersed that "AT&T 1-2 5G" is available, though signal strength decreases in more remote areas and canyons.
Water availability concerns: Most dispersed sites require bringing your own water. Tom P. notes Big Lost River Dispersed has "cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream," but potable water must be carried in or filtered.
Seasonal facilities: Some campgrounds reduce services during off-seasons. At Lava Flow Campground, Kelly H. shares that "off-season has no running water but vault toilets are clean. If you have handicap/senior access pass, only $4/night off season."
Wind exposure: Several sites experience significant winds, particularly near water. At Joe T. Fallini Campground, Marlo A. warns that the "reservoir is great year round. Fun ice fishing in the winter and big enough for boating in the summer. Just beware that it is almost ALWAYS windy there."
Designated family sites: Mackay Tourist Park offers family-friendly amenities within town limits. Michael A. says, "If you show up in the summer you get amazing weather and incredible fishing. Would 10/10 recommend to anybody."
ATV-friendly options: The Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park provides a base for off-road adventures. John H. notes it's a "great area for ATV/UTV riding!" with "nice & clean" facilities and "accommodating hosts."
Swimming access: Joe T. Fallini Campground offers water recreation with established camping amenities. Melody M. shares, "We enjoyed our stay here so much, we stayed an extra couple of days! This is a well-kept, well-designed BLM campground. Some spaces have shade trees, some do not."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer picnic tables and basic toilet facilities. Tom P. appreciates that Big Lost River Dispersed has "cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing," making it suitable for families seeking more rustic experiences.
Hookup availability: For those seeking full hookups, Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park provides modern amenities. John H. mentions "nice & level pull thru and back in sites" with "restrooms are key coded thus nice and clean."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping requires caution. Mondo Moto Media reports that Big Lost River Dispersed has "incredible views after driving through most of Idaho" but warns about "a bit of washboard road you must go over."
Length limitations: Larger rigs have specific site options. Gabriel M. confirms that Mackay Reservoir Fishing Access can accommodate "full length SUV + 30ft camper" and had "plenty of space" despite the dirt road with loose gravel.
Winter camping options: Some sites remain accessible year-round. Marlo A. notes Joe T. Fallini Campground is "great winter camping though because they still have power hook ups and open outhouses that are decently clean" and offers "fun ice fishing in the winter."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities does Wildhorse Campground near Mackay offer?
While specific details about Wildhorse Campground are limited in available reviews, the Mackay area campgrounds typically offer similar amenities. For comparison, Big Lost River Dispersed provides water access, fishing opportunities, and private camping spots with incredible views. Many campgrounds in the region, including North Fork Campground in the nearby Sawtooth National Forest, feature clean pit toilets and accommodate larger rigs. Based on regional patterns, Wildhorse likely offers basic amenities such as vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. For definitive information about current facilities, seasonal availability, and reservation requirements, contacting the campground directly before your trip is recommended.
Where are the best campgrounds in Mackay, Idaho?
Mackay offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Mackay Tourist Park is highly rated for its welcoming community atmosphere and exceptional summer weather, making it perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Joe T. Fallini Campground is another top choice, offering cooler temperatures than surrounding areas and helpful camp hosts. For those seeking more rustic experiences, the area features several dispersed camping options. The region's campgrounds provide varied amenities from basic facilities to more developed sites, with many offering stunning mountain views that showcase Idaho's natural beauty. Most campgrounds in the area are accessible by vehicle, though availability may be seasonal depending on weather conditions.
Is there RV camping available in Mackay, Idaho?
Yes, Mackay offers several RV-friendly camping options. Meadows RV Park provides simple accommodations close to amenities and a gorgeous bike path, making it convenient for RV travelers. Honeys Park offers free dry camping with a few electrical outlets available, though without water or sewer hookups (a dump station with water is accessible nearby off the main highway). The Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park is another option that can accommodate big rigs. Most RV parks in the area are open seasonally, with some closing during winter months. Many sites are first-come, first-served, though some accept reservations. RV campers should check ahead regarding hook-up availability, as amenities vary between locations.
What tourist attractions are available near Mackay camping areas?
The Mackay area offers diverse attractions for campers. A standout destination is Craters of the Moon National Monument, featuring otherworldly lava formations and hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can challenge themselves with climbing Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest peak, which offers dedicated camping facilities for early summit attempts. The Big Lost River provides excellent fishing opportunities, while Mackay Reservoir is popular for boating and water recreation. The area also features scenic driving routes with mountain vistas and wildlife viewing. The small town of Mackay itself has historical mining sites, while nearby Arco (America's first nuclear-powered city) offers unique historical attractions. Many camping areas provide easy access to extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking.
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