1 campground with availability this weekend
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
"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
"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
"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."
"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."
"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
GuideCamped in the grassy area by the river south of the main camp spots. Quiet and peaceful hearing the water next to us. In the morning spotted approximately 12 horses across the river. Not sure if they're wild or belong to a nearby rancher. Would stay here again.
GuideDefinitely a unique campground. Sites are FCFS and this campground was very busy for this time of year, even with bathrooms closed (pit toilets only) and water shut off for the season. Sites are very close together but everyone was very respectful and relatively quiet. Lots of cool hikes in the nearby lava fields. International Dark Sky Park so great for stargazing too!
GuideWe pulled in early afternoon and grabbed a pull through with Southern shade. You have to pay daily at an automated kiosk. Wifi at visitor center. Nice loop to drive with multiple hikes. Good info. Provided.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for one of the most surreal, otherworldly camping experiences in North America, Lava Flow Campground inside Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is an absolute gem. Tucked directly into a young volcanic landscape, this park lets you pitch camp surrounded by jagged, pitch-black basalt rock formations that feel more like the surface of the moon than south-central Idaho.
Rig Size Advisory: Tents & Small Campers Only
First and foremost, know what to expect before towing into the monument:
An Educational Masterpiece for Families
If you have school-aged kids or grandkids who are currently learning about earth science, geology, or volcanoes, camping here is an absolute must.
World-Class Dark Sky Stargazing
Because Craters of the Moon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, the night experience is just as spectacular as the daytime geology:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Lava Flow Campground is a rare national park treasure that puts you right in the center of the action. While it lacks hookups and won't accommodate large RVs, its unique volcanic setting, incredible educational value for children, and world-class dark skies make it one of the coolest dry-camping stops in the West.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are exploring Central Idaho or routing past Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, finding the right campground can make all the difference—especially if you pull a long setup. We stayed at Mountain View RV Park in Arco, Idaho, and it proved to be an outstanding, budget-friendly home base packed with convenience and unique local history.
Location, Convenience & Price
Scenic Views & The Famous "Number Hill"
The campground lives up to its name with sweeping views of the surrounding rugged mountain ranges.
BIG-RIG PRO TIP: Stay Here Instead of Craters of the Moon
If you are planning to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument, take our advice as seasoned big-rig travelers: Stay at Mountain View RV Park and day-trip into the park with your tow vehicle or passenger car.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Mountain View RV Park delivers everything an RVer needs: fair pricing, spotless utilities, great mountain backdrops, and an on-site dining option that saves you time and cooking cleanup. It is easily the smartest staging point in the region for anyone pulling a mid-to-large rig. We will definitely be back!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
TravelerWe didn’t get to stay here, but drove thru on our way through the monument. Really unique campsites in the middle of the lava flows. Would have comfortably stayed had the timing worked to do so…
TravelerWe opted for the slightly more expensive on paper RV park in this town as this appeared quite run down and lacking maintenance. Was not at all inviting to stay. And quite expensive considering the conditions.
TravelerThis campground had all the amenities we needed… electric and water hook-ups, picnic table, clean restrooms, warm showers, and laundry facilities. Could have played cornhole and other yard games too. Bar with lots of tvs to watch Sunday football, while it rained was a bonus. Showers are coin operated but provided a ridiculously generous time limit… we were very comfortable staying an extra night due to the weather and some issues we needed to troubleshoot in our van.
LegendMost are pretty exposed and they close most services up early in the fall. I am in a spot close to the visitor center side of the park and get the wifi from the office. Otherwise with Verizon you have no services.
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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