Mackay is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Mackay is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Mackay, ID. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
This secluded camping area at Craters of the Moon National Monument is the perfect spot for organized groups. It is available by reservation only for groups of up to 30 people (May-September) for tent camping only.
The Visitor Center and scenic 7-mile Loop Drive are located 1.5 miles from the group campground on the south side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93. Climbing Sunset Cone is a strenuous activity but the views from the top are outstanding. Obtain an additional day-use permit for venturing north of the campground on Goodale's Cutoff. This historic trail was an alternative route used by pioneers travelling to the Oregon Territory. This dirt and gravel double-track road is a great place for riding a mountain bike. Obtain a map at the Visitor Center.
The group campground accommodates up to 30 people for tent camping only. The site has picnic tables, one large campfire ring, drinking water and a vault restroom. A large barbecue is also onsite for grilling with briquettes. The parking area will accommodate eight vehicles maximum (no RVs or trailers).
Please be aware the campground has an accessible picnic table and vault toilet, but paths to these are not accessible.
Craters of the Moon is known for its extensive lava flows and well-preserved volcanic features. The group campground is located on the north side of U.S. Highway 20/26/93 at the base of Sunset Cone, a 12,000 year old cinder cone. A grove of Douglas fir trees grows on the shady north side of the volcano surrounding the group campground.
The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway links the high peaks of the Lost River Range to the volcanic craters of Craters of the Moon. Restaurants, groceries and supplies are available in nearby Arco, Idaho (18 miles east).
$15 - $30 / night
SCARS HOME YOU CAN USE AS A DRY DUSTY BUMPY RARELY LEVEL FIELD FOR CAMPING OR DOGS IF YOU AREN'T A JACKASS
IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, SCAR, OR TRUMP: DON'T COME.
WIFI, ELECTRICITY, CAMPFIRE, AND A BEER. ACCESS CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY. ALL FREE.
IF YOU ARE ONLY THINKING OF COMING, DON'T.
HONEYS GUESTS EITHER NEED HONEYS, OR ACTUALLY WANT TO STAY.
YOUR WIFE WILL ENJOY THE KOA MORE AND THEY WILL ENJOY YOUR MONEY
NO WATER OR SEWER ON SITE.
NO NEW GUESTS AFTER SUNSET.
NO GATE ACCESS 10:30 PM TO 7AM.
NO MASKS
NO SHiTLIBS
NO BIDEN VOTERS
NO PEDOS
NO ENTRY IF YOU ASK "ARE YOU HONEY" AS YOU AREN'T SMART ENOUGH TO HONOR MY DOG
I WANT TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE SITE BEING SO SERIOUS LATELY
BETWEEN BIDENOMICS AND RUBYS MEDICAL MY SOUL WAS BROKEN
READ THE WEBSITE AND YOU CAN COME. I HAD BEEN TOO SERIOUS DEALING WITH A 17 Y.O. Dog, bidenomics and medical issues. Well I'm back now, and you'll love me or hate me from the site. He hated me obviously.
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.
Deadman Hole has 5 first come, first served primitive campsites adjacent to the scenic Upper Salmon River. Anglers have access to great fishing opportunities. Amenities include restrooms, picnic shelters, drinking water, ample parking, and a boat ramp. This site has limited cell service.
Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.
This RV park policy and website update clearly indicates that a guest (established or new) might be met with violent force for a late arrival....
Granted, this "dog park/field camp/RV park" is the host's private property, but so is every other independently owned RV park out there, right? By limiting access to the park during overnight hours, including for established guests, and with the threatened violence, I highly DO NOT recommend staying here!! If you are looking for free camping, plenty of other dispersed camping is available in the general vicinity.
On the surface, the campground and host seemed pleasant and sufficient. We arrived in early evening, and after disconnecting our towed vehicle, we prepped to leave the park to visit a nearby hot spring, telling the host that we'd miss the 9 pm bonfire and all, but would see him later that night or the next morning.
After a nice soak, and observing of the stars on an amazing dark night with no moon, we returned to the camp at 3 am. Dimming my car headlights, I went to open the gate quietly to enter the park, yet I was met at the gate by the host and his dog, indicating how rude and inconsiderate I was, and that I'd ruined his night's sleep and he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. The host has a series of driveway alarms and signs and cameras, creating a circumstance that no established guests could come and go from his RV park without awakening and disturbing the host.
On arrival the previous evening, the website and signs all indicated that the host preferred new arrivals to not check-in in the middle of the night, but to arrive during daylight hours. Otherwise, signage indicated that established guests could come and go, as long as we opened and closed the gate behind us.
The next morning, just after 9 am, the host knocked on our door and told my partner that we needed to pack up and leave and that the "armed man was getting more and more annoyed by our presence", implying that if we stayed any longer, that the host might respond with armed violence and force. My partner asked how long that we had to pack up and depart, and the host just repeated that the "armed man was getting more and more annoyed by our presence." We packed up and left within 30 minutes.
Apparently, the host took a "survey of current campers" (maybe 3-5 other guests) while we were out that evening, and elected to change his access policy to indicate that the front gate of the RV park would stay locked from 10:30 pm to 7 am every night. This policy would have denied my access to my home (I am a full-timer).
His website (which was changed between when we arrived and the next morning when he ejected us) now includes the following: "Too many times in 2024 (around 10 so far by July) I've had people set off the driveway alarm at 3-4 in the morning. And while I can turn off the alarm sometimes, I can't turn off the Aussie Shepherd. I personally think you are very rude if you come into a camp that time of night with your lights on and wake up others. So on July 5th I took a vote amongst the nights guests on what would be reasonable, and while I started out on the "let me shoot them at the gate side" the campers felt that closing the gate to all traffic at certain hours would be more reasonable. If you try to sneak thru it during those hours and set off the dog or alarm, my side may win the argument that night. So if you need to be selfish enough to wake me or others in camp up with 3 am charades, you need to camp elsewhere for my medical issues and your health."
The host can establish whatever policies and rules he'd like, but it creates a circumstance whereby any prospective guests should highly reconsider their options when looking to stay in the Arco area.
This is a great campground We parked at site 7 We would stay there again and next time spend an extra day or two, riding the bikes through the loop
This is a fee based campground with a host that offers a first come first serve camping experience. We got in late in the day and were happy to find a spot. The ground was a bit limited for tent camping but we ended with a great location near moving water. The sound of water created a very serene environment for rest. The real treat came when we saw the beauty of the night sky unencumbered by city lights; the Milky Way was on full display.
Murdock campground has been lovely. There are 11 spots each with a picnic table, partial shade, and fire ring. There are two pit toilets and drinking water that is ice cold coming out of the tap. The camp hosts have been absolutely wonderful. The only downside is that the air quality is pretty bad due to fires in the surrounding areas.
Thank you Elon for Starlink else I could not stay here. Zut Verizon or Cricket ( cricket sometime showed 1 bar but not usable)
Great campground, friendly staff. No hookups but potable water available.
The National Monument is so different. The stark, barren countryside is so rugged it’s beautiful
Not that many big rig sites, so pity it’s only fcfs, especially as it is so remote.
Loved the visit
Did not use facilities so cannot comment on them
$$$$. If you do not have a pass ( like, America the Beautiful which you can apparently buy onsite ) there will be a daily access fee.
Standard profit maximized government campground with some unique sites. Super clean bathrooms, easy self pay, accessible sites and a lot of walking and driving activities available. Will definitely feel crowded when full. Sat/sun night at the end of oct was maybe 25%. Excellent stargazing
Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?) type sites with covered picnic table and a fire pit. There are also pit toilets and a hand pump water spigot. There is also a boat ramp and a day use area.
The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly.
No privacy here and lots of road noise but you get to see the river and the meandering cows across the river.
Did not see any wildlife unless you count the swarms of tiny bugs of the variety that squeeze their little bug bodies through your screens.
Zero cell reception ATT, verizon or TMobile. The WeBoost was able to give us bars of LTE but still was not very usable.
Good for an overnight but not much around to keep us occupied for anything longer.
Good spot not too far back the road. About 12 sites here. First come. Set against the side of the mountain. Simple bathroom. Nice creek running nearby. Quiet with good chance at wildlife sightings.
Unlike anywhere else to camp! Amazing stars, easy access to trails and beautiful volcanic landscapes. My only complaint is the lack of privacy and sound carries a little too well so hopefully you’ll have respectful neighbors. We moved sites when more people left-Very little trees and rock piles separate each site. The facilities were super clean with flushing toilets and sinks-no showers. Water pumps throughout the sites, and a very convenient self pay station per night for the campsites.
This area is just 10 minutes south of Galena Lodge and 25 minutes north of Ketchum. We arrived on a Friday morning and had no problem finding a shaded, private site. There seemed to be a ton of options as you drive down Baker Creek (dirt road). Many have established fire pits.
This experience is a must! The campsite is in the lava fields. Like amongst piles of volcanic rock and mounds of lava flows. It’s unreal! If you like rocks, plan to stay a few days. We almost went back after we left!
Pros: *Views for miles *Steps from the Salmon River *Boat launch for rafting,kayaking,fishing *Covered picnic table *Generous spacing between sites *Serious star gazing opportunities
Cons: *No shade *Close to road, so some road noise.
Pros out weigh the cons for us. 2 thumbs up.
We took a chance and scouted a right before the 4th of July weekend and we scored big time. Site #1. Because of the view, we pulled our 30ft class A in instead of backing. We had long range, multi tiered views of the Sawtooth Mtn. The sites are generously spaced with picnic table and fire ring. There is a camp host and firewood is available at their site.. Water is available at the dump station located on the left before you arrive. It services all area NF service campgrounds as well as paid for others not. We had good ATT service 2 and 3 bars. Most of the sites have some shade. There are other disbursed campsites on the main FS road, but we were not disturbed by cars. It is super quiet at night. The night was cool. Lots of hiking , mountain biking and fishing in the immediate area. Ketchum and Sun Valley are 15 min away. The rails to trails multi purpose trail starts just down the road. Super safe place to ride. 30 + miles . We don't want to leave.
Talk about a great find after taking a wrong turn at 1.am free sites with plenty to pick from. When you check out the website make sure you read the whole thing, the guy is hilarious, had my girl and I laughing the whole time, dogs had a blast were able to run around the whole time with out leash,. I would rate more than 5 stars if I could
This is a smaller campground tucked back against the mountains. Good shade trees. Close to hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Campsites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill.
This is a great location. The owner of the property, Scar, is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers. This is dry camping, no water or sewer. There’s a dump station with water close by off the main highway. He does have a few outlets we saw but didn’t use them. Owner is friendly and generous. We enjoyed the nightly campfire. Read his website before arriving, all he really asks for and be respectful. Craters of the Moon is not too far. We hope to stop by again one day. Idaho is beautiful.
The guy is welcoming. Nice little place for anyone who’s looking for a nights sleep. Just be mindful of the campground and just relax👍🏼
This place is so unique that I imagine it'd be hard to have a bad camping spot. That being said, it felt like they really tried to cram as many camp spots into one area as possible. It left me not wanting to sit outside my van as much, which maybe is my own issue, but dampened the experience for me as there were other campers very close by. And for the price it was (I actually can't recall if I paid $20 or $30) but it was expensive. Also, due to COVID, on-site bathrooms were closed, which they failed to make clear before buying a site for the night.
Title says a lot. Dude put in many power stations, wifi etc all on his own and only wants people to act decent to stay. Lots of room. Old buses for hostels. Shower, water sewer garbage a few feet away. Near town and free. Campfire gatherings most nights. Check it out.
It was like another planet. We really enjoyed this park & campground. We were told it fills up fast but we got there early enough and then went exploring. The weather was cool & rainy so we didn’t explore as much as we would have liked.
It's a free campground ran by a disabled vet. He can't and won't charge anyone, though lately has been allowing donations to pay it forward and help with things like recovering the power installation etc. Come make a friend, share a beer, hang as long as you want as long as you're not a jerk. Dogs are welcome and the place is named after one.
I loved this campground! it feels like you are staying in the middle of the lava beds. it has easy checkin if you arrive after hours, reservations are not required and you can pay on site any hour of the day or night! It is clean and quiet. The facilities are well kept up. The Ranger station and visitor center are nearby. the campground is at the start of the drive through the Monument. It is open so you can do stargazing without difficulty! it was wonderful!
Lots of space for a large group. There were 10 of us. Sit hasn’t it’s own water and vault bathroom, which was clean. Lots of space to run and play. This site is not a destination unto itself, but is a good launchpad into the park
But, a convenient place to camp if you are visiting and exploring the park. Ranger led programs, lava tunes, volcanic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mackay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mackay, ID is Group Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Mackay, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 glamping camping locations near Mackay, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
