Mackay, Idaho sits at roughly 5,900 feet elevation at the base of the Lost River Range, creating varied camping conditions throughout its May to October peak season. The area's volcanic landscapes and proximity to the Salmon River provide distinctive camping experiences that differ significantly between early summer and fall. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F, while summer days regularly exceed 80°F.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: At Deadman Hole, campers can utilize the on-site boat launch for water activities. "Steps from the Salmon River... Boat launch for rafting, kayaking, fishing," notes one visitor who appreciated the direct water access.
Mountain biking trails: The Murdock Creek Dispersed campground provides convenient access to numerous trails. As one camper explains, "Lots of hiking, mountain biking and fishing in the immediate area. The rails to trails multi purpose trail starts just down the road. Super safe place to ride. 30+ miles."
Volcanic landscapes: Group Campground at Craters of the Moon offers volcanic explorations within walking distance. "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," shares a reviewer.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The Mackay area offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. At Murdock Creek Dispersed camping area, a visitor reported that "the real treat came when we saw the beauty of the night sky unencumbered by city lights; the Milky Way was on full display."
Site spacing: Campers consistently mention appreciating the generous space between sites at many Mackay area campgrounds. One Deadman Hole visitor specifically noted "generous spacing between sites" as a key positive feature of the camping experience.
Free camping options: Honeys Park provides no-cost camping with some unexpected amenities. "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," explains a camper who gave the site a 5-star rating.
What you should know
Limited shade: Several campgrounds in the area lack substantial tree cover. A Deadman Hole reviewer listed this as one of few drawbacks: "No shade... Close to road, so some road noise... No services, except a vault toilet, but with views like this, who cares."
Self-registration systems: Many campgrounds use first-come, first-served systems with on-site payment. At Craters of the Moon, "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!"
Water availability varies: While some campgrounds offer drinking water, others have limited or no water access. At East Fork Baker Creek Campground and surrounding dispersed sites, visitors should bring their own water supplies, as no drinking water is available on site.
Tips for camping with families
Space for activities: Choose sites with adequate room for children to explore safely. Deadman Hole offers "views for miles" and "steps from the Salmon River," providing natural play areas for kids while remaining accessible.
Educational opportunities: The volcanic landscapes provide learning opportunities for children. "The Ranger station and visitor center are nearby. The campground is at the start of the drive through the Monument," reports a visitor at Group Campground, highlighting educational resources available.
Accessibility considerations: For families with varied mobility needs, Honeys Park offers some unique advantages. "It's an open field with beautiful views of the mountains. You can get water and also dump your trailer at the free city dump station very close to the campground," notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: While many Mackay area sites lack hookups, Honeys Park provides some electrical options. As one visitor discovered, "He does have 30 amp electric sites. It is an open field with beautiful views of the mountains."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. Baker Creek camping areas require navigating a dirt road, though a camper reported, "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."
Yurt camping alternatives: For those seeking yurt camping near Mackay, Idaho, the Pioneer Yurt through Sun Valley Trekking provides a backcountry option roughly 40 miles from Mackay, offering a more secluded alternative to traditional RV camping while providing shelter from unpredictable mountain weather conditions.
