Dispersed and established camping options dot the Mackay, Idaho region, situated at 5,900 feet elevation in the Lost River Valley beneath towering 12,000-foot peaks. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer brings warm 80°F days with cool nights. Camping areas range from riverside spots with mountain views to high-desert terrain with volcanic features.
What to do
Fly fishing nearby: Bear Creek Dispersed Campground offers access to prime fishing spots. One camper noted, "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." The area features alpine fishing opportunities with several streams accessible via forest roads.
Cave exploration: Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon provides a base for exploring volcanic caves. A visitor shared, "I highly suggest going down in the caves where you can crawl in the lava tubes." The campground sits within the national monument, allowing easy access to cave systems that require flashlights and helmets.
Scenic drives: Roads around Joe T. Fallini Campground offer mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. The area around Mackay Reservoir provides scenic routes with minimal traffic. A camper mentioned, "Weather was 10 plus degrees cooler then most places around the Salmon/Mackay area," making summer drives more comfortable.
What campers like
Unique landscapes: Mountain View RV Park gives campers access to distinctive terrain. "Mt. View is in the small city of Arco ID, close to Craters of the Moon National monument," one reviewer explained. The volcanic features create otherworldly hiking opportunities with cinder cones and lava fields within a 30-minute drive.
Wildlife encounters: Areas around Mackay offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Bear Creek, campers should "definitely keep an eye out for black bears," while others report, "We saw two moose on the way in and had coyotes serenade us at night" at nearby camping areas.
Spacious sites: Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park provides ample room between campsites. A reviewer noted, "Most sites are back in and are huge." This extra space allows for setting up outdoor living areas without crowding neighboring campers.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service throughout the Mackay region ranges from spotty to non-existent. Prepare for minimal digital contact with maps downloaded in advance.
Water availability: Water access varies by season and location. At Joe T. Fallini Campground, sites have water hookups during summer, but a camper points out the area is "almost ALWAYS windy there," which affects comfort levels during water activities.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Others operate with reduced services, as one camper noted about Lava Flow: "Off-season has no running water but vault toilets are clean."
Weather variability: Temperature swings between day and night can exceed 30°F. One reviewer mentioned bringing extra layers even in summer: "If you are planning on camping here in the summer, be prepared for extreme dry heat."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly exploration: Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA offers family amenities close to natural attractions. "Great little campground with full hook ups... Amenities included showers, restrooms, laundry, small store that sells firewood and propane among other necessities, ice cream social (for a donation) in the evening, free waffle breakfast in the morning, pet friendly with dog park, playground, and pool," a visitor shared.
Backup plans: Weather can change rapidly at high elevation. Bring indoor games and activities for unexpected rain or cold snaps.
Educational opportunities: The Craters of the Moon visitor center provides family-friendly exhibits about volcanic features. One camper noted, "Great atmosphere and sites and the visitor center is informative."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park offers well-maintained surfaces for motorhomes. A reviewer commented, "Nice & level pull thru and back in sites. Restrooms are key coded thus nice and clean."
Wind protection: Position RVs with solid sides facing prevailing winds, particularly at exposed sites like Joe T. Fallini Campground where it's "almost ALWAYS windy."
Utilities access: Some parks feature shared utilities between sites. At Meadows RV Park, "The utilities for each spot are just next to each other. Yours will have your spot number on it."
Route planning: Mountain roads require careful navigation. Sites like Mountain View RV Park provide easier access as "the sites are very wide and spacious with grass in between. Full service."
