Big Bayhorse Campground

Are you an Idaho local yearning for a truly authentic wilderness escape, a place where the noise of daily life fades and the serenity of nature takes over? Big Bayhorse Campground, tucked away in the stunning landscapes near Challis, offers precisely that experience. While reaching this hidden gem requires a bit of an adventurous drive, the reward is a tranquil, beautiful, and intimate camping experience by a picturesque high mountain lake. This campground is perfect for Idahoans who prioritize peace, fishing, and access to rugged trails over easily accessible amenities.

Big Bayhorse Campground is cherished by those who discover it for its small size and quiet atmosphere, a welcome contrast to more crowded recreational areas. It's designed for campers who are self-sufficient and appreciate a more rustic setting, where the focus is on natural beauty and outdoor activities rather than extensive facilities. The consistent praise from visitors highlights its charm and the stunning scenery, making it a highly sought-after spot for those seeking a genuine Idaho backcountry adventure.

Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind under the vast Idaho sky, Big Bayhorse provides the perfect backdrop. It embodies the spirit of Idaho's wild places, offering a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Big Bayhorse Campground is located at Challis, ID 83226, USA, nestled within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Its elevation is approximately 8,610 feet, placing it in a beautiful high-mountain setting near Big Bayhorse Lake.

A significant aspect of its location and accessibility is the journey required to reach it. Reviews consistently mention a "long windy bumpy dirt road you need to take for about an hour or so (depending if you're towing) from Idaho City." Another description highlights an "amazing campground with a steep narrow access road." It's generally advised that the road may not be ideal for all vehicles, with some recommending that trailers and motorhomes be "less than 32 feet long" due to the narrow and steep dirt road. This suggests that while accessible, the drive requires caution and a suitable vehicle. However, for those prepared for the journey, the destination is described as "worth it."

The campground's direct proximity to Big Bayhorse Lake is a key geographical feature. This beautiful high mountain lake provides immediate access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Additionally, it is near a historic mining district, offering opportunities to explore the rich history of the Land of the Yankee Fork, including the nearby Bayhorse State Park Ghost Town.

Big Bayhorse Campground, while offering a primitive camping experience, provides essential services to ensure a basic and enjoyable stay. It’s important to note its rustic nature, as it’s managed by the Forest Service or BLM (Bureau of Land Management).

• Limited Campsites: The campground is "small, but beautiful" with "only 8 spots." This small size contributes to its quiet atmosphere but emphasizes the need for advance planning. There are 9 tent/RV camping sites.
• Basic Site Amenities: Each campsite includes essential amenities for traditional camping, such as "picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills." Some sites have "sand-filled tent pads" for tent campers.
• Restrooms: Vault toilets are available at the campground. Reviewers note that the "vault bathrooms were clean" and "the forest service comes up once a week or so to clean the bathrooms," indicating regular maintenance.
• No Potable Water: A crucial point for visitors is that "there is none supplied" water on-site, meaning campers "need to plan ahead" and "bring plenty of water." Public data also confirms "No drinking water is on site, and please pack out your trash."
• No Electricity or Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical or water hookups for RVs, aligning with its primitive nature.
• Trash Management: While one review mentioned packing out trash, official sources indicate "Bearwise garbage dumpsters available" at the related Bayhorse Recreation Site (which is distinct from Big Bayhorse Lake Campground but often confused). It's always best practice to pack out what you pack in, especially at remote sites.
• First-Come, First-Served: While some sources suggest reservable, others state it is "first-come, first-served," indicating flexibility but also the possibility of sites filling up quickly due to the limited number. It's advisable to check current status before arriving.
• No Firewood Provided: Campers will need to gather their own firewood from the surrounding area, as "No firewood available."

Big Bayhorse Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Idaho locals seeking a rugged yet rewarding outdoor experience:

• High Mountain Lake Setting: The campground is set by a "beautiful high mountain lake," Big Bayhorse Lake. This provides a stunning backdrop for camping, offering scenic vistas and a refreshing alpine environment.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Fishing is a major draw. Reviewers state that "Fishing was fantastic," especially for "young boys that need to catch something frequently." The lake is stocked with "trout," and "the fish we caught were all hatchery fish. They were nice fat ones and fried up very nicely." Nearby streams also offer fishing.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity among those who know it, the campground is consistently described as "beautiful and pretty quiet," providing a serene escape from noise and crowds. "Very quiet and the sky view at night was amazing clear view of the Milky Way!"
• Access to Historic Mining Area: The campground is "named for a historic mining district" and is a "comfortable base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork." The "Bayhorse State Park Ghost Town" is a notable nearby attraction, offering a glimpse into Idaho's rich mining history.
• Hiking and ATV Trail Access: There is "Good hiking and ATV trail access" directly from the campground or nearby. This caters to adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the surrounding mountains and forests.
• Non-Motorized Boating on Lake: Big Bayhorse Lake offers a "boat launch and two boat docks for use by non-motorized watercraft" (e.g., float tubes, canoes), providing opportunities for quiet enjoyment on the water.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting offers chances to see "deer on the meadow, a coyote across the lake, a large bird of prey and several other birds." There are also mentions of "wolves, elk and bear in the area."
• Open Range: The area is "open range," meaning "cattle roaming the grassland next to the lake." This adds a unique, rural Idaho charm, though campers should "Watch your step on the paths around the site."

For those planning an adventurous trip to Big Bayhorse Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Challis, ID 83226, USA (This address places it within the Challis area, but remember the actual approach involves a significant dirt road from Idaho City.)

Phone: (208) 879-6200 (This number is for the Bureau of Land Management - Challis Field Office, which often manages such campgrounds or can provide information.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-879-6200 (Same as above)

Given the remote nature and challenging access road, it is highly advisable to call the BLM Challis Field Office (or check Recreation.gov/Forest Service websites if applicable) before your trip for the most current information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, and campsite availability (as it can be first-come, first-served). Confirming that the well is still out of order and bringing ample water is crucial for a comfortable stay.

Big Bayhorse Campground is an excellent and truly rewarding destination for Idaho locals who are well-prepared and seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path camping experience. For residents, the allure lies in its very nature: a small, quiet, and beautiful mountain lake campground that offers a profound escape from the everyday. The journey to get there, though an "hour or so" on a "long windy bumpy dirt road," is often considered part of the adventure and contributes to the feeling of having discovered a truly secluded haven.

For Idahoans who love to fish, Big Bayhorse Lake offers "fantastic" opportunities, especially for families looking for reliable catches. The surrounding area provides ample "hiking and ATV trail access," catering to those eager to explore the vast Idaho wilderness. While the lack of potable water on-site means campers need to be self-sufficient, this is a minor trade-off for the unparalleled peace, stunning starry nights ("clear view of the Milky Way!"), and direct access to pristine natural beauty.

The intimate size of "only 8 spots" fosters a quiet environment, making it perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature without the crowds often found at larger campgrounds. Big Bayhorse Campground truly embodies the wild heart of Idaho, offering locals a chance to create unforgettable memories in a truly unique and serene setting within their own magnificent state.

Big Bayhorse Campground

Challis, ID 83226, USA