McFarland Campground

For those in Idaho seeking an accessible and amenity-friendly camping spot in a truly picturesque setting, McFarland Campground, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), stands out as an excellent choice. Nestled near the vibrant town of Salmon and situated along the banks of the Lemhi River, this campground offers a fantastic blend of convenience and outdoor adventure. It’s a popular destination for locals looking for a quick getaway or a longer stay to explore the abundant recreational opportunities of the Lemhi Valley.

McFarland Campground is appreciated for its straightforward layout and functional amenities, providing a comfortable base for a variety of camping styles. Whether you’re pulling through with a large RV or setting up a tent in the designated green spaces, the campground is designed to accommodate. Visitors often commend the availability of potable water and clean vault toilets, essential comforts that enhance any camping trip. While it's noted to be a little close to the highway, the overall convenience and access to sportsman activities make it a highly desirable spot for a day or two, or even longer if you plan to explore the surrounding area.

One of the appealing aspects for many campers is the sense of open space. The sites are described as large enough for RVs and vehicles, with plenty of green space for pets and children to enjoy. There's even a dedicated green area on the north end specifically for tent campers, ensuring that all types of outdoor enthusiasts can find their ideal spot. This thoughtful design allows for a feeling of spaciousness, even within a campground that isn't expansive.

The management by the BLM ensures that the campground is well-maintained, with fire pits and covered picnic tables available for use in season. Recent work by the BLM (as of September 2023, with more expected in 2024) indicates a commitment to improving and expanding the camping locations, promising even better experiences for future visitors. McFarland Campground embodies the spirit of accessible public lands camping in Idaho, inviting everyone to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the Gem State has to offer.

McFarland Campground is ideally located for Idaho locals, offering both ease of access and proximity to a wealth of outdoor activities. The campground's address is associated with the BLM's Salmon Field Office at 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467, USA, which is the administrative hub for the area. However, the campground itself is situated directly along the Lemhi River, just outside the town of Salmon.

Its position makes it incredibly convenient for travelers on U.S. Highway 28, which runs through the Lemhi Valley. While one review notes it's "a little close to the highway," this proximity also means straightforward access without significant detours, making it a great spot for those passing through or looking for a quick and easy setup. For those arriving from other parts of Idaho, Salmon is a key gateway to the east-central region, and the campground's location near the town ensures essential services are readily available.

Salmon, Idaho, offers a variety of amenities including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops, which are all easily accessible from the campground. This means campers can stock up on supplies or grab a meal without having to travel far from their base camp. The town itself is known as the "Gateway to the River of No Return Wilderness" and is a popular launch point for various river expeditions on the Salmon River, though McFarland Campground is specifically on the Lemhi River, a tributary.

The campground's setting in the Lemhi Valley provides stunning views of the Beaverhead Mountains to the east and the Lemhi Range to the west, creating a picturesque backdrop for your stay. The Lemhi River itself forms a lush riparian zone, providing a contrast to the more arid surrounding landscape. This location also puts campers within reach of numerous recreational opportunities beyond the immediate campground, including trails into the mountain ranges and sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

For many Idahoans, the relatively short travel time to Salmon from population centers like Idaho Falls (approx. 2.5 hours) or Missoula, Montana (approx. 2.5 hours, for those on the border), makes McFarland Campground a desirable and manageable destination for a weekend or short trip, allowing them to quickly immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty.

McFarland Campground, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offers a practical set of services designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience. While it doesn't boast resort-style amenities, it focuses on the essentials that campers value for a stay in nature.

• Campsites: The campground features a total of 9 individual campsites. These sites are versatile, accommodating both RVs and tent campers. They are situated in a convenient circular layout, making pull-through access for RVs quite easy.
• Spacious Sites: Each site is described as large enough for RVs and vehicles, providing ample space for campers and their equipment. They typically include a fire pit and a covered picnic table.
• Dedicated Green Space: The campground includes a nice green space on the north end, specifically designated for tent campers, offering them a comfortable and suitable area for pitching tents.
• Extra Vehicle Parking: Areas for extra vehicles to park are available, which is a convenient service for groups or those bringing multiple vehicles.
• Potable Water: Good, potable water is available for campers. As of September 2023, the BLM had reportedly done work on the water system, and it is a consistent amenity. Water availability is seasonal.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides two vaulted toilets. Reviews indicate these are generally clean and regularly stocked, offering essential restroom facilities.
• One Electrical Unit: Uniquely, there is at least one campsite that offers electricity, which can be a highly sought-after amenity for those needing power for their RV or devices.
• Fire Pits and Covered Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes equipped with a fire pit for campfires and a covered picnic table, providing shaded areas for meals and relaxation. These are available in season.
• River Access: The campground provides access to the Lemhi River, particularly for fishing, allowing campers to enjoy the water.

McFarland Campground offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Idaho, combining practical amenities with access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

• Convenient Pull-Through Sites: The campground's circular layout includes sites that are easy for RVs and vehicles to pull through, simplifying setup and departure, which is a significant advantage for travelers.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are generously sized, providing ample room for RVs, vehicles, and even a dedicated green space for tent campers. This offers a sense of privacy and comfort.
• Access to Sportsman Activities: The location offers great access to various sportsman activities, particularly fishing in the Lemhi River. While some areas are challenging due to willows, hiking downstream can reveal better openings for anglers.
• Potable Water Availability: The presence of good, potable water is a key highlight, ensuring campers have a reliable source for drinking and other needs, especially important during warm Idaho summers.
• One Electrical Site: The availability of at least one campsite with electricity is a notable feature, providing a valuable option for campers requiring power, which is less common in many BLM campgrounds.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and regular stocking of the two vaulted toilets, an essential aspect of any comfortable camping experience.
• Scenic Lemhi Valley Setting: The campground is nestled in the beautiful Lemhi Valley, with views of the Beaverhead Mountains and Lemhi Range, creating a picturesque backdrop for camping. The Lemhi River itself forms a lush riparian zone.
• Pet and Kid-Friendly Green Space: The ample green space throughout the campground is ideal for dogs to stretch their legs and for kids to play, making it a suitable destination for families.
• Quick Stop Accessibility: Its location, while near the highway, makes it an excellent spot for a quick bathroom break, stretching legs, or watering a dog for those passing through, highlighting its convenience.
• Ongoing BLM Improvements: The BLM's recent work and plans for further improvements (as of 2023/2024) suggest a commitment to enhancing the campground's offerings, indicating a positive trajectory for future visits.

For direct inquiries, information on site availability, or details about the McFarland Campground, you can contact the managing office for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Salmon, Idaho.

Address: Field Office, 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467, USA

Phone: (208) 756-5400

Mobile Phone: +1 208-756-5400 (This is likely the same main office line but listed for mobile accessibility).

It's important to note that while McFarland Campground is a BLM site, it may not always be staffed directly on-site. Therefore, contacting the Salmon Field Office is the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information regarding current conditions, specific campsite availability (especially for the electrical site), seasonal operating dates, and any changes to amenities. For reservations, particularly for specific sites or during peak season, checking the Recreation.gov website (or a similar platform if applicable) is often recommended, as BLM campgrounds sometimes utilize these systems.

For Idaho locals, McFarland Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Its location just outside Salmon in the scenic Lemhi Valley makes it incredibly convenient for quick getaways or as a basecamp for exploring the vast recreational opportunities of East-Central Idaho. The easy access from Highway 28 means less time navigating and more time enjoying the natural beauty of the Beaverhead and Lemhi Mountain Ranges that frame the valley.

The campground’s pragmatic services, including potable water, clean vault toilets, and spacious sites (including a coveted electrical unit), provide essential comforts that make camping enjoyable, whether you're in an RV or a tent. Families with kids and dogs will appreciate the ample green space, fostering a relaxing and fun environment for everyone. For anglers, the Lemhi River offers fishing opportunities, and while some spots require a bit of a hike, the access is there for those willing to explore.

Moreover, the dedication of the BLM, with ongoing improvements, signifies a commitment to maintaining and enhancing this valuable public land resource. This ensures that McFarland Campground remains a reliable and appealing option for Idahoans year after year. It truly offers a quintessential Idaho camping experience – straightforward, close to nature, and providing a gateway to the kind of outdoor adventures that define life in the Gem State. It's a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories without straying too far from home.

McFarland Campground

Field Office, 1206 S Challis St, Salmon, ID 83467, USA