Bayhorse Recreation Site

Signs and Info

Campsites

River Access

Name: Bayhorse Recreation Site

Bayhorse Recreation Site is situated along the Salmon River south of Challis, Idaho, on Hwy 75. The hills around are open and covered with sagebrush. This area could be very hot during the summer and there is little shade. I would recommend playing in the river, either fishing or floating to keep cool during the heat of the afternoon.

Campsites: The campground is flat and open. It is covered by a maintained lawn. Watch out for the sprinkle system if you are tent camping. Each site has a handicap accessible picnic table, a fire ring with attach grill, and a barbecue stand. Some of the sites have a sand filled tent square.

Host on Site: Yes, there is a host, he was mowing the lawn during our visit.

Water: Potable water is available here and is on a pressurized system. It appeared clear and was cool.

Garbage Services: Garbage service is available.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There are vault style outhouses available in the center loop and they were clean when we reviewed this campground.

Handicap Accessible: Bayhorse Recreation Site is handicap accessible from the outhouses to the picnic tables.

Firewood: There is no firewood available here so bring your own if you want a campfire. The sites have a barbecue stand so charcoal might serve you well.

Pets: Pets are allowed but on a leash only.

Picnic Area: The "points of interest" map says there is a picnic area, but I don't remember seeing it and we have it marked as not having a picnic area.

Recreation: The Salmon River is the main recreation attraction here. Fishing would be the main activity, but floating the river would also be an attraction.

Fishing: Check the regulations here. The Salmon River is the obvious choice but there are a couple lakes you might enjoy. Check out our review for Herd Lake and Big Bayhorse Lake campgrounds.

Boating: There is a nice boat ramp at Bayhorse Recreation Site. See our picture of the boat ramp.

Swimming: There is no designated swimming area here. Swim in the Salmon River at your own risk.

Wildlife: The recreation site is set along the Salmon River so one could see deer, fox, coyote, rabbits and many species of birds.

Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Whiskey Flats Campground, East Fork Recreation Site, Herd Lake Campground, Bayhorse Lake Campground and Cottonwood Recreation Site. Many people like to camp in primitive free sites. I did not see any along the river but there were many such camping sites up Bayhorse Creek toward Big Bayhorse Lake. The road up Bayhorse Creek is VERY steep and narrow.

Phone service: There is phone service and cell phone reception at Challis. We had spotty cell reception well before Challis on our ATT phones.

Nearby Services: Challis has any supplies you might need and is only 9.5 miles to the north on the highway.

RV Dumping Site: There is a RV dumping station at the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center along the north edge of the parking lot. It is located at the junction of Hwy 93 and Hwy 75 and there is no fee for its use.

Location/Driving instructions: From Challis, Idaho, drive south on Hwy 93 for 2.2 miles to a right turn onto Hwy 75 to Stanley, Idaho. Take Hwy 75 for 7.3 miles to Bayhorse Recreation Site which would be on your right side along the Salmon River. From Stanley, you would take Hwy 75 toward Challis for 47.5 miles and the campground would be on your left.

Coordinates: 44.385733,-114.261629

Elevation: 5169 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: This is a first come, first serve campground. As of April 2017 recreation.gov indicates the daily fee is$10.

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.