Bayhorse Recreation Site

Located 10 miles southwest of Challis on Highway 75, Bayhorse Recreation Site offers a developed boat launch on the Salmon River at 5,400 feet elevation. The site features a concrete boat ramp with dedicated trailer parking, making it a convenient access point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The campground includes 12 first-come, first-served campsites ($10 per night, 14-day limit), potable water, vault toilets, and picnic tables with fire rings—ideal for multi-day paddling trips or overnight visits.

The Salmon River at this location is a major river with significant flow (averaging over 13,000 cubic feet per second) and steep gradient (23.1 ft/mile average). Paddlers should be prepared for moderate to fast current conditions typical of an active headwater stream. Several campsites offer direct river access, providing excellent opportunities for anglers and paddlers. The surrounding area features rich mining history, hiking trails, and interpretive sites worth exploring.

For more information or to confirm current conditions before your visit, contact the BLM Challis Field Office at 208-879-6200. The boat ramp and trailer parking remain open year-round, though seasonal availability of full campground amenities may vary.

OverviewTucked along the Salmon River at 5,400 feet in elevation, Bayhorse Campground offers a scenic and historic getaway just ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named after the nearby Bayhorse Mining District, this quiet riverside retreat features 12 campsites perfect for anglers, history buffs, and outdoor explorers alike.Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities here, with...

OverviewTucked along the Salmon River at 5,400 feet in elevation, Bayhorse Campground offers a scenic and historic getaway just ten miles south of Challis on Highway 75. Named after the nearby Bayhorse Mining District, this quiet riverside retreat features 12 campsites perfect for anglers, history buffs, and outdoor explorers alike.Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities here, with resident cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead, and mountain whitefish thriving in the clear waters of the Upper Salmon River. Beyond the river, a short drive west leads to Bayhorse Townsite ran by the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, which showcases remnants of historic mines, offering a glimpse into Idaho’s rugged mining past. The campground also serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork, rich in trails, interpretive sites, and striking mountain landscapes.Campground Amenities:12 first-come, first-served campsites with picnic tables & fire ringsSeasonal campground hostsPotable water & vault toiletsBoat ramp and day-use parking areaHiking trails & interpretive historic sites nearbyKnow Before You Go:Limited cell serviceNo electric or water hook-ups available 

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