Challis Bridge Recreation Site

Challis Bridge Recreation Site is a developed day-use area along the Upper Salmon River near Challis, Idaho, offering convenient boat access via a maintained ramp. The site features two restrooms, picnic tables with grills, and shaded cottonwood groves—making it an ideal spot for a casual day trip or lunch break. No camping is available here, though nearby Bayhorse Recreation Site (10 miles south) offers 12 campsites at $10/night with a 14-day stay limit.

The Salmon River at this location (Mile 58.5) is a major river system with substantial flow—averaging over 13,000 cubic feet per second—and a moderate gradient of 23.1 feet per mile in this section. Paddlers should be aware that the upper river section from Sawtooth Hatchery to Torrey's Hole (Mile 0-21.4) has seasonal closures; contact the Sawtooth National Recreation Area at (208) 727-5000 for current conditions. Boaters are required to use designated put-ins and take-outs within the Sawtooth NRA and BLM-managed areas.

For more information or to report fishing conditions, contact the BLM-Challis Field Office at (208) 879-6200.

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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