Free Camp Guide
Aerial view of Big Bayhorse Campground

Idaho Salmon-Challis National Forest

Big Bayhorse Campground

Free to campSet campsiteNo waterToilet
Free to camp The Forest Service record for this site says there is no charge to camp, as of August 2026. Records get old, so look for a sign when you pull in.

About this place

There is a high mountain lake here, and a campground well out of the way.

There is a lot of fishing, in the lake and in the streams. Walking and ATV trails run from here.

Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill.

There are vault toilets and a day use picnic area.

On Bayhorse Lake there is a boat launch and two docks, for boats with no motor.

The dirt road in is narrow and steep, and while trailers are allowed you should take care, with about 32 feet the practical limit.

There is no drinking water. Take your trash home.

The facts

Cost
Free to camp
Roads around it
A narrow, steep dirt road. Best for trailers and motorhomes under 32 feet
Drinking water
No, bring your own
Toilet
Yes
Type
Specific campsite
Managed by
Salmon-Challis National Forest

Rules and restrictions

The limit for RVs here is 32 feet. Measure yours before you set off if you are anywhere near that.

Getting there

Coordinates 44.410626, -114.399080

Open in Google Maps Agency page

What is near here

There is another spot of ours within reach, and some better-known places further out.

Every distance on this page is the driving distance. A short distance can still take a long time. The road may be closed for the season, covered in snow, or washed out. Many of these roads are dirt. Plan your route before you leave home. Out here there is often no phone signal to look it up on the way.

Nearest town and supplies

Ketchum is big enough that you’d normally expect fuel and somewhere to buy food. Nobody from here has been to check, so don’t count on it if you’re running low.

Have you been here?

Fees and access change, and the records do not always keep up. If you have been, tell us what you found.

Add road notes for this site

The thing we cannot get from any government record is what the drive in is actually like. If you have done it, this is the most useful thing you can leave behind. We read everything before it appears, and we print a first name with it if you give one.

Where this information comes from

The description on this page is ours. The facts in it, and the fee and facility details below it, come from the Forest Service’s own records, read in August 2026.