The best camping near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Land of the Yankee Fork State Park adventure.

Discover the historic allure of Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.

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Community favorites near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

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Idaho's Best Kept Secret!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Mackay, ID

One of Idaho's most iconic peaks, often compared to the Matterhorn, will transfix you in a picture-perfect view from this campsite. On a clear night, its rosy glow is the only thing you will see just before darkness. As the night darkens further you'll be dazzled by the brightest stars against the darkest of dark skies you will ever experience. Then you'll fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Lost River gliding by. In the early morning be on the lookout for the resident moose and her calf (Watch, but don't approach!!) or any of the many deer that ramble by. Then drop a fishing line into the river, just a few steps away, and catch yourself a trout or two for your breakfast. After breakfast, get out your binoculars, cameras, and maps (you did bring them, didn't you?) and choose your day's adventure, whether it be a challenging hike up a mountain trail, a leisurely stroll to a delightful waterfall, a 20-mile trip to world-famous Sun Valley via the stunning Trail Creek Summit, or exploring the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states. which is, literally, just on the other side of the fence! The road you enter the property from will also get you 20 miles deep into that wilderness along a broad river valley where you may see elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, antelope, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bears, and much more all thriving in natural abundance. Mountain lions are absent in this area, fortunately, but can be found in narrow, steep-sided canyons in other drainages nearby, if you dare.

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Cactus River Ranch RV

5 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Salmon, ID

Currently, the property has 3 full RV hook-up with water, 30-50 amp power and septic (Site #1 - 30 amp, Site #2 - 50 & 30 amp, Site #3 - 50 & 30 amp). There is also 1 campsite for either a vehicle or tent, with access to complete bathhouse and shower facilities. Cactus River Ranch is located 12 minutes outside of Salmon, Idaho along the Salmon River. The sites have river front views with your own private river access. Hiking and mountain biking options are available right out the back door up Henry's Creek trail. Amazing fly fishing or bird watching location! Williams Lake is located 6 miles up the road and offers a variety of recreation activities including fishing, swimming, paddle-boarding, canoeing, or sight seeing. If you are looking for an area that is out of town, THIS IS IT!! We also have overnight stalls available for horses. Please make sure RV tanks are empty in order to hook up to septic. No RV dump station on site. With the river location, we get very windy conditions along the river corridor. Awnings can easily become damaged during these conditions. Please take notice and consider putting awnings away so that they don't get damaged. Along the same lines, please don't have campfires if the winds are high. Make sure your dogs are on a leash. We have mules on the property that DO NOT like dogs. This is for the safety of your dog. No fireworks on the premises. NO campfires at this time, the Salmon-Challis National Forest is currently in High Fire Danger. We do have a couple small trash cans that get dumped on Thursdays...that being said....we are NOT a dump. If trash cans are full or you have large items, please haul your trash to Lemhi County Landfill. They are open Monday-Friday: 7am-5:15pm and have dumpsters open on the weekend.

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Salmon, Id. Remain Calm Area

1 site · RV1 acres · Salmon, ID

Learn more about this land:Mountain scenery, access to Salmon River close by, gold bug hot springs, Dusty Mule Bar and grill , Williams Lake, Hiking and biking close by. Lewis and Clark next door to Grey House B & B

The best camping near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park guide

Overview

About

Dive into a captivating blend of history and nature while camping near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. Located in scenic central Idaho, this park brings Idaho's frontier mining history to life, offering a distinctive setting for campers seeking both recreation and a touch of the past. The park is home to an interpretive center near Challis, where you'll find museum exhibits, a gold panning station, and audiovisual programs that showcase the intriguing mining history of the area. Knowledgeable personnel stand ready to provide information on local mining history and area attractions, enriching your camping journey with valuable insights into Idaho's past. A Land of the Yankee Fork State Park camping expedition also offers a multitude of outdoor activities. From hiking and birdwatching in the lush surroundings to exploring the historical trails that wind through the park, there is always something to engage with. And for those fascinated by history, the nearby ghost towns of Bonanza, Custer, and Bayhorse provide a thrilling peek into the region's bygone era. Not far from the park, the vast wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest invites exploration, offering majestic views and a diverse array of wildlife. Camping near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park promises not only a refreshing escape into nature but also a fascinating journey into Idaho's rich history, ensuring a camping experience unlike any other.

Notable campgrounds

Challis Hot Springs Campground: Soak in natural hot springs after a day of exploration.
Custer Campground: Stay amid ghost town ruins and picturesque valley views.
Bayhorse Campground: A gateway to ATV trails and historic mining sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot during peak season.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans can change.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations.

When to go

The best time to visit Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is during the summer and early fall, when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. Winter brings closures and limited access, so plan accordingly if you're seeking a snowy adventure.

Know before you go

Check the park's official website for the latest updates on closures and hours of operation.
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.
Remember to pack out your trash and respect the historic sites.
Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
Don't forget to purchase a Park Passport for vehicle entry, priced at $7.