The best camping in Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, ID

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

The best camping near Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, ID

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
Walk out your front door to the sounds of the river!

1. Cactus River Ranch RV

96%
(97)
43mi from Land of the Yankee Fork State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Gilmore, Idaho was a silver mining town between the 1880's and 1929 when the power plant caught on fire. It has been a ghost town since the last residence left in the 1950's.

2. Camp Badger

90%
(15)
46mi from Land of the Yankee Fork State Park · 1 site · RV · Leadore, ID
Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was active between the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings and mines, there is so much to explore!Learn more about this land:Gilmore Idaho is a old silver mining town that was created in the 1880's and abandon in the 1930's after the power plant caught on fire. Gilmore is a legitimate ghost town that contains old buildings, mines, cemetery, etc. Gilmore, Idaho still has numerous old buildings, mines, and mining equipment. There is so much to explore in Gilmore! BUT you must not enter any of the old buildings, or any private property.The campsite is primitive and contains a small dirt pad, fire pit, and a tent pad.Gilmore Idaho is roughly 130 mins away from Idaho Falls. The Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns are roughly 20 mins away, and Meadow Lake and Meadow Lake Campground are roughly 5 miles away on a dirt road (on top of the mountain). The Meadow Lake Campground is only open for 2 months out of the year due to the snowfall (its on top of a mountain), so this campsite (Camp Badger) is a great place to camp if you can not find a spot at the campground.Camp Badger is the only campsite available within the Gilmore town site. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$5
 / night
Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

4. Lemhi River Natural Area Camping

100%
(6)
50mi from Land of the Yankee Fork State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Salmon, ID
Welcome to our serene retreat along the picturesque Lemhi River. Situated on five acres downstream from a magnificent river restoration project, our property offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Cast your line into the pristine waters of the Lemhi River and enjoy the thrill of fishing in one of nature's finest playgrounds. As night falls, marvel at the brilliance of the star-studded sky and listen to the soothing sounds of the surrounding wilderness. With direct access to BLM land, adventure awaits just beyond our doorstep. Lace-up your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike to explore the scenic trails that wind through the rugged terrain. For a relaxing escape, take a short drive to Sharkey Hot Springs and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or seeking adventure in the great outdoors, our unique property along the Lemhi River offers the perfect retreat for your next getaway.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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The best camping in Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, ID 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.
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