Big Lost River Lower Campground

This campground is huge, but the roads are narrow, and some are overgrown so you will want to scout ahead before driving down anything with a big rig, otherwise you may end up with some scratches.

When you first drive in there is a large pull through site before the information sign. If you have a big RV and you just need somewhere to stay for the night, I suggest this one.

After you drive past the info sign you will come to a fork in the road. Straight will take you on a road that is extremely rutted. Turning right will take you to the parking lot and some vault toilets. If you go to the parking lot, there are more roads that lead you to the camping area the rutted road would have lead to so you can avoid it completely by driving to the right.

From the main parking area, there are tons of campsites, but they are all down narrow roads. Some have low hanging trees so be mindful of that. There are only 2 or 3 sites that are on the river.

Some roads look like there’s nothing at the end but most lead to larger campsites. Some even have picnic tables and fire pits. There are about 3 bathrooms scattered around the camping area and around 15 campsites.

Pretty much every site ended in a loop, so you don’t have to worry about being able to turn around unless there are some low hanging trees, or the road is too narrow.

There is a 10 day camping limit and you aren’t far from the town of Mackey. The river is full of rainbow trout and cell service was surprisingly good.

We came here for 5 days starting on the last Tuesday in June 2021. The campground at the reservoir was full, as it had been, according to the camp host. We came here in mid-afternoon and found a shady spot a little way from the river. While we had no trouble finding a campsite, it got busier as the week went by, and we even saw people cruising for a spot, without finding anything satisfactory. Mackay has been discovered, and many of the spots in the area fill by the weekend.
It appears the roads have been improved and trees trimmed back since the earlier review was written. We had no problem getting in without scraping the trailer. There are several outhouses, but no water or other services. There is a boat launch. Our camp was full of birds of all kinds, and we could hear them all day. Our only issue with this spot was a few idiots who insisted on driving fast through the area, throwing up dust and endangering children. But you can encounter that anywhere, especially in a free campsite without official supervision.
The local government fogged the camp for mosquitoes on Tuesday, (due to West Nile) and they post signs to advise of this. We saw the same notices posted elsewhere in the area. We couldn't smell the spray, but then we weren't bothered by bugs. We had no Verizon coverage, but 3 minutes away in Mackay it was good. As the weather was hot, we were glad we hadn't camped at the reservoir in full sun.

Half mile off the highway in a cottonwood grove. Quiet and shady. Limited improvements beside vault toilets and a few picnic tables, but the price was right! I’m glad we’re self contained ‘cause the vault toilets are unkempt. Less than half full on a Sunday in mid July, though I expect it was full over the weekend.

Arrived mid day to get some flyfishing in during the afternoon and evening, then manged to fish a few hours in the morning. Free and several site options with a beautiful view of the western cliffs next to the river. A little tight getting in and out with a 28 foot Airstream, but worth the extra effort... Our stay would have been better if campers removed their trash when they leave.. Met two great guys with fish and game while they transplanted trout from downstream where the river is losing water to the needy farmers..

Dispersed camping spots in the woods along the Big Lost River near the small town of Mackay, ID. Heavily used by local fishing guides (and they get early start).We based here for a week to fish the upper reaches of the Big Lost River and enjoy the small town vibe of Mackay. Good amount of shade. Mosquitoes not too bad. Outhouses on site. Good fishing access right at this location. Spectacular views of the mountains. Kinda tight getting in; best to scout on foot if you're a big rig.

We voted this our favorite spot on our journey home. There are four places that are right on the water. We were camped in one of them. There was a gorgeous rock formation directly across the river. One of the best parts was catching Rainbow trout out of the river right in fron of our campsite. There are a three pit toliets on the property. The road in the campround is not paved or well maintained, We had no problems driving anournd the campground. This place is in its natural state with a lot of trees and brush between you and your neighbors. Some of the sites are level others are not. You have to pack out your own trash. There is some road noise as you are close to Hwy 93. Dump and water are two miles up the road at Joe Falin Campground.If you want to hang out near the water with starry nites this is the place. If you want water and electric and a flat level site it's up the road.