Big Eightmile Campground/Trailhead
The campground opens seasonally on May 15 and is currently open. No reservations required; all sites are first-come, first-served. No fees.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 2:02AM MDT until August 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 475 East Salmon River Mountains/Salmon NF and Fire Weather Zone 476 Lemhi and Lost River Range/Challis NF. * WIND...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Wind reaching these speeds and humidity drier than 15 percent can result in rapid fire spread and extreme wildfire intensity.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 1:30PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO * WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Moderate * WHERE...Lemhi County * WHEN...Until 3pm MDT 8/10/2026 * IMPACTS...Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
About
Big Eightmile Campground is a rustic, no-fee campground nestled along Big Eightmile Creek in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest. Located 14 miles west of Leadore, the campground provides 10 primitive sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilet facilities are on-site, and potable water is available from a hand pump. The campground doubles as a trailhead, providing access to an extensive network of dirt roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and OHV use. Popular routes lead up Eightmile Creek Canyon and Dairy Creek Canyon, with opportunities to explore the historic Blue Jay Mine. The area's remote location in the Lemhi Valley offers solitude and access to high-country terrain. This first-come, first-served campground typically opens May 15 and operates throughout the summer season. The access road (Forest Service Road #096) may be impassable during winter and early spring due to snow. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and exercise caution around any abandoned mine shafts in the area.
Directions
From Leadore, take Lee Creek Road at the junction of Highway 28 and Highway 29 west for 5 miles, then follow Forest Service Road #096 southwest for 9 miles to Big Eightmile Creek Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 756-5100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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