Buckhorn Bar
Open for the season on a first-come, first-served basis. As of early May 2026, potable water was not yet functioning but typically becomes available as summer progresses. Campers should bring water until the hand pump is operational.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 11 at 1:27PM MDT until August 14 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
...MONSOON MOISTURE WILL BRING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY... A push of monsoon moisture will bring scattered thunderstorms to the region Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Lingering dry surface air will limit the rainfall amounts on Thursday, increasing concern for lightning ignitions. The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Fire Weather Watch for lightning, which is in effect from Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night. * AFFECTED AREA...In Idaho, Fire Weather Zones 400 Northern Boise BLM, 401 Western Payette National Forest, 402 Eastern Payette National Forest, 403 Northern Boise National Forest, 420 Treasure Valley BLM, 421 Southern Boise/Western Sawtooth NF, including the Camas Prairie, 423 Owyhee Mountains, 424 Western Twin Falls BLM and 426 Southern Highlands. In Oregon, Fire Weather Zones 672 Southern Grasslands, 673 Central Canyonlands and 674 Northwestern Vale BLM. * TIMING...From Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered coverage with abundant lightning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusty erratic winds up to 40 mph. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 8:40PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette,and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 10:29AM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. * WHERE...Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL 1 PM MDT THIS AFTERNOON. * IMPACTS...Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
About
Buckhorn Bar Campground is a riverside retreat in the Payette National Forest, positioned along the scenic South Fork Salmon River. The campground offers 13 sites: nine standard campsites and four walk-in tent-only sites located closer to the river. One of the walk-in sites is a double unit that can accommodate up to 16 people. This is a first-come, first-served campground with no advance reservations. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets are available and ADA accessible. Drinking water is provided via hand pump seasonally, though it may not be operational early in the season. The South Fork Salmon River provides excellent fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities right from the campground.
Directions
From McCall, go 30 miles northeast on Lick Creek Road (Forest Road 48), then 7.5 miles south on the South Fork Road (Forest Road 674). Alternatively, access via Warm Lake Road just north of Cascade and head north along the South Fork of the Salmon River road (Forest Roads 474/674).
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 | $10 - $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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