The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency operating since 1946. It is responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of public lands and their resources, as well as for providing recreational opportunities. In Idaho, the BLM manages 12 million acres of public land, including nearly 5 million acres of designated wilderness. The BLM has been instrumental in preserving important habitats, such as the Lemhi River, providing ample opportunities for locals and visitors alike to explore and appreciate the area's natural beauty. You can locate more BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me." McFarland Campground in Lemhi River, Idaho, is a premier BLM site known for its stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. It's the perfect destination for those exploring the great outdoors and enjoying Bureau of Land Management camping activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. The Salmon-Challis National Forest is just a few miles away, which offers scenic trails and plenty of outdoor activities. Both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming are about 200 miles east of the campground. The Lemhi Valley creates a picturesque backdrop with its rolling hills, open meadows, and wooded slopes. You will enjoy the valley's riparian zone for wildlife viewing, especially during the spring and summer months.
This out-and-back trail passes by the lake at the end of the valley, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the river. Pets are welcome on the trail, provided they are always kept on a leash. The trail ends at the Bear Valley Lakes, providing an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Length: 10.6 miles Intensity: Difficult
This out-and-back is a great choice for avid hikers, offering a variety of terrain, from dense forest to forest roads and finally to a lake, where the trail ends. Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. Length: 6.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Everson Lake is a great out-and-back trail in the Salmon-Challis National Forest North Zone. This trail takes you through vibrant foliage, forests, and meadows, offering stunning views of the mountains and the river. Length: 5.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Goldbug (Elk Bend) Hot Springs via Warm Springs Trail is a great option for those looking for a more challenging out-and-back hike. The initial portion of this trail takes hikers through private property, so it's important to stay on the designated path. As you go through the rocky terrain, you will encounter several waterfalls. Length: 3.6 miles Intensity: Moderate to difficult
This loop trail is perfect for mountain bikers, featuring three waypoints. The trail will give you incredible views of the Salmon River. Along the way, you will also encounter rocky terrain and challenging ascents. Length: 3.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
Lemhi River is a great spot for fishing bass, trout, salmon, kokanee, steelhead, and more. Trout fishing is limited to two fish per day, while catch-and-release fishing for bull trout is allowed. Other species in the area, such as brook trout and kokanee, have a limit of 25 fish per day. The Lemhi River is an ideal spot for both novice and experienced anglers alike, offering the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful day of fishing while admiring views of the river.
The nearby Lemhi Pass is the perfect spot for climbers of all levels, as it is easily accessible via the road. The trails of Panther Creek offer multi-pitch routes and bouldering opportunities. Pahsimeroi Valley is a great spot for limestone rock formations. The area is a popular destination for experienced climbers with some of its routes being challenging to test even the most seasoned climbers.
Lemhi Valley near McFarland Campground offers an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can spot species such as elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even bison from the campground. Over 200 species of birds can be seen in the area, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. Other species that inhabit the region include black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, and lynx. Nature lovers will be delighted by the wide array of flora, like wildflowers, sagebrush, and riparian vegetation, which can be seen at the campground.
McFarland Campground has designated picnic sites for visitors to enjoy. Each site is equipped with a charcoal grill, fire pit, and covered shelter, making it an ideal spot to enjoy meals with family and friends. The views of the Lemhi Valley ensure a serene backdrop for any outdoor gathering. With its stunning river views, the campground offers the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and picnicking.
BLM RV camping is possible at McFarland Campground. Another of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby is Elk Bend RV Park. The park is pet friendly and has water hookups and laundry facilities. You will also enjoy its general store and the propane filling station.
McFarland Campground offers dispersed camping, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural beauty without needing designated campsites. You can find Bureau of Land Management free camping areas nearby, such as Morgan Creek Recreation Site. The location has four campsites assigned on a first come, first served basis. The Salmon-Challis National Forest also offers primitive camping opportunities. The vastness of the area provides ample space to pitch a tent and take in the breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, rivers, and meadows.
BLM camping at McFarland Campground is a great way to experience the beauty of surrounding area. For a successful trip, ensure you bring enough food and water and the necessary camping supplies like a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies. Check the weather before embarking on your trip, as the area is known to have unpredictable temperature changes. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting McFarland Campground or any other BLM camping area, following the "Leave No Trace" philosophy is important. This principle means packing out what you pack in and leaving the area cleaner than you found it. This includes disposing of trash appropriately, not leaving behind any debris, and not disturbing wildlife. Be careful with campfires and only use them in areas that are designated for them.
From Salmon, Idaho, drive southeast on Idaho Highway 28 for 32 miles to reach McFarland Campground. Latitude / Longitude: 44.80232, -113.56807 Ready to visit McFarland Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
