Idaho Highway 21 is the main tourism corridor through the picturesque Sawtooth Mountains and there are many recreational options to be found along the roadside. There are literally dozens of creeks and streams cascading down from the high elevations in this region, so packing a fishing pole is best to do before setting sail. These mountains are a hiker's paradise and many lesser known lakes and ponds are within easy reach, so finding a secluded spot to become one with the fly fishing spirits is easy to do. The Land Of Yankee Fork is also nearby and the best accommodations are definitely found in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

The Bench Creek Campground offers just a few campsites, but the pads are large enough for mid size RV campers and trailers. This cozy little campground is equipped with basic facilities, picnic tables and chargrill pits, but no drinking water is available. Water can be found at other campgrounds nearby. Bench Creek literally runs next to this camping spot, so all that a visitor has to do is roll out of the tent to catch a meal. If the brook trout in the stream are not cooperative, a second option is to hike a short distance uphill to Bull Trout Lake, which offers world class trout fishing.

The Twin Creek Campground certainly offers a unique deep woods experience. This campground is located on Highway 93 a few miles north of Gibbonsville, Idaho in the high elevations. There are all sorts of dirt roads and hiking trails that head to the mountain wilderness areas that few mainstream tourists will ever see, so setting up a basecamp for an extended stay is a good idea. The North Fork Salmon River and Twin Creek are literally right next door, so be sure to pack some fishing gear for the venture. The wildlife is all around, especially during the early morning hours, so keeping binoculars or a camera handy is good to do.

Twin Creek has 40 campsites and a large group picnic area complete with basic facilities, picnic tables and chargrill pits. Drinking water is available, but the closest towns are quite a long distance away, so it is best to stock up heavy prior to arrival. Horseback trail riding is popular in this area and there are places to keep horses nearby.

The Land Of Yankee Fork State Park sites are day use areas, while the surrounding Salmon-Challis National Forest is where the local camping options can be found. The camping modes in this area range from primitive dispersed camping to fully developed recreation area campgrounds that are perfect for some quality rest and relaxation. Big Bayhorse Campground is by far the most appealing, because this developed campground is next to a small lake in a lush mountain meadow that truly looks like paradise.

The Big Bayhorse Campground (Bayhorse Lake) is located just a short drive uphill from Bayhorse Ghost Town, but getting there may present challenges for large RV campers or trailer haulers. This campground offers basic facilities, picnic tables and a non-motorized boat launch, but there is no drinking water available. There are no towns or conveniences nearby, so a visitor will need to stock up ahead of time. The Big Bayhorse Campground definitely is family friendly and it is a good place to let the children catch some fresh panfish for dinner. Historic Idaho mining artifacts await to be discovered all over this area, which will certainly captivate visitors of all ages.

00:00 Title
00:15 Bench Creek Campground
04:14 Twin Creek Campground
06:48 Bayhorse Lake Campground
15:21 Fin