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PARK UPDATE:

Challis Hot Springs Update: 

The Challis Hot Springs campground will be closed for camping for the season starting on October 29th. The winter hours of operation for the Hot Springs pools, for soaking and swimming, will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am-6pm and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

About the Park

Land of the Yankee Fork has several interesting historical sites including the Challis Bison Kill site, the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse and Bonanza, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, and now, the Challis Hot Springs.

The park brings to life Idaho’s frontier mining history. Located in part of the larger Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area in scenic central Idaho, there is something for everyone in this historic area. The interpretive center near Challis offers museum exhibits, a gold panning station, audiovisual programs, and friendly personnel to provide information on local mining history and area attractions. Visit the nearby ghost towns of Bonanza, Custer and Bayhorse, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge, the Custer Motorway, and the Challis Bison Jump.

Camping within and nearby the historic area can be found at National Forest, BLM, and the Challis Hot Springs campgrounds. Camping opportunities range from primitive to RV hookups and B&B’s. The elevation at Custer is 6,500 feet.

Bayhorse Oral History

Enjoy an oral history of Bayhorse a unit of Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, the early years. A special cooperative project between the Idaho Humanities Council, the Stanley Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Learn the history of the Challis Hot Springs, an historic attraction in the region, which in  2022 became a unit of Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.

Public Notice: Land of the Yankee Fork Seeking RV Grant Funding

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is seeking public input for the following grant proposal: IDPR is applying for an RV Fund Grant to design and fund infrastructure improvements at Challis Hot Springs at Land of the Yankee Fork State Park in Challis, Idaho. The first phase of design and development will ensure that water, sewer and electrical utilities are sufficient to serve the existing facilities including the campground as well as providing modern restroom facilities. The project will provide a new recreational opportunity for the enjoyment, health, and safety of all Idaho recreational vehicle users with easy access to Highway 75 and 93.

If you have any comments or questions related to this project or the application, please contact Melanie Schuster, Development Bureau Chief, at (208) 514-2469 or melanie.schuster@idpr.idaho.gov.

Deadline for comments is January 17, 2024.

 

 

 

Current Conditions

Contact the Park

Address: 24424 Highway 75 | Challis Hot Springs: 5025 Hot Springs Rd
Challis, ID 83226
Phone: Yankee Fork: (208) 879-5244 | Challis Hot Springs: 208-879-4442
Hours of Operation: Yankee Fork Park Hours: 9 am - 5 pm | Challis Hot Springs Winter Hours: CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY. Wed - Sun 8 am to 6 pm

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