About Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site
Overview The Joseph T. Fallini Campground, situated on the banks of the Mackay Reservoir, is the only recreational site in Challis Field Office that offers full RV hookups and features a diversity of other facilities. This scenic area has a gorgeous view of the Lost River Range and offers recreational opportunities such as boating in the summer and ice fishing in late winter. Mackay Reservoir offers a boat ramp providing access to the reservoir for jet skiing, water skiing and sailing . Other boat launches along the reservoir (and one downstream of the dam) are also available. Recreation Vistiors can engage in a variety of recreation opportunities including (ice) fishing, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, nature walking, boating, and star-gazing. Facilities There are 26 camp sites, an RV hook ups and dump station, restrooms, drinking water, boat ramp and interpretive trail. Natural Features This site resides on the banks on Mackay Reservoir surrounded by the Lost River Range to the east and Knob Mountains to the west. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (208) 879-6200. Nearby Attractions Mackay Mine Hill Historical Self-Guided Tour Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area Borah Peak Trailhead Big Lost River Chilly Slough Wildlife Conservation Area Lost River Museum Craters of the Moon National Monument Lower Cedar Creek Waterfall
How to Get There
North of Mackay, Idaho and south of Challis, Idaho. Travel north from Mackay on Highway 93 for approximately 6 miles. The site is on the west side of the highway and has a view of the spectacular Mt. McCaleb in the Lost River Range
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site
Heading to Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?
No central reservation system listed for Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10156151) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?
North of Mackay, Idaho and south of Challis, Idaho. Travel north from Mackay on Highway 93 for approximately 6 miles. The site is on the west side of the highway and has a view of the spectacular Mt. McCaleb in the Lost River Range
How do I contact Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-878-6200 or email: BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
