Best Equestrian Camping near Boise, ID

Famous for sunshine, good weather, and good snow, Boise deserves a spot on any adventurer’s bucket list. Idaho is an outdoors paradise on its own, and Boise is the jumping-off point for any good Idaho adventure.

The best camping near Boise is just outside of the city in the sprawling Boise National Forest. While Boise itself isn’t filled with camping, a handful of RV parks are available. It isn’t a long drive to get from the Boise area to any of the surrounding national forests, so day-trippers seeking more traditional accommodations can easily stay in Boise or Nampa, ID. If you’re looking for campgrounds, Boise National Forest is filled with campsites that are both reservable and first-come, first-served.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Boise, Idaho (13)

    1. Celebration Park

    12 Reviews
    Melba, ID
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 495-2745

    $2 - $5 / night

    "It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby."

    "Sites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.

    Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up."

    2. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    16 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    27 miles
    Website

    "If you're needing a quick getaway for the weekend but cant go too far from Boise/Meridian, Swan Falls is the place for you!"

    "Located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Boise, this campground is the perfect quick getaway."

    3. Grayback Gulch Campground

    5 Reviews
    Idaho City, ID
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 392-6681

    $8 - $15 / night

    "This is a great campground between Boise and Idaho City.  "

    "Close to the road but not noisy. Close to Idaho City, which has awesome little spots. Shady, no morning sun. The real treasure is the nearby hot springs resort, The Springs at Idaho City."

    4. Cowboy Campground

    1 Review
    Idaho City, ID
    26 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City.  Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing.  "

    5. Halverson Bar/Lake

    2 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 384-3300

    "Its pretty close to the snake river, and at the trailhead of a non vehicle trail. Its after Celebration Park on Victory Ln, you drive around the park and it turns into a dirt road."

    "Not much elevation difference, on a good path."

    6. Marsing Murphy Rd Dispersed

    1 Review
    Melba, ID
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 384-3300

    7. Deadwood Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lowman, ID
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    "Found deep in the Boise Forest, this senic gem is perfect for a night or week stay. Every camp sight has a perfect view of the reservoir."

    "One of my favorite campgrounds in all of Idaho. The road out to Deadwood is only open a few months of the year. While the road out can be a little rough, the campground is well worth it."

    8. Cow Hollow Park

    9 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    47 miles
    +1 (541) 473-2969

    $5 / night

    "The hosts were kind enough to let me stay the evening anyway because it’s so far off the beaten path and I’m self-contained in my car with no need for amenities."

    "I’m traveling with two big dogs who hate the heat, it’s been over a 100° for about a week around the region and this place made it bearable."

    9. Boise National Forest Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground

    2 Reviews
    Boise National Forest, ID
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 392-6681

    "Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive!"

    "Nice and quiet campground close to highway 21. We arrived on a friday night without reservations and there was plenty of space."

    10. Whoop-Em-Up Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Boise National Forest, ID
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 392-6681

    "This campground is near Highway 21 but far enough off the road for a quiet camping experience.  Lots of room for all kinds of vehicles and choices of camping styles here.  "

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Boise, ID

6 Photos of 13 Boise Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Boise, ID

65 Reviews of 13 Boise Campgrounds


  • Mary D.
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Easy access car camping

    If you're needing a quick getaway for the weekend but cant go too far from Boise/Meridian, Swan Falls is the place for you! Both the idaho power side and further down the gravel road gives you numerous options for camping. Dam makes for great fishing too!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Not terrible

    A little bit misleading in the description. There are some established camp spots and then there is some “dispersed” camping. In reality the dispersed camping is more like established camping on BLM land.
    It can be a little bit confusing when you arrive but you take a right turn away from the welcome sign. You’ll travel by a boat launch on your left and some construction type equipment on your right as you travel down a dirt road. The mile or so is the established camping in Idaho Power property. It’ll be on your left as your drive. About 2ish miles in you’ll see a beat up sign marking the beginning of BLM land. After that there are turnouts for the “dispersed” camping. There are permanent fire pits and even some pit toilets so not exactly dispersed in the overland sense, but more like camping in the 80’s if you are old enough to remember that.
    You won’t need a 4WD rig. A front wheel drive sedan can do this drive, but the road is bumpy. It was dry when I went to maybe if it’s muddy it would be more treacherous.
    All in not a terrible camping spot. You’re right on the river and the bugs are too.
    Remember, kids, only trash leaves trash and don’t be the weirdos “out in nature” with your Bluetooth speaker blaring music.

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Grayback Gulch Campground

    Above HWY 21 off the road

    This is a great campground between Boise and Idaho City.  What is nice about this campground is that it is up the mountain away from the highway so the campsites are bigger and there is less road noise.  There are mature trees for shade and space between the campsites for privacy.  This is a great place for groups and there is a large designated area for group camping.  The campground is clean and I will definitely come back.

  • Michelle P.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Boise National Forest Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground

    Whoop Em Up!

    Quiet with restroom and clean water. Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive! Only downside is the flies late morning to evening. But overall an awesome 2 days of peace and quiet and no cell. Didn't hike, but plenty of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance.

  • Jade F.
    Jun. 25, 2016

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Swan Falls

    Located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Boise, this campground is the perfect quick getaway. There are many campsites to choose from tucked down along the river, and the best part is, they are all free! With this freedom comes a few campsites that are a bit littered and disheveled, but there are some beautiful spots if you take the time to look. The gorgeous canyon walls provide a great view from any spot. Fishing here is very popular too, with huge bass jumping all evening and night. This is a great place to go if you just want to have some peace, swimming, and fishing. Not to mention there are trails all over the rim of the canyon and even Kuna caves a few minutes away, making it a destination with many adventure options.

  • Jonathan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2020

    Halverson Bar/Lake

    Lava rocks and prickly bush with a view

    Its pretty close to the snake river, and at the trailhead of a non vehicle trail. Its after Celebration Park on Victory Ln, you drive around the park and it turns into a dirt road. BLM or County land I think. Not many folks here. Smells like horse droppings. Pretty rough terrain getting to the end. There was a sign about a mile back that said “3 day camping limit”. You can get to the water, but its a slippery and steep trip. Its beautiful otherwise. There are big critters out here sniffing and jumping onto my camper, making my dog go crazy. Free camping, dispersed, no fresh water, no fires allowed. Hikers going to the trail will walk past your site if you park on the road turnouts... so dont shower outside... lessons learned.

  • Beth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Grayback Gulch Campground

    Location!

    Small campsite with well-spaced sites. Pretty good Verizon signal. Close to the road but not noisy. Close to Idaho City, which has awesome little spots. Shady, no morning sun. The real treasure is the nearby hot springs resort, The Springs at Idaho City. This is not a big kiddie swimming pool, rather it is a lovely, serene spot and by far one of the nicest in Idaho. They even serve IPA poolside!

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2021

    Cowboy Campground

    Great Location Idaho City

    This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City.  Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing.  Right off Highway 21, it's easy to find with ample space between campsites.  A great base camp for exploring the area.

  • C
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Celebration Park

    Everything a campground should be

    Celebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water. 

    Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.

    The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there. 

    A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.


Guide to Boise

Idaho offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to both riders and their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse owners

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Celebration Park allows pets and has a large area for turning around, making it convenient for horse trailers.
  • Deadwood Campground features sandy beach access and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for families with horses looking for a relaxing getaway.
  • Cowboy Campground is situated near Idaho City, providing easy access to miles of forest trails for horseback riding and exploring.

Horse camping activities and nearby attractions

  • At Halverson Bar/Lake, campers can enjoy hiking trails that lead to scenic views, perfect for a day out with horses.
  • Fall Creek offers a peaceful area with access to water, making it a great spot for fishing and relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Silver City Campground provides a unique historical experience with old mining town charm, along with opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Boise, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Boise, ID is Celebration Park with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Boise, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Boise, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.