13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Whoop-Em-Up Equestrian Campground sits alongside Mores Creek in the Boise National Forest, providing trail access specifically designed for horse owners. Located near Idaho City, the campground features toilets, trash collection, and picnic tables at each site. The facilities remain open year-round, though weather conditions may limit accessibility during winter months. Sites are well-spaced apart, offering privacy while accommodating tents and small RVs alongside horses. Water for animals is available from nearby creek access points. The campground maintains a clean environment with properly managed manure disposal areas, essential for responsible horse camping.
Trail riders connect directly from Whoop-Em-Up to the extensive Boise National Forest trail system, offering routes suitable for day rides or longer excursions. Most trails feature moderate terrain, making them appropriate for horses of varying experience levels. The surrounding forest provides natural shade for resting animals between rides. Trailer parking accommodates standard horse trailers at designated sites with sufficient turn-around space. The campground's location 45 minutes from Boise allows for convenient access while maintaining a remote forest experience. Horse owners should bring their own feed as none is available on site. Group equestrian camping is possible with advance planning, though the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The trail system provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing while riding the surrounding logging roads and forest paths.
"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."
from $2 - $5 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City. Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $5 / night
"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. "
"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."
GuideIf 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!
ScoutA 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.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerQuiet 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.
GuideIts 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.
GuideLocated 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.
GuideSmall 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!
LegendThis 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.
GuideCelebration 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.
Mores Creek in the Boise National Forest serves as a gateway to wilderness recreation 45 minutes northeast of Boise. The area features diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 feet, creating multiple climate zones for year-round camping opportunities. Winter conditions can limit accessibility to high-elevation campgrounds from November through April, with snow levels affecting road conditions.
Trail riding and horseback exploration: Whoop-Em-Up Equestrian Campground connects directly to extensive forest trails. "Lots of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance," notes camper Michelle P. The surrounding area offers numerous options for equestrian camping near Boise, Idaho with varied terrain.
Fishing in Snake River Canyon: Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Fishing was awesome. I caught quite a few smallies, but they were on the smaller side. Still fun to catch," reports Ed E. The dam creates prime conditions for bass fishing along this stretch of the Snake River.
Archeological exploration: Celebration Park features ancient petroglyphs and historical artifacts. "There are a lot of activities there including hiking, swimming, fishing, the information center and atlatl throwing. There are also petroglyphs in the area," writes Amy S. The park includes interpretive trails explaining the site's cultural significance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area surrounding Deadwood Campground offers diverse wildlife encounters. "Wonderful place to kayak out and watch the osprey dive for dinner," says Laurie W. "If you're lucky you might even hear a pack of wolves howling across the reservoir," adds Simran D.
Hot springs access: Multiple natural hot springs are located within driving distance of several campgrounds. "You aren't too far from several hot springs too," notes Annie C. about Deadwood Campground. Another camper mentions, "The real treasure is the nearby hot springs resort, The Springs at Idaho City" when describing amenities near Grayback Gulch.
Star viewing: The limited light pollution makes this region ideal for astronomy. "Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness," advises Christine about Celebration Park. Several campgrounds offer unobstructed sky views from higher elevations.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Grayback Gulch Campground and other forest sites requires preparation. "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," notes Amy S. Many forest roads remain unpaved and can become challenging after rainfall.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies throughout the region. "No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive!" reports Michelle P. Verizon typically provides the most reliable coverage in outlying areas.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts lower elevation sites significantly. "Very hot with little to no shade. The best part of this place is watching the birds of prey and the scenic canyon views," writes Laurie W. about Swan Falls. Spring and fall typically offer more moderate temperatures for camping comfort.
Water recreation options: Reservoirs and rivers provide swimming opportunities during summer months. "The water from the reservoir is great for swimming, fishing and boating," notes Simran D. about Deadwood. Children should always be supervised near water as currents can be unpredictable.
Educational experiences: Halverson Bar/Lake offers nature education opportunities. "Easy hike to a stocked pond. Not much elevation difference, on a good path," reports Miah M. Many locations feature interpretive trails highlighting local ecology and history.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include built-in entertainment options for children. "This is a really nice area for families to fish and hike. The area is kept clean and everyone is super nice," shares Nick P. about Swan Falls. Picnic areas often adjoin play structures at established campgrounds.
Site selection considerations: Finding level parking at Whoop-Em-Up and similar equestrian campgrounds requires planning. "Sites are well spaces apart. A quiet spot," notes Kiwi S. Most horse-friendly sites accommodate smaller trailers better than large rigs.
Dump station availability: Limited waste disposal options exist in the region. "We stayed in site 14 for four days. Clean bathrooms. We visited Idaho City, Placerville, Centerville, and Pioneerville. Took one day to see Kirkham hot springs. There really isn't too terrible of a spot to park a trailer. My 24' trailer and truck fit nicely," shares Will M. about camping at Grayback Gulch.
Power considerations: Most forest campgrounds lack hookups. "Had 2 bars of Verizon good enough to stream on. Quiet campground with friendly people and clean amenities," reports Cam T. Solar options work well in open areas, while generators may be restricted at certain times or locations.
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 4.1-star rating from 14 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.
Keep Exploring
