8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pack River Dispersed Site offers primitive camping suitable for equestrians along the Pack River north of Bonners Ferry. The dispersed sites accommodate horse camping with ample space for horse trailers and areas for setting up portable corrals or highlines. Several sites available along the river provide good space for horses with access to water. The area features rutted road sections and some steep approaches to certain campsites, requiring careful navigation with horse trailers. The remote location provides solitude and peaceful riverside camping for those seeking a more primitive horse camping experience.
The surrounding area offers multiple trail riding opportunities through the Kaniksu National Forest. Horse owners should be prepared for fully self-sufficient camping as Pack River provides no developed amenities such as water troughs, corrals, or manure disposal facilities. The sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste, including horse manure. Some washboard and rutted sections on the access road can make reaching certain campsites challenging with larger horse trailers. Riders appreciate the riverside location for watering horses, though seasonal conditions may affect water levels and access. The area's remote nature provides excellent opportunities for trail riding through forested terrain with minimal encounters with other recreational users.
"Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent!"
"Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!"
"Good for horses, camping and solitude."
"Bonus, there was a Fjord Horse show while we were here. Cool to see the horses."
"We particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. What truly sets this campground apart is its convenient location."
from $39 / night
Check Availability"The only problem was people walking thru your site to the house next to the campground. Couldn’t figure that out and thinking it was random."
"Outlet Campground is a fine place to spend a weekend, but if you’re familiar with Priest Lake, you’ll notice it’s not quite as spacious or scenic as some of the other campgrounds in the area."
"This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."
"Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."
from $12 - $29 / night
Check Availability"This old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest."
from $75 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWould have said 5 but we had a code on our electric and no way to report it as the host is not here and the phone numbers had full messages so are apparently not checked. Clean restrooms and showers, dump station, nice and quiet. Bonus, there was a Fjord Horse show while we were here. Cool to see the horses.
ScoutEver since I can remember I've been standing on the beach every 4th of July! The place is breathtaking and refreshing! Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent! The swimming area and beach are unlike any other I've seen ....soft warm sand between your toes and the water .....ooohhh the water is so clean and cool perfect for summer ⛱️ days!! We always venture outside the campground and pick huckleberries . Pancakes with fresh huckleberries is the best especially from North Idaho! The rangers are super friendly and welcoming always! There's so many trails for hiking and the creek that runs into priest lake is super special!! I can't wait to see it again this year!! See you there everyone!!
GuideThere are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude.
GuideEnded our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!
Bathrooms with vault toilets, water pump, and grey water dump all just a short walk away
ScoutWe used to camp here in the 80s and it was always peaceful and beautiful. And we liked it because its got free showers and the bathrooms are very clean for camping. However,! There used to only about 34ish spots and now there are 51 spots. Its very crowded and people feel like they are right on top of each other. Your fire pit area is right next to your neighbors picnic table and/or their fire pit. They also clear cut all the bushes between spots and threw wood chips down so there is no privacy at all. I know they are worried about fires but good grief. Hence the reason it feels like you are right on top of your neighbors. The day use area is still pretty much the same as it's always been and the lake is just as beautiful but not the camping part. Thanks a lot Idaho fish and game! :( UGH!!!
GuideMy recent stay at the campground at Bonner County Fairground in Pondray, ID was absolutely phenomenal!
We had such a wonderful experience from start to finish and we can't recommend this campground enough. First and foremost, the campground is incredibly well-maintained and clean. The facilities are top-notch and it's evident that the staff takes great pride in keeping everything in excellent condition.
The campground itself is spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room for RVs and other camping setups. They do not allow tents at this park. The campsites were level and provided ample space for my RV, as well as a picnic table. We particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. What truly sets this campground apart is its convenient location. Being situated at the Bonner County Fairground, we had the opportunity to explore the fairgrounds and attend any events or activities that happened to be taking place during our stay.
Moreover, the campground is ideally situated to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of Pondray and the surrounding area. I took full advantage of the numerous hiking and biking trails nearby, immersing myself in the stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air. The picturesque scenery and abundant wildlife made every outdoor adventure truly unforgettable.
Another aspect that impressed me was the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.
They were always available to answer any questions, provide recommendations for local attractions and dining options, and ensure that my stay was as enjoyable as possible. In terms of amenities, the campground had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The electrical hookups were reliable, and the availability of potable water and dump stations made it easy to manage my RV's needs.
Lastly, I must mention the incredible local attractions in the Pondray area. From the nearby Lake Pend Oreille, perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming, to the charming town with its unique shops and restaurants, there was always something exciting to explore. We also had the opportunity to visit nearby national forests and parks, immersing myself in nature and taking in the breathtaking vistas.
TravelerThis old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest. Plenty of beds for a full family - four upstairs and one downstairs. History galore in the building and surrounding areas. Some complaints of mice - but that’s to be expected from a building from 1908.
ScoutWe stayed in a tent only spot - spot 17 I think. The spot was somewhat small. I’d say the largest tent it would accommodate is an 8 person cabin tent. Also the end of the site (where we put our tent) is slightly slanted. So that was frustrating. The campsite was clean and well maintained. This spot is somewhat private because there’s only a spot on one side of it. Although that other spot is close. This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill. This makes it nice for recreation, but also means people are walking that trail all day. There’s a one toilet bathroom relatively close to this spot. But it’s not that clean and somewhat yucky. Round lake is beautiful with a lot of recreation. I enjoyed camping here and will be going back!
ScoutSuper clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake.
Pack River Dispersed Site offers primitive equestrian camping 15 miles north of Bonners Ferry, Idaho along Forest Road 231. The area sits within the Kaniksu National Forest at approximately 2,500 feet elevation with seasonal access typically from May through October, depending on snow conditions. Sites accommodate truck and horse trailer combinations up to 30 feet, though larger rigs may find access challenging due to narrow forest roads.
Trail riding in the Kaniksu Forest: The trails around Pack River Dispersed Site offer diverse terrain for riders. According to Emma T., "On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave no trace and pack out your trash!" The area provides multiple unmarked trails following old logging roads through pine forest.
Fishing at Priest Lake: The nearby Priest Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities 30 minutes from Bonners Ferry. A camper at Outlet Campground noted, "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus." Fishing licenses required and available in Bonners Ferry or Priest River.
Swimming and water activities: Many campsites provide river access for horses and humans alike. The Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake features "beautiful white sand with crystal clear water" according to Scott B., who added "there are numerous trails to explore and the beach is beautiful."
Quiet, remote camping: Most dispersed sites in the area offer privacy not found at established campgrounds. T&A Adventures described Pack River as having "several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."
Natural water features: The rivers and lakes provide natural water sources for horses. At Round Lake State Park Campground, camper Cody H. shared that "spending the hot afternoon floating and fishing the lake was perfect. Morning walks in the trails were peaceful with coffee in hand!"
Excellent trail systems: The region offers miles of interconnected trails through national forest land. At Sheldon Mountain, one camper noted "It's Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees!"
Horse facilities are minimal: Most dispersed camping areas require full self-sufficiency. Bring portable corrals, highlines, feed, and water containers as natural water sources may be inconsistent. Pack River has no developed horse amenities.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads accessing prime equestrian camping sites can be challenging. According to Emma T., Pack River has "lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites."
Leave no trace practices required: All horse manure and feed must be packed out from dispersed sites. There are no manure disposal facilities at Pack River or most forest service dispersed sites near Bonners Ferry.
Reservations recommended for established campgrounds: For sites with amenities, like Bonner County Fairgrounds, camper Always C. advises "Reserve America reservations be sure to check site length. There are a few very short ones."
Bring water filters: Most dispersed equestrian camping sites near Bonners Ferry lack potable water. Many campers collect and filter water from Pack River or nearby streams.
Consider established campgrounds for amenities: Families might prefer campgrounds with facilities. At Round Lake State Park, Heather M. shared "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more."
Check seasonal insect conditions: Summer months bring mosquitoes to forested areas. One camper at Priest Lake mentioned "Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!"
Prepare for limited phone service: Most horse camping areas have minimal or no cell reception. At Sheldon Mountain, a camper reported "I get one bar of Verizon service but it's not very useful."
Check road access for trailers: Forest roads to prime horse camping areas can be narrow with tight turns. Pack River has multiple reports of difficult access with larger trailers.
Consider hybrid options: For RVers who want more amenities while still horse camping, Bull River Guard Station offers unique opportunities. According to Evelyn M., it's "in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest."
Plan for limited or no hookups: Most equestrian camping areas near Bonners Ferry are primitive. Bring sufficient water, fully charged batteries, and solar options for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bonners Ferry, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bonners Ferry, ID is Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bonners Ferry, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Bonners Ferry, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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