Mormon Bend Campground near Stanley, Idaho includes three designated equestrian campsites with adequate space for horses and riders. Located along the Salmon River, this developed campground provides access to multiple trailheads directly from the camping area. Standard sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets. Drinking water is available via hand pump during the operating season from mid-March through November. The campground maintains paved driving surfaces with both pull-through and back-in sites that can accommodate horse trailers. The $18 nightly fee is reduced to $9 with an America the Beautiful pass. Sites are situated both along the river and backing up to hillsides, with river sites offering more open space for larger rigs and better solar access.
Trail access is a significant feature of the area's horse camping options. Casino Creek Campground, located across the river from Highway 75, also provides dedicated spaces for equestrian camping with direct trail connections. The campground serves as a popular base for OHV enthusiasts and hikers, with excellent trails leading directly from the campground. Most campsites are positioned close to the dusty campground road, which may be a consideration for those camping with horses. Casino Creek offers immediate access to the Salmon River for water and fishing opportunities. The campground is conveniently located near natural hot springs while remaining somewhat removed from the main tourist areas. Both campgrounds experience road noise from nearby Highway 75, though Mormon Bend's layout helps mitigate some of this disturbance.
"We got a spot with a path to the river, and some trees to provide us with some shade. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The bathroom was decent. A beautiful view of the mountains all around."
"We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer. Overall really clean and well maintained space."
"Pros: *Views for miles *Steps from the Salmon River *Boat launch for rafting,kayaking,fishing *Covered picnic table *Generous spacing between sites *Serious star gazing opportunities
- Easy drive to Challis"
"Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?)"
"This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny."
from $5 - $10 / night
"At first we were worried since it was right off the busy highway but it was an awesome place to stay for a few days. "
"Another campground close to Hwy 75. This campground has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites."
"Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road. "
"There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."
from $18 - $36 / night
"Water: 1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river. "
"Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing."
"We had very low expectations staying at a campground that is almost always booked solid (we figured it would be crowded and loud) and is in one of the most popular parts of Idaho."
"A trip into the Sawtooth mountains and a visit to Redfish Lake has been de rigeur for any visit to Grandma’s for as far back as I remember... beginning with a trip in ‘84 when my younger brother heeded"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $52 / night
"Got here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in."
"There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well."
"We easily found a great site that gave a view of Redfish Lake and the long stretch of lodgepoles behind us. Sockeye Campground was below us on the lake but you won’t even know from our site."
"There are no hookups, but there are 2 separate pit toilets and a few water spigots around the campsite. Dumpsters for trash too."
"Situated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet."
"It's a great place to set up camp if you're doing the hike to Alice lake (one of the best hikes).The campground is conveniently located right next to the trailhead."
GuideFit my 35, 5th wheel into a beautiful spot 0.8 miles up Murdock Basin Rd. There are many spots thar are close to Provo River. The road i a little rough but not so bad with a 4x4 Truck at a slow pace. Surrounded by pine trees and the sound of a creek.
GuideWe camped here for 2 nights and it was great! We got a spot with a path to the river, and some trees to provide us with some shade. We had a picnic table and fire ring. The bathroom was decent. A beautiful view of the mountains all around. There’s a ranch next to this spot so you hear the cows mooing! We did hear some traffic but it wasn’t bad at all. Great views of the night sky! We were able to see so many stars, it was incredible! It really gets hot here during the day, and chilly at night. And it was free!!!
GuideSometimes camping luck is on your side, and Mormon Bend Campground was definitely one of those moments. After staying somewhere else the night before, we headed out early hoping to find a spot for a three-night stay. While stopping to use the restroom, I noticed someone packing up and asked if they were leaving. They said yes and told us we should take their site. What a lucky find!
We ended up in Site 9, and it was absolutely perfect. We could walk right from our campsite down to the river, where we had our own little private access point to relax, play in the water, and spend the day enjoying the scenery. I wish we had fishing gear as the river was flowing.
Evening happy hour by the river quickly became our favorite routine. The campsite was surrounded by trees, felt fairly private, and was exactly the type of peaceful setting we love.
The hosts were wonderful, and the bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
The best entertainment came in the evenings when bald eagles flew overhead, watching the river and looking for their dinner. It was such a special experience and one of those camping moments you don't forget.
We were genuinely sad to leave and would absolutely stay here again. If Site 9 isn't available, other sites worth checking out are 7, 14, and 15. The rate was$22 per night, which felt like a great value for such a beautiful location. This campground was one of the highlights of our trip, sometimes the best spots are the ones you find by chance.
GuideGood spot next to the river. Lots of small trout and beautiful views.
GuideWe found this campground by chance … looking for a place to rest up for 3 nights by Salmon river Mormon Bend was the perfect place to stop. We stayed at site #4 not far from the boat launch and access to the river for hubby to fish for trout. As a National Forest they accept the America the Beautiful Senior .. 50% off Reg price $26 we paid only $13… nice and clean… 13 sites in all. Host on site. Popular place for river pick up of kayaks, etc Highly recommend!
GuideWe had such a great stay! We came the Monday after 4th of July. We attempted to stay at Sockeye Campground first, but they were already full by 1pm. We came to Mount Heyburn by 1:15pm on a Monday and there were maybe 5 spots open.
We chose site 12 which was a pull through. SO SPACIOUS! Tons of shade. Great picnic tables and fire pit.
We stayed 4 nights, leaving on Friday morning. The campground was full every single night. Only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because it feels a little risky loading up and heading there unsure whether you’ll get a spot or not. Glad we got lucky!
There are no hookups, but there are 2 separate pit toilets and a few water spigots around the campsite. Dumpsters for trash too. We brought our generator and fired it up for a few hours in the mater afternoon for air conditioning, and to charge phones. We filled up with fresh water before arriving.
There’s a dump station right on the at in/out called Stanley Ranger Station Dump Station. You can fill fresh water before, and dump tanks on the way out. $12 fee for the dump station.
It’s walkable to Redfish lake, or you can drive there in less than 2 minutes. Plenty of free parking at the lake.
Sockeye campground has better views of the lake, but I feel like Mount Heyburn is way more spacious and remote feeling. The sites are well spread out.
Just $24 a night! You can stay up to 10 nights. The camp host was fine. There’s firewood available to purchase. I think it was $10 a bundle? We brought our own firewood.
Will definitely be back! We loved lake days, got dinner in town 1 night, reserved a hot spring at mountain village resort (highly recommend!), brought our SUP to redfish lake, let the kids swim and play in the sand, easy fishing for kids at the lake, got soft serve ice cream at Redfish Lake Lodge at sunset one night (another amazing spot to spend the day!). Enough room at the campsite we could hike above and set up bow and arrow target practice safely away from other campers. We loved walks around the campground after dinner. I wish we would have brought bikes for the kids to ride! Perfect little loop!
GuideGot here at about 7pm on a Sunday and had the whole place to myself! Insane views, river ambiance, and felt so safe. Will definitely be back!
ScoutGreat little free campground. 1 clean outhouse and 5 sites all with picnic tables, shade covers, and fire pits. We were the only ones there!
GuideThis is a nice campground right off the road though so you do get some car noise. A fire ring, shade cover and picnic table are provided for the five campsites as well as a pit toilet. The river is about a four -8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean
Equestrian camping near Challis, Idaho offers riders direct trail access in a terrain ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation. The area sits within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, which encompasses over 4.3 million acres of diverse landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, with nights cooling significantly even during July and August.
Salmon River fishing: Access prime fishing spots at Deadman Hole, where the water is shallow enough for wading. "Steps from the Salmon River...Boat launch for rafting, kayaking, fishing...Easy drive to Challis for supplies," notes Nancy C.
Hiking from camp: Camp Creek BLM Camping provides immediate river access and mountain views. One camper reports, "1 minute walk to the river from all sites. No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river."
Hot springs visits: Several natural hot springs are accessible near equestrian camping areas, offering soaking opportunities after trail rides. "Close to natural hot springs and away from the main tourist area," according to Aleisha R., who stayed at Casino Creek Campground.
Free camping options: Decker Flats Dispersed provides no-cost camping along the Salmon River. "Primitive campsites along the Salmon River. There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that," explains Heather.
Privacy between sites: Many horse campers appreciate spacing at Watts Bridge Campground, where sites are arranged for better separation. "Less than a dozen sites along a pretty bend in the Salmon River...under a nice shady stand of cottonwoods," reports Annie C.
River sounds for sleeping: Waterside sites mask road noise and provide natural white noise. "Landed the spot on the far right side of the campsite, right on the river. Absolutely beautiful with all the leaves changing. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the river," shares Mariana H. about Watts Bridge.
Limited cell service: Most equestrian campgrounds near Challis have no reliable connectivity. At Deadman Hole, one camper noted, "Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon or TMobile. The WeBoost was able to give us bars of LTE but still was not very usable."
Seasonal water availability: Many campgrounds shut off water in fall. East Fork charges "$10/night, $5/night when the water gets shut off generally around October," according to Laura M.
Dust considerations: Horse trailers and OHV users create dust on unpaved campground roads. "Most sites are positioned close to the dusty campground road, which may be a consideration for those camping with horses," Fred S. observed at Casino Creek Campground.
Weather extremes: Even summer nights can be cold at higher elevations. "Come prepared for cold nights even in the summer. Water will be just as cold unless its August but it's refreshing and extremely clear," advises Miles G.
Look for flat tent sites: Some equestrian areas have limited level ground for setting up tents. Taylor W. notes about Mormon Bend, "Not all spots have trees, so be careful if you have pets. They did have three campsites for people with horses to camp."
Choose sites away from traffic: For families with horses and children, sites further from main roads provide safety. "Try and get either the first or last spots as they have easy river access; the rest of the spots have little tunnels through the underbrush to get to the river," recommends Annie C. about Watts Bridge.
Consider swimming spots: Pettit Lake Campground offers clear water for swimming, though it can be cold. "Lake is crystal clear and gorgeous. Don't miss this place! Close to lots of great hiking for all levels and experiences," says Heather F.
Water access planning: RVers with horses need to plan for both human and animal water needs. At Deadman Hole, Steve D. notes, "The river is about a four-8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean."
Solar charging considerations: Some sites offer better solar exposure for recharging batteries. Fred S. observed at Casino Creek, "Sites along the river appear larger than those backing up to the hill. The river side sites are open sky, good for solar recharging and Starlink."
Bring leveling blocks: Many horse camping areas have uneven parking pads. "Casino Creek has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites. There is also a groomed area at each site for tents, which were nice and flat and clean," reports Laura M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Challis, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Challis, ID is Watts Bridge Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Challis, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Challis, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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