P
Petey C.
Traveler
TravelerLake Creek Rd Dispersed
Splendid Isolation
Camped on a higher spot. Great views. Dawgs got to hike off-leash.
Equestrian Camping near Clayton, ID
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Mormon Bend Campground includes three designated campsites for equestrians, with ample room for trailers and corrals. Located along the Salmon River just outside Stanley, these sites accommodate both tents and RVs with direct access to numerous trails suitable for horseback riding. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. Sites are arranged to allow sufficient space between camping areas, particularly in the dedicated horse camping section. The campground's open layout with a mix of sun and shade works well for campers with horses seeking easy trail access.
Casino Creek Campground features a specialized horse camping area and ATV staging zone at the end of its loop, making it particularly suitable for equestrians. This first-come, first-served campground sits across the bridge off Highway 75 along the Salmon River, offering numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Facilities include pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and hand-pump water access. Most campsites sit above the Salmon River with the highway visible across the water. The campground provides plenty of room for larger rigs in the equestrian area, with parking varying by site levelness and size. The abundant trail system directly accessible from the campground makes this location particularly valuable for horse owners planning multiple days of riding.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Clayton (15)
1. Deadman Hole
"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?)"
2. East Fork
"This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $10 / night
3. Mormon Bend Campground
"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."
4. Casino Creek Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $36 / night
5. Glacier View Campground
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $52 / night
6. Decker Flats Dispersed
"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."
7. Mount Heyburn Campground
"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."
8. Pettit Lake Campground
"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."
9. Watts Bridge Campground
"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."
10. Murdock Creek Dispersed
"This is a smaller campground tucked back against the mountains. Good shade trees. Close to hiking, fishing and mountain biking. Campsites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill."
"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."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 32 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 47 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 12 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 29 min from Twin Falls, ID
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Clayton, ID
89 Reviews of 15 Clayton Campgrounds
Brian E.
GuideMurdock Creek Dispersed
Quiet Dispersed site next to a creek at 9,000’ elevaion
Fit 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.
- CCorinne W.Guide
Watts Bridge Campground
Great spot on the Salmon
We 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!!!
- CCoq A.Guide
Mormon Bend Campground
The Campsite We Almost Missed
Sometimes 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.
Marcus H.GuideCasino Creek Campground
Close to Stanley
Good spot next to the river. Lots of small trout and beautiful views.
Travis A.
RangerLake Creek Rd Dispersed
Hot and windy
It's July; I was tired of driving and looking for a place to camp for a few days. This area is 5 miles North of Ketchum. The road takes you through a residential area then becomes a washboard dirt road. I drove by a few spots that were spacious enough for a 40' rig. The spaces are far enough apart where you can barely see the other campsites. There isn't any shade. Some light traffic, kicking up dust as people drive to Taylor canyon trailhead. No amenities, but you're very close to town. Good ATT signal. There is a 3 day limit.
- WWendy W.Guide
Mormon Bend Campground
Delightful place
We 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!
Natalie G.GuideMount Heyburn Campground
Spacious sites in the forest
We 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!
Casey H.GuideDecker Flats Dispersed
Insane Spot
Got 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!
Guide to Clayton
Horse riders exploring the Salmon River area near Clayton, Idaho can access specialized equestrian camping sites with ample trailer parking and direct trail access. These campgrounds sit at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day and drop to 40-50°F at night. Most equestrian campsites in this region operate from May through early October, with some facilities closing after Labor Day.
What to do
Fishing from your site: At Deadman Hole, campers enjoy immediate river access for fishing. "Steps from the Salmon River...boat launch for rafting, kayaking, fishing," notes Nancy C., who appreciated the "generous spacing between sites" despite being close to the road.
Trail riding from camp: The East Fork Recreation Site provides access to multiple trail systems ideal for horseback riding. This campground is "very well manicured" with "nice lush grass areas where the sprinklers were running," according to Laura M., making it a comfortable base for equestrian activities.
Multi-day pack trips: Several trailheads accessible from horse camps lead into the Sawtooth Wilderness. "This place is not a dream... gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave. Backpacking destination trails. Short or long hiking," reports Nancy C. about the extensive trail system available to riders wanting to explore further into the mountains.
What campers like
Quiet equestrian areas: Many riders appreciate how the dedicated horse camping areas provide separation from general camping. "Each site had the standard picnic table, and fire pit but as mentioned above there also had tent pads. Area was clean and appeared well maintained," Laura M. noted about Mormon Bend Campground.
River proximity: Horse campers value river access for watering stock. At Watts Bridge Campground, "the sites have picnic tables and grills and rock fire pits under a nice shady stand of cottonwoods. Try and get either the first or last spots as they have easy river access," advises Annie C., which can be crucial for equestrians.
Staging areas: Horse trailer owners appreciate designated parking areas. "This campground 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," commented Laura M. about the layout that accommodates both horse trailers and camping gear.
What you should know
Limited seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds operate only during summer months. "Open May to October... $5/night when the water gets shut off generally around October," explains Laura M. about East Fork, which is typical for the region's equestrian facilities.
Highway proximity: Many horse camps sit near main roads. "Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!" notes Laura M. about Decker Flats Dispersed, a consideration for those with horses that might be sensitive to traffic.
Water access varies: Not all equestrian sites have reliable water sources throughout the season. "The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly," warns Laura M., indicating potential challenges for watering horses at certain locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Clayton, ID?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clayton, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clayton, ID is Deadman Hole with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Clayton, ID?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Clayton, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Clayton, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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