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Best Equestrian Camping near Clearwater National Forest

10 Reviews

Secesh Horse Camp accommodates horses with hitching rails throughout the grounds, offering campers a historical location used for over a century by equestrians. The campground features several metal structures with chains and horizontal tie-out bars specifically designed for securing horses. Basic amenities include fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Horse trailer parking is available with limited space in designated areas. The campground costs $10 per night and vault toilets provide basic sanitation facilities. The area includes flat camping spots suitable for both tent and RV campers seeking a horse-friendly destination. The dusty conditions noted by campers during dry periods affect both horse areas and camping spaces.

Sam Billings Memorial Campground provides specialized horse camping areas with sites 1-4 designated for equestrians. The facility features three large metal structures with chains for horses and horizontal tie-out bars across from the main camping area. Additional tie-out areas accommodate horse trailers at the trailhead turnaround approximately 50 yards from the camping area. Horse trailer parking is limited directly at the sites but available at the nearby trailhead with sufficient space for several vehicles. The campground operates seasonally with weather-dependent dates determining when fees apply, typically $10 per night or $5 with federal recreation passes. During off-season from late October to late May, camping is free. The campground connects to nearby trails suitable for horseback riding and exploration.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Clearwater National Forest (6)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Clearwater National Forest

10 Reviews of 6 Clearwater National Forest Campgrounds

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2025

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    The best in SW Montana

    12 sites with good tables and fire rings. This is a well maintained NFS campground. 3 vault toilets that are kept clean. Sites #1 & #2 get the most sun, are the largest, and can accommodate any size RV. The remaining sites vary in size. #2 can easily hold 5 full size trucks side by side, or three medium size trailers/5th wheels with their tow vehicles. It also has 3 large tables, plenty of open ground for tents, and is ideal for large groups and families. Toilets are located across from site 3, between 5/6, across from 12. #7 is low ground camping you walk down to with minimal shade and perfect for hot weather days.

    The exit is at site 12, one way travel thru the campground. Across the street from the exit is the entry to sites 1-4 horse camping. Small sites with table, fire ring, and enough room for a small tent. There are 3 large metal structures with 3 chains each for horses and 2 horizontal tie out bars. No room to park horse trailers on that pull thru. One trailer spot across from site 4 by the “stock water trail” sign, the rest can park 50 yards down the road at the trail head/turn around. There are 2 additional tie out areas here for horses and plenty of room for horse trailers and several other vehicles.

    Be sure to read the notice above the envelope box before you pay. From weather dependent dates chosen by the Rangers there is no cost from late Oct to late May. Otherwise it is $10 per night, $5 with golden or access passes.

    No cell service, only 1 mile to the paved road, Ranger station is only about 1/2 mile down that paved road. The Rangers are proactive in sharing any important information such as severe weather, bear activity, or any other notable activity.

    Details: Ranger station on the main road less than a mike from the entrance. They show up once a week Ravialli county sheriff is who to call on weekends and holidays, they will respond Be bear aware in season Equestrian specific campsites Trailhead next to the CG So much firewood laying around There are some karens that have been “coming here my whole life” and think they own the place; avoid Only three site requires walking access, the rest are drive right in to. Only a few sites so if its great weather or holiday show up mid week or even a week ahead if you can Free stays out of season, otherwise it’s a daily fee, pay at the entrance sign

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Bear Creek Pass Campground

    Semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass

    Bear Creek Pass Campground is semi-official dispersed camping at Bear Creek Pass, the location of two trail heads. I surveyed the site during a hike but did not stay over night. 

    There are two trail heads, about 1/2 mile apart. Between is a turn off for the“campground” which is little more than a pull out and a turn around. I didn’t see tent sites off the road. A little further on is a large parking area with vault toilet. A little beyond that a small parking area near the second trail head. Between these two is the one place that did look like a camp site. There was one fire ring and vegetation had been pressed down. 

    There are facilities for horses: several hitching posts and a loading ramp. These don’t look like they have been used for a while. We did see signs that horses were up here recently but the area is little impacted by horse use. 

    The area is in open pine forest with meadows. There is a stream flowing near by. 

    I would certainly sleep in my vehicle over night here or set up a tent. You can overnight here before starting on a hike from one of the trail heads. However, this site has little to recommend itself as a destination for an extended stay or overflow if nearby Schumaker is full.

  • Jersey G.
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Ruby Meadows Trailhead

    Close to Adventure

    Great little campground, until the fire went through.  Most of it survived, but fire damage is present adjacent to the road and along the trails.

    It can sometimes be crowded with ATV and motorbikes, but most the time they are courteous and polite. 

    I enjoyed panning in the creeks around the area because there are neat dark red and purple garnet to be had.  Only found a speck or two of gold, so I am glad I was looking for garnet and not gold.

    Traveled from N. Idaho and Montana to here multiple times over the year - definitely worth the trip, especially since they paved the road.

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Secesh Horse Camp

    Little old, but great!

    I really liked this campsite. It would be a great spot if you are planning on camping with horses as it has hitching rails. It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century. Wether come from McCall via Lick Creek Road, or fr the east down the Salmon River, it is beautiful! Be sure to hike the Secesh river trail which starts across the Secesh River from the campground. I found huckleberries and wild strawberries along the trail at the beginning of July. It cost $10 to park here.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Table Meadows Campground

    Things change

    We used to pull horse trailers in there all the time - 20 years ago

    We won’t be pulling anything in there again. Gained some plumbing experience due to large “pot holes” that can swallow trailer tires whole.

    Forest service has forgotten about the road and let it fall into dismal shape. Would be best if traveled without a trailer and with 4x4.

    Campsites are there but grasses have overgrown most of the site.

    Assume that road is in poor shape and sites are best for tents.

  • Jersey G.
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Nez Perce National Forest Five Mile Campground

    Fun Campsite

    Great little campsite.  There are actually two campgrounds across the road from each other.  The newer one is a wide open area while the older one is not conducive to larger 5th wheels.  

    I camped at the older one with my little 1960 Rolls Royal camper.  Fun trails all around to explore and I've heard you can pan in the creek.  

    It is reported the 2022 fire pretty well wiped out the area so camper beware...

  • Skyeriver .The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Secesh Horse Camp

    ADA kind

    Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base.

  • Kelli D.
    May. 2, 2018

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    Perfect views

    If your a good walker Montana is for you, the water amazes me at how clear it is but very cold, if your lucky you'll find a hot spring.

  • Nick P.
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Sam Billings Memorial Campground

    Nice and Right next to some great Geology

    Stayed we with a friend here to do some surficial geology in the Bitterroots Mt. It was a really nice central area to work out of and it had all we needed from a long day in the field. The host was pleasant to talk to and the place was clean.

Guide to Clearwater National Forest

Horse camping near Clearwater National Forest in Idaho offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include well-reviewed options

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Secesh Horse Camp is known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings, making it a great base for riding.
  • The Ruby Meadows Trailhead allows for both tent and horse camping, with nearby trails for exploration.
  • Bear Creek Pass Campground offers a semi-official dispersed camping experience, perfect for those looking to connect with nature and their horses.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like hitching posts

  • The Secesh Horse Camp provides a rustic off-grid experience with stunning views along the Salmon River.
  • Campers at the Ruby Meadows Trailhead can enjoy panning for garnets while their horses are nearby.
  • The Bear Creek Pass Campground features a peaceful setting in open pine forests, ideal for a quick stop before hitting the trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clearwater National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clearwater National Forest is Nez Perce National Forest Five Mile Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Clearwater National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Clearwater National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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