Equestrian camping near Cobalt, Idaho offers access to remote wilderness areas within the Salmon-Challis National Forest at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,200 feet. The region features rugged terrain dominated by the Bitterroot Mountain Range with numerous creek crossings and primitive trails. Summer temperatures typically range from 40-85°F with sudden afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing access: Camp Creek BLM Camping provides direct access to the Salmon River for fishing opportunities. "Amazing drive-in BLM campsite right on the Salmon River. Primitive site; no water/bathroom. Great stargazing," notes Noah M. in his review of this primitive camping area.
Wildlife viewing: At Hogan Cabin, visitors can observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. A camper shares, "Saw several deer and elk feeding in the field near the cabin, as well as a moose in the marsh along the creek." The high-elevation meadows surrounding the cabin serve as natural feeding grounds.
River recreation: Watts Bridge Campground offers easy water access for swimming during summer months. "Very easy river access from site, but water is moving quickly. We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer," reports Sonya, highlighting the importance of finding appropriate water entry points.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Camp Creek BLM Camping, the dispersed setup creates natural separation. "Each spot is super private, there aren't many spots. Ours was right on the river and we could easily go down and swim from our site," explains Mandi W. Most sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate space for portable corrals.
River soundscape: The camping areas along the Salmon River provide natural white noise for peaceful sleep. A Watts Bridge visitor mentioned, "Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the river. Minimal sound from the road." This creates an ideal environment for horses to remain calm during overnight stays.
Evening stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "Perfect view of the big dipper between the canyon view made for a beautiful night of star gazing by the fire ring," shares Kristy A. about her experience at Camp Creek BLM Camping. The minimal light pollution makes astronomical observation ideal.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most camping areas near Cobalt lack dedicated equestrian amenities. At May Creek Campground, campers note basic accommodations: "The campsites have fire pits and picnic tables. It's not that far from the highway which is nice if you're looking to explore the area." Equestrians must bring portable containment systems for horses.
Cell service limitations: Many campsites in the area have minimal connectivity. A Camp Creek visitor reports, "No cell signal (Verizon)," which necessitates advance planning and offline navigation tools for backcountry riding expeditions.
Water considerations: Potable water is scarce at most sites. "No faucet for potable water, bring your own or filter from the river," advises one camper. Horse owners should calculate daily water requirements (8-12 gallons per horse) and identify natural water sources along riding routes.
Tips for camping with families
River access caution: When camping with children near the Salmon River, select sites with appropriate water entry points. "We took the second to last spot on the river side... We walked to the other side of the bridge and let our dogs jump in where the water was calmer," advises a Watts Bridge camper, highlighting the importance of finding safe swimming areas.
Tree considerations: At Watts Bridge Campground, the cottonwood trees provide shade but can create maintenance challenges. "The cottonwood tree droppings. They're everywhere and very sticky, so if you have long-haired dogs, it's a nightmare to get them out," warns Sonya. Similar considerations apply for horses with long manes and tails.
Seasonal timing: Summer temperatures can make camping uncomfortable in July. A camper notes, "Simple campground along Salmon River--beautiful setting... Buggy, even with river flowing and slight wind." Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for equestrian activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV campers traveling with horses, positioning matters at primitive sites. "We had the first pull through spot and was perfect," shares andrea C. about Camp Creek BLM Camping. This allows for strategic placement of both RV and horse containment systems.
Limited level areas: Many campsites have challenging terrain for larger rigs. "We travel in a 23 foot camper van. Plenty of room for our rig," notes a Camp Creek reviewer, but adds that finding level spots directly on the river can be difficult. Equestrians with living quarter trailers should scout potential sites before committing.
Generator considerations: At some campgrounds, generator noise impacts the wilderness experience. Mark M. observes, "Can hear US93 traffic, but not bad considering neighbor ran generator which drowned out some noise." Since many horses are sensitive to mechanical sounds, positioning away from other campers using generators is advisable.
