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 Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
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Horse camping options near Craters of the Moon National Monument are limited with no dedicated equine facilities in the immediate vicinity. Nearby dispersed camping areas like Lake Creek Rd Dispersed accommodate horses with ample space for trailers and room for portable corrals. Located about 70 miles from the monument, this area allows for 3-day stays in the front section and 16-day camping further in. The sites along Lake Creek Road feature level ground suitable for horse trailers and provide access to a small stream where horses can water. Most campsites have established fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply depending on season and conditions.
Lake Creek Rd Dispersed offers proximity to mountain trail systems with no size restrictions for rigs. The dirt road becomes increasingly rough past the small pond area, limiting access for larger horse trailers. Riders can access numerous trails in the nearby Sawtooth National Forest, though no designated bridle paths exist directly from the campground. The area sees limited traffic, creating a quieter environment for horses sensitive to vehicle noise. Mackay Reservoir Access Area, another option in the region, provides more amenities including water hookups and trash service, though no specific horse facilities exist. Pack in all feed and supplies as no horse-specific services are available within 20 miles of these camping locations.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Craters of the Moon National Monument (4)
1. Honeys Park
"This is a great location. The owner of the property, Scar, is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers. This is dry camping, no water or sewer."
"He has 2 rules to stay on his property, you need to speak to him before you enter, and you need to come outside and join all the campers at dusk and stand for the Star Spangled Banner."
2. Lake Creek Rd Dispersed
"The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream. Still further in, you’ll hit a Y in the road."
"This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."
3. Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG
"Grear place by lake...some shade availablenice campground!"
4. 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
- 1 hr 17 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 1 hr 33 min from Pocatello, ID
- 1 hr 39 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 29 min from Boise, ID
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Craters of the Moon National Monument
26 Reviews of 4 Craters of the Moon National Monument 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.
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.
- GGail J.Traveler
Honeys Park
Free camping
I happened upon Honeys Camping area. Scar is the owner of the property and a very kind man. He has 2 rules to stay on his property, you need to speak to him before you enter, and you need to come outside and join all the campers at dusk and stand for the Star Spangled Banner. He does not have any water, but he does have 30 amp electric sites. It is an open field with beautiful views of the mountains. You can get water and also dump your trailer at the free city dump station very close to the campground.
johny R.
LegendHoneys Park
Can't get in after dark
Place has signs that may offend you politically. It sort of looks like a mad max camp with old busses and vehicles. You can not get in here after dark. The owner came out and talked for a minute, said its a personal rule of his and I would be welcome back tomorrow. If you are easily sketched out, you will be sketched out.
- JJeremiah C.Traveler
Lake Creek Rd Dispersed
Perfect spot!!
Lake Creek Rd is a few miles long with about 15 sites along it. Each site is a good distance apart, we never heard our neighbors. The creek is perfect for dogs and kids to wade in. No bugs, clean, quiet and level for the camper. There’s a small lake further down to fish.
Salvy F.GuideLake Creek Rd Dispersed
Great spot!
Nice spot close to ketchup! Lots of room for big rigs. Probably 20 or so spots all up the road they were all full buy the evening so come earlier!
Ladd A.
ScoutLake Creek Rd Dispersed
Close to Ketchum
Beautiful spot… probably better the further back you go. Cell reception works… even if at only one bar! Loved this spot. Was June 22 2025 and we got a little bit of snow overnight.
Bethany W.GuideLake Creek Rd Dispersed
Beautiful Solitude
We were driving through to Stanley, but it got dark before we were able to arrive so we found this spot. We arrived at dark and set up camp at about the 3rd or 4th spot in (3 day camp limit in this area). Woke up to the most wonderful views! Mountains, meadows, flowers, and a creek bed (our section was still dry).
You can still see peoples homes from this point and the locals seem to utilize the creek trail regularly with off leash dogs. Everyone was respectful keeping their distance except for one lovely lady who was on the phone and not paying ANY attention to where her dog was. She was several hundred feet away chatting it up, walking through our campsite while we had our own pups that we were having to restrain ourselves. Really careless and inconsiderate. Luckily we only saw her that one day as she stated to us they frequent the area.
Really didn’t encounter a whole lot of other campers. 1 van conversion was there as long as us and we talked to a gentleman in his truck our second day farther up the road when we were exploring the area.
If you drive to the end (go right when the road Y’s) there’s a crystal clear pond that feeds the creek. It has trout visible, several ducks, there’s a vault toilet, picnic table, and established fire ring with a grate of youd like to utilize it for cooking.
We were only supposed to stay here one night in our Class C but we stayed the full 3 days because it was just so beautiful! (Farther up the road is a 16 day limit also, you’ll see a sign when it changes).
We tow a Nissan Altima and it had no problems driving the unpaved road down to the first pond. There’s a second pond (go left at the Y) but we didn’t travel that way.
No trash, water, or RV dump here but you can find one ~20 min away here: (43.7948535, -114.4216629)
Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument
Dispersed camping areas serve as the main option for equestrians visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. The terrain around this volcanic landscape presents unique challenges for horse owners, with limited water access and mostly open, exposed camping sites. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with spring and fall offering the most moderate temperatures for horse camping in this high desert environment.
What to do
Trail riding at higher elevations: The areas around Mackay Reservoir Access Area provide cooler riding conditions during summer months. "Great place by lake...some shade available nice campground!" notes Doug E. about the Mackay Reservoir Access Area, which serves as a good base camp for accessing higher elevation trails.
Creek access for horses: Lake Creek Road offers sites with natural water sources. As Jeremiah C. mentions about Lake Creek Rd Dispersed, "The creek is perfect for dogs and kids to wade in. No bugs, clean, quiet and level for the camper. There's a small lake further down to fish."
Multi-day riding trips: For longer equestrian adventures, utilize the extended stay options. "The first part of the road allows for 3-day max camping, but a little further in, you'll hit 16-day max stay! The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream," explains Beth about Lake Creek Road Dispersed camping.
What campers like
Affordable options near attractions: Free and low-cost sites make multi-day horse camping economical. At Honeys Park, Rocio C. reports, "The owner of the property, Scar, is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers. This is dry camping, no water or sewer. There's a dump station with water close by off the main highway."
Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas offer space between neighbors, important for those traveling with horses. As one camper notes about Lake Creek Road Dispersed, "Each site is a good distance apart, we never heard our neighbors."
Water features: Streams and ponds provide natural water sources for horses. At Murdock Creek Dispersed, Chad L. appreciated "a great location near moving water. The sound of water created a very serene environment for rest."
What you should know
Access limitations: Many roads become challenging for larger horse trailers. Bethany W. advises about Lake Creek Road: "We tow a Nissan Altima and it had no problems driving the unpaved road down to the first pond. There's a second pond (go left at the Y) but we didn't travel that way."
Seasonal regulations: Fire restrictions frequently impact camping options. A camper at Lake Creek Road mentions, "A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time."
Limited amenities: Bring all necessary supplies for your horses. "No trash, water, or RV dump here but you can find one ~20 min away," reports Bethany W. about Lake Creek Road Dispersed.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The volcanic landscape offers unique learning experiences about geology. Near Mackay Reservoir, Always C. shares, "Would rate this a 10 if I could!" noting the combination of natural features and basic amenities that appeal to families.
Wildlife viewing areas: Early mornings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. Josh T. mentions Murdock Creek offers a "Quiet with good chance at wildlife sightings."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing. Ladd A. notes about Lake Creek Road, "Was June 22 2025 and we got a little bit of snow overnight," highlighting the need for cold-weather gear even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. Sam S. advises about Lake Creek Road Dispersed: "Driving past mega mansions will eventually lead you to a dirt road stretching into an open valley. Went during late summer, so it was fairly dusty, and the passing cars would stir it up a lot."
Site selection for horse trailers: Arrive early to secure suitable spots. "Lots of room for big rigs. Probably 20 or so spots all up the road they were all full buy the evening so come earlier!" recommends Salvy F. about Lake Creek Road Dispersed.
Hookup options: Limited electrical connections exist at select locations. Dan C. notes about Honeys Park, "Dude put in many power stations, wifi etc all on his own and only wants people to act decent to stay. Lots of room."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Craters of the Moon National Monument?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Craters of the Moon National Monument?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Craters of the Moon National Monument is Honeys Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Craters of the Moon National Monument?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Craters of the Moon National Monument?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Craters of the Moon National Monument, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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