10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse-friendly camping options near Downey, Idaho are limited, with no dedicated equestrian facilities in the immediate area. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, located about 70 miles northeast near the Utah-Idaho border, allows horses and provides ample space for trailers in its dispersed sites. The road is well-maintained and suitable for horse trailers according to visitor reports, with camping areas spacious enough for larger rigs and equestrian setups. While no formal corrals exist, the open areas allow for portable corrals or highlines.
The camping area connects to numerous trails suitable for horseback riding through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Sites positioned along Logan River offer water access for horses, though campers should bring their own drinking water as no potable sources exist at these primitive sites. Forest Service roads provide good access for horse trailers, with multiple pull-offs large enough for equestrian camping. During summer months, campers report the area can become crowded with ATVs and other recreationists, so weekday visits are recommended for those seeking quieter conditions for horses. Nearby Paris Springs Campground may accommodate smaller horse trailers but has limited space for equestrian camping.
"It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in the campsite overlooking the lake and accross the road. There are about 7 campsites all with metal pole building type shelters and picnic tables. Each site also provides a fire ring."
"Near city limits where there is places to buy groceries, gas, or go out to a restaurant. They have about 20 spots with electrical outlets."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability"The campground was in great shape, the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful, and the campground hosts were very attentive and thoughtful."
"I chose the site near the Paris spring Trailhead. The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere! And dragon flies too!"
from $17 - $100 / night
Check Availability"You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing."
"Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing."
"The field had corn hole and horse shoe games set up. We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge!"
"Beautiful location and great host’s. The pool is old but very refreshing. You feel isolated but you’re close to town."
"The access to the water’s edge is nice. Our campsite has the basic amenities with fire ring and picnic table (a bit worn down). The vault toilet is clean and well maintained."
"Close to great fishing. River sites. Bring bug spray"
"on the way to the campground you will travel down dirt roads that are full of scenic views. when you get to the sites it is hard to choose if you want to be right next to the water where you can fish for"
"There are many pay to park camp areas around here and also some free areas if you’re adventurous enough! Lots of land to explore and fishing is great!"
TravelerNeither RV dumps has water to help flush tank. Generally speaking going downhill from what it was a few years ago. Horses everywhere and they do not stay in riding areas. Loose youngsters on ATVs screaming around the park everywhere. Sad to see such a great resource abused and go to waste.
Legend2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, dont turn off. The road turns to dirt in idaho but is still 2wd safe until you get to a ver clear turn around. Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access. If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever
GuideEnded up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing. We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared.
Traveleron the way to the campground you will travel down dirt roads that are full of scenic views. when you get to the sites it is hard to choose if you want to be right next to the water where you can fish for trout or remain tucked in the woods. both are peaceful and leave society behind.
GuideWe arrived the Wednesday after Labor Day. We were given a full hookup spot in a giant field area all to ourselves! Our spot backed up to a small running creek filled with fish. The field had corn hole and horse shoe games set up. We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge! We also enjoyed a great burger cooked at the grill in the office. Staff was friendly and helpful.
ScoutThe access to the water’s edge is nice. Our campsite has the basic amenities with fire ring and picnic table (a bit worn down). The vault toilet is clean and well maintained. I would definitely stay here again.
LegendThis cabin needs to be reserved first and foremost. The # can be found in the pictures. It is close to the reservoir of you need to cool off and there is also the creek which runs right next to it! It has picnic tables and a bbq grill and sleeping space inside for a few people
Guidepassed through this campground late May. it's very secluded, located at the end of the road. the drive in from Paris is pretty, but the campground is tucked into a brushy hollow, with dense vegetation. the road through the campground has a lot of deep potholes. the sites are small; some are pull through. i don't think i'd tow a camper longer than 20 ft through there. a person can do some exploring in the area while camped there. there are picnic tables and fire rings. vault toilets. Because of the dense brush, it didn't appeal to me but that's personal preference.
GuideWe stayed in the campsite overlooking the lake and accross the road. There are about 7 campsites all with metal pole building type shelters and picnic tables. Each site also provides a fire ring.
One of the downsides to the campground is the proximity to the road. There was a number of loud vehicles and loud locals that kept us awake. We were staying in a tent, but if you are staying in an RV this might not be a problem.
It was a good site for the price.
The lake was down and unavailable for fishing. It might be better early spring or summer.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Downey, Idaho occur primarily in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and surrounding public lands. At 4,856 feet elevation, Downey experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures reaching 85°F and cool, dry winters. Camping areas feature sagebrush flats transitioning to pine and aspen forests at higher elevations, with most sites accessible from May through October.
Fishing in local waters: Pipeline Campground offers river access where "sturgeon and 2' long trout swimming right on the riverbank, you can literally see them feet off the shore" according to Reames C. The campground provides "a boat ramp for early morning fishing" as noted by Brittany D.
Soak in hot springs: Indian Springs Resort and RV features a natural hot spring pool that's "huge" and "vintage" as described by Edward R. Kellie mentions, "We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool... We were the only ones there," making it ideal for a relaxing soak after trail riding.
Hiking nearby trails: At Malad Summit Guard Station, David T. reports "a really cool spring and waterfall just a short hike up the road." Paris Springs Campground offers easy access to trails, with Carrie C. noting "The trail to the spring is about 1/4 mile in and is very beautiful. There were hummingbirds everywhere!"
River access: Sage Hen Flats Campground offers sites "right next to the water where you can fish for trout" as Bear D. describes, while Adie F. adds that "my kids loved floating the river" at the same location.
Natural features: Campers at Paris Springs appreciate the surrounding environment. Jordan K. notes "the drive up to our site was amazingly beautiful," and mentions "a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall."
Space for equestrian setups: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides "big pull-in spots for camper rigs" according to Robert S., making it suitable for horse trailers. Auston T. adds it's "perfect for anyone looking for places to hike or ride" with "many different places to visit throughout the area."
Site accessibility: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have access limitations. At Malad Summit Guard Station, David T. warns, "Hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road. Perfect site for tents."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Downey operate from May to October. At Franklin Basin, Kennedy F. advises, "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared."
Availability challenges: Finding space for horse trailers can be difficult, especially on weekends. Erika M. observed at Franklin Basin that "most of them seemed to be 'claimed' (tents or trailers with no vehicles) for the upcoming weekend," suggesting weekday arrivals are better for equestrian camping.
Water situations: At many primitive sites, water access varies. At Pipeline Campground, Jane H. notes the "access to the water's edge is nice," but campers should bring drinking water. Paris Springs had issues where "the water running to each campsite wasn't drinkable so it was shut off."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season in horse campgrounds near Downey. At Pipeline Campground, Reames C. advises, "Bugs are very active in June so I suggest fly tape inside campers" and Georgia L. confirms the area is "right by the river," which can increase mosquito activity.
Wildlife awareness: Coyotes are present in the area. Scott B. at Indian Springs Resort reported, "We did see a coyote at the edge of the campground but our Great Pyrenees told him to keep moving," suggesting campers with horses should be vigilant about securing their animals.
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water recreation. At Hawkins Reservoir Campground, Austin H. reports, "I love all of the fish we caught out of there," while Adie F. notes Sage Hen Flats is "great for fishing and my kids loved floating the river."
Leveling requirements: Many dispersed sites require preparation. At Pipeline Campground, Reames C. advises, "Sites are not level so I suggest bringing a shovel to dig under one side and blocks for the other side."
Access road conditions: Roads to horse-suitable camping areas vary in quality. At Franklin Basin, johny R. notes the "2wd friendly road for MILES" but recommends you "make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, dont turn off." For Malad Summit Guard Station, David T. warns it can be "hard to maneuver in the campground as well as getting up the narrow road."
Site selection strategies: For equestrian camping, timing matters. Kennedy F. suggests going deeper into Franklin Basin: "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Downey, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Downey, ID is Malad Summit Guard Station with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Downey, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Downey, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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