Best Equestrian Camping near Hagerman, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise. There is a small field of sand dunes in the park and the largest dune is the largest active dune structure in NorthAmerica. A couple of lakes and ponds are also found at the base of the dunes. There are 3 campgrounds in the park, one is an equestrian one. Only the outhouses are open in the winter and water and showers are turned off in winter but electrical hook ups are still available. Great views of the sand dunes from the campgrounds as well. Marginal cell reception with Verizon. Signal too weak for AT&T.

Because we'd usually rather be boondocking, we're all about cheap when we actually have to pay for a campsite. And if we're actually going to have to pay, we want the whole shebang -- 50A electric, water and sewer hookups -- because why pay for what we otherwise get for free? The Twin Falls County Fairgrounds delivers on both counts.

The RV Park is located on the east side of the fairgrounds and has 80 spaces with full hook-ups (water, sewer & 50 amp power); and 100 hook-up with (water & 30 amp power). Spaces with amenities cost $21.20, tax included per night, or $106 for a week (buy 5 nights/get 2 free). Dry camping with no amenities is available for $10.60, tax included per night. Maximum stay is 2 weeks. No reservations, everything is first-come, first-served.

Sites are located on grass, with dirt roads throughout the campground. Hookups for water, electric and sewer are located behind your RV. While the site itself is level, that makes it uphill for the sewer run so we wish that they had chosen a more traditional layout. Still, for this price I'm not complaining. Also, if the place actually filled up these sites would be crazy tight; however, during our visit July 2021 they're not even close to 50% capacity, so folks are leaving at least one site between themselves and their neighbors. 

Cell signal strength and data speeds are solid on both Verizon and AT&T. We've been both working and streaming with no issues whatsoever.

There's a separate dump station on site with potable water. The bathrooms are individual units with showers, and are immaculate. If you arrive after hours you have to call the after-hours number on the sign, and James will come out and determine your site and collect your money (cash or check only). The campground occasionally closes for events held at the Fairgrounds, and in 2021 that's for two events. Check their website for details. There was a lot of activity during our stay including equestrian events and even a monster truck rally, so there's lots to keep you entertained while you're in the campground and not out exploring the Twin Falls area.

Filer is a tiny ranching community just west of Twin Falls. Campers will find the surprisingly complete M&W Market just down the street, along with a True Value Hardware. And all of the chains and big box stores are nearby in Twin Falls, only 7 miles away.

No livestock are allowed in RV area, but boarding is available in stables adjacent to the campground for $10 inside/$5 outside. Dogs are not allowed to roam freely and must be under supervision of their owner, either on a leash or kennel. 

So when everything else was booked solid in July 2021, we found dirt cheap FHU sites aplenty at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds!

Snake River Canyons Park- Rickett's RV Camp offers a peaceful and convenient location for an overnight stay. The campsites are mostly clean and equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. While the area is quite dry, it provides a safe and hassle-free experience. Nothing fancy. The Sherrif did a drive through at dusk(a feature I like) and the camp filled up before the sun had set. The availability of basic amenities such as pit toilets and horse corrals adds to the convenience of the site. If you're looking for a quick overnight stay this is a great spot that is pretty much a free campsite complete with a site host.

MOSQUITOS!!! If you are sensitive to mosquito bites, call the park rangers for an update before you make the drive. The dunes are amazing, but the mosquitos were so thick it made camping miserable. 5 minutes out of the car and i already had 15 bites! Kids that had been there a day or two looked like they were suffering from chicken pox. We were there at the end of June. Best to hit this park at a less buggy time of year. The observatory is really neat, try and be there on a friday or saturday night for one of their programs, but be forewarned, they leave the doors open, and the observatory is just steps away from a mosquito incubator (i.e. a swamp).

My first time in Idaho and talk about diversity and beauty. Bruneau Dunes is just another example of the variety of experiences to be had within this state! Windy, sunny and sandy best describes the whole park. The sand was a little toasty so I kept the dogs mostly in the shade. Sliding down the dunes is pretty cool. The pond/lake was low and mucky when we were there and I don’t know if fishing would be an option. The campground is adequate and well maintained. The picnic shelters help some with the sun and wind. Bring good anchors for anything you want to set up. The staff was nice and informative. Definitely worth a look see just cause it’s cool.