Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Horseshoe Bend? Finding a place to camp in Idaho with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Horseshoe Bend campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Overview: Deadwood Campground is a small campground that is located at the scenic confluence of the Deadwood River and the South Fork of the Payette River on the Banks-Lowman Road 17. Visitors enjoy rafting, kayaking and fishing on the South Fork Payette River, and hiking the nearby trails. The campground is adjacent from the river acces point. Natural Features: The campground is situated at the foot of a forested hillside. Towering Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site, offering partial shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape. Recreation: The Deadwood Ridge trailhead is located in this campground, and the campground also serves as a river access point for the South Fork of the Payette River. Camping use at this site is moderate. Driveway lengths for RV's are limited to camp trailers less than 15 feet in length. Nearby Attractions: Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The area offers scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.
Cold Springs Campground is one of four campgrounds along Idaho's State Highway 55, next to the North Fork of the Payette River. This area is a popular location for river rafting trips and camping. This campground rests at 3,878 feet.
The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River. Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.
The campground is situated in a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.
Near the boat and kayak launch of the Payette River.
$120 / night
Great place to camp with horses, pets and family. Just one mile North of quaint Idaho City. Walking distance to the Rodeo Arena, playground and just around the corner is the public RV Dump. About a mile to Morris Creek for a cooling swim. 2.5 miles to The Springs, Hot Springs Retreat. So much history in this part of the Boise National Forest. Right off Highway 21. 123 Bucking Horse Lane, Idaho City, ID First Come, First Serve. Pay Station with envelopes provided. Individual sites might be reserved, please check for signs.
$35 / night
Silver Creek Campground is located 25 miles north of Garden Valley, Idaho, in beautiful Peace Valley at an elevation of 4,490 feet. Peace Valley offers a variety of great trails. Fishing and hunting are popular activities as well.
Peace Valley contains many trails for hiking, mountain biking, as well as horseback and OHV riding. Peace Creek Trail, Silver Creek Summit Trail, and Bull Creek Trail all begin nearby. Silver Creek, Peace Creek, and the nearby Middle Fork Payette River offer good-to-excellent fishing most of the year. Anglers in the area cast for whitefish and rainbow trout. In-season big game hunting for deer, elk and bear is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.
The campground is situated among a mixed-growth lodgepole pine forest, which provides partial shade. Silver Creek runs alongside the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home in and around Peace Valley, including deer, elk, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks.
Silver Creek Plunge, a privately developed hot springs campground, is within a quarter-mile from the campground. It offers a hot springs pool, general store, a playground, horseshoe pits, as well as sand volleyball court and basketball hoop.
$150 / night
Situated along the Snake River, Celebration Park was established as Idaho’s only archaeological park in 1989. A walk through the huge basalt melon gravels deposited by the Bonneville flood reveals petroglyphs 100 to 10,000 years old. Visitors learn about the Paleolithic and Archaic lifeways and enjoy throwing a dart with an atlatl. Experience a walking tour of the historic Guffey Railroad Bridge and be captivated by southwest Idaho’s early mining and railroad history.
$2 - $5 / night
Overview: Whoop-um-up Equestrian Campground is located 56 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, along State Highway 21, under a scenic pine forested canopy. There are six campsites complete with feed boxes, hitching posts and water for stock. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. The historic town of Idaho City is just 11 miles south. The Crooked River runs near the site, offering rainbow trout fishing. Natural Features: State Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. The Crooked River runs near the campground offering an opportunity to catch a rainbow trout. Recreation: Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking and horseback riding. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
$5 / night
Guide
Quick 1 night stay. Nice river access. Pretty quiet.
Guide
I reside approximately five miles from this campground and frequently visit. I've camped there back when it was merely dirt campsites. I'm providing some updated photos for future campers, 13 sites first come first serve. There's a large area at the road's end for turning around, though the approach to the gated campsites is somewhat rough; thus, campers with higher clearance are advised. If space permits, you can also park your camper in the main lot by the river's edge for the same fee. This area is fully paved and equipped with picnic tables and vault toilets, but it may get crowded with day users. Once you head towards the improved campsites, you're essentially committed to entering, but turning around is possible. Additionally, there's an excellent hiking trail leading to Halverson Lake not far in, forming a 3.9-mile loop. For a more extensive hike, follow the river trail to discover old stone mini huts—some are intact enough to enter, while others are just rubble, yet they're all intriguing to explore. It's believed they once served as shelters for trappers.
GuideSuch a clear beautiful night. Site is a bit uneven and a burn ban.
GuideBad roads, high tension wires crackled with electricity, and a lot of traffic on the main road.
GuideSites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.
Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up.
There is cell reception in case you are interested but the wifi was poor.
The fire pits are locked during fire season.
Unfortunately, my site was a victim of irresponsible campers who left trash and urinated near the tent site. Obviously not the campground’s fault but something to be aware of.
$5 fee with dropbox. 3 night max (within 30 day period.)
TravelerWe love Deadwood. It’s far enough that it’s not overly crowded. Most camp spots have sandy beach access and feel private. I like that I can reserve a spot so I know there’s room for my camper trailer.
Guide
Nice and quiet campground close to highway 21. We arrived on a friday night without reservations and there was plenty of space.
TravelerGreat but small NF campsite at the Deadwood trailhead. 6 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Clean vault toilets.
Guide
It’s located on a dead-end road and is very peaceful. It’s about 15 minutes from the nearest city and about 15 minutes from Snively Hot Springs. The pictures with water are at the Hot Springs. Bathrooms with a shower. The grounds are well-maintained, the bathrooms could be cleaned more often. But there is plenty of hot water.
GuideGreat campgrounds. Beautiful views. Clean grounds, clean toilets, and within walking distance to the hot spring pool. Highly recommend. Fishing wasn't too bad.
LegendJust 6 sites here (try and get #6, it’s really close to the river) on a traditional and ancient campsite that Native Americans used for a long time. The campground has the basics: picnic tables, fire pits, a vault toilet (in need of servicing), and dumpster. There is also a trail head right in camp as well as another trailhead on the other side of the Deadwood River. Across the road is a nice little interpreter site with info about the wildlife as well as river running info. You aren’t too far from several hot springs too.
ScoutDidn’t think we would find a spot for the weekend since we left so late. Drove up to silver creek expecting that if we couldn’t get in we would boondock on the other side of which boasts acres and acres of opportunity all around to boondock. However we were able to secure a spot. It can get a little busy (kids riding bikes, playing) and the campsites can be close together depending on what side you’re on, but it’s absolutely beautiful and very accommodating. We brought our side by side and drove the trails every day for hours all day! Had Picnics on the river rapids and soaked in the hot springs (you will drive by on your way to the grounds. Unfortunately the one at the campsite is closed and for sale. Be bear and wolf aware!
Legend
This is a small campground right off Highway 55 and across from the Payette River. There are 4 small campgrounds right in a row near here. There is plenty of shade and pretty good privacy. Not much room for larger campers or RV, better for smaller campers and tents. I did not get cell service here.
GuideUnique, old park with tons of grass and swings, teeter totters, tennis & basketball, baseball fields. Cost is $5...whether you use water & electricity hookups or just park. There are bathrooms with shower! The sites are gravel side by side and like I said, not pretty but the grounds, however unkempt, make up for it. You both see and smell cows, owls, doves and magpies. The camp hosts are lovely elderly people. From a stop on the Oregon Trail, to CCC camp, to Japanese Internment camp and now a privately run park...loads of history.
TravelerVery simple and tranquil campsite
TravelerThe hosts were kind enough to let me stay the evening anyway because it’s so far off the beaten path and I’m self-contained in my car with no need for amenities. But their season doesn’t officially start until April.
It cost five dollars a night according to the host I spoke with, and there is somebody on site at all times. It does feel a lot like just a standard city park but it’s quiet, and peaceful, and it’s about the only thing out in this area.
Guideit is very hot during the day, which I love...just warning. We stayed alongside two homeless families with their rigs parked in the parking lot. All was fine, except for the 4 children left unattended during the day. The kids were well mannered, but I had a difficult time taking my eyes off them while they swam (elementary school age) in the Snake. Silly me, if their parents weren't worried, why should I be?
Lots to do and to see, quiet during the day but cows crying at night. A stockyard is just down the road. I would definitely stay again.
GuideCelebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water.
Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.
The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there.
A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.
LegendCelebration Park is a nice place to spend the day but I have never spent the night there. It is really hot in the summer without much shade. There are a lot of activities there including hiking, swimming, fishing, the information center and atlatl throwing. There are also petroglyphs in the area.
Legend
This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City. Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing. Right off Highway 21, it's easy to find with ample space between campsites. A great base camp for exploring the area.
LegendCow Hollow Park is like staying in a big school playground. There is playground equipment, a baseball field, a basketball court/tennis court. and a horseshoe pit. It's big and open with plenty of space for tents and a couple of dozen spots for RV's (no dumping or water, only electric). Restrooms and showers.
Legend
This campground is near Highway 21 but far enough off the road for a quiet camping experience. Lots of room for all kinds of vehicles and choices of camping styles here. This is actually one of my favorite place to snow shoe in the winter.
TravelerQuiet with restroom and clean water. Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive! Only downside is the flies late morning to evening. But overall an awesome 2 days of peace and quiet and no cell. Didn't hike, but plenty of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance.
TravelerI’m traveling with two big dogs who hate the heat, it’s been over a 100° for about a week around the region and this place made it bearable. It’s really a pretty park, dated, but these trees are massive.
GuideThis location is great for the fall or spring getaway. Only half a dozen sites. No electric or water on site but water is available by visitors center as is an amazingly clean and modern restroom ! The views are stupendous and I recommend taking a hike at dark across the bridge and up the Mesa and stargaze. Good hiking that is pretty flat and mtn biking as well.
ScoutIt was a good campsite but the only thing that was bad was the bugs. Ether than that it was a great place to camp.
ScoutNice facilities... camp ground are close but there is enough coverage you don't notice others. The area has tons to do petroglyphs, fishing, hiking, geocaching, and semi-dark skies area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Horseshoe Bend, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Horseshoe Bend, ID is Deadwood Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Horseshoe Bend, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Horseshoe Bend, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
