Triple H Mini Ranch offers secure fenced pasture areas with perimeter gates for horses traveling near Lewiston. The property maintains separate pasture zones where horses can see each other across enclosures. Hotwire protection along pasture interiors helps safeguard Arbor Vitae trees while still allowing horses access to mowed grass areas. Each horse boarding area includes water troughs, with staff performing evening welfare checks for owners staying offsite. The ranch provides 5 camping sites suitable for tents and RVs, with amenities including drinking water, fire pits, firewood, picnic tables and basic toilet facilities. Located about 20 minutes from Lewiston, this facility serves as a convenient stopover for equestrians exploring Lolo-area trails.
What to do
Hiking exploration: Hells Gate State Park Campground offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. According to Kyle G., "The hiking trails are great with lots of options for easy hikes by the water or tougher ones up the mountain. Either way, you can't go wrong." The park's trails include wheelchair-accessible routes as noted by Celine K.: "Very family friendly place and the trail is wheelchair accessible. Great trek along the river."
River activities: Snake River access provides numerous water recreation opportunities when horse camping near Lewiston. Jaime B. mentions, "Camping right on the Snake River with Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. Lots of sites, water restrooms, showers, and fire pits." The riverside location creates both scenic views and practical water access for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Stargazing: Godman Guard Station offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities for equestrian campers visiting the Lewiston region. Kim K. explains: "The southern end of the camping area has an unobstructed 240(ish) degree view of the sky, facing south. The nearest town is too far & too small to create any loom, so on a moonless night it's incredibly dark here."
What campers like
Riverside setting: Spring Valley Reservoir provides waterfront camping with various amenities. Hannah C. notes, "This reservoir camping area has many amenities which make it nice. Great docks on the water, swimming, fishing, bathrooms, trash cans, and even a fish cleaning station." The reservoir setting creates a peaceful atmosphere with water access.
Wildlife viewing: Areas around Lewiston offer frequent wildlife encounters during horse camping trips. Shane M. reports from Hells Gate: "Awesome camp ground right on the river. We saw lots of different wild life." Similarly, Carl mentions: "Lots of wildlife around and we were camped close to the trailhead. Great hiking and views of the river and canyon."
Wildflower opportunities: North Thomason Meadows provides exceptional spring botanical displays near Lewiston for equestrian camping enthusiasts. Alyse L. shares: "I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can affect equestrian camping experiences near Lewiston. Jennifer R. warns about Tucannon Campground: "Free during the off season but don't get stuck with a dead car battery. Can get really cold and no phone service and very few people pass by." Similarly, Kim K. notes about stargazing conditions: "The Hubs brought his telescope & spent a chilly night stargazing."
Reservation limitations: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. Kolette S. reports about Tucannon Campground: "We didn't end up camping here, as it's a first-come, first-serve camping site. It was about a two hour drive from Walla Walla, and we didn't get there in time to find an open camp site." Plan accordingly, especially during peak seasons.
Cell service gaps: Limited connectivity exists throughout the region when horse camping near Lewiston. Laura M. cautions about Tucannon: "Zero cell reception in this entire area, pretty much all the way until hwy 12." Similarly, Alyse L. mentions North Thomason Meadows has "zero data" as one limitation.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Hells Gate State Park Campground provides family-friendly amenities and accessibility features. Celine K. confirms: "Very family friendly place and the trail is wheelchair accessible. Great trek along the river." Elizabeth S. adds: "It would be a great place to take younger children if you are looking for lots of activities."
Activity variety: Multiple recreation options exist for families with horses near Lewiston. Elizabeth S. lists options at Hells Gate: "Fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, disc golf, volleyball mountain biking." These diverse activities accommodate various family interests while maintaining a horse-friendly base camp.
Site selection: Choose camping locations based on specific family needs. Kristina J. cautions about site proximity: "Overall, a nice state park campground, but a little too close to the city. The bathrooms were decent, with free showers... In hindsight, nothing against the campground other than close proximity to each other and the city." Consider noise levels and privacy requirements when selecting sites.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Panjab Campground accommodates RVs but comes with location trade-offs. Mary B. notes: "Good spot, first come first serve right off the main road so you can get some traffic noise, good trees for hammocks." The convenient access creates both advantages and potential noise issues.
Site configurations: Understand campground layouts before bringing larger vehicles. Laura M. advises about Tucannon: "The sites here at this campground all have different configurations, most didn't look level, but there were a bunch that would have fit our 26ft class c." Check specific site dimensions and leveling requirements.
Road conditions: Access routes matter when traveling with horses and RVs near Lewiston. Laura M. warns: "When looking at directions to get here, heads up that the roads that connect Tucannon Rd to Hwy 12 going east are not suitable for big rigs, so you'll have to drive west all the way to Hwy 12 then to Delaney and then take 12 east from there."
