Secesh Horse Camp provides equestrian camping facilities near McCall, Idaho, at an elevation of approximately 5,800 feet in the Payette National Forest. Situated along the Secesh River, this campground features sites with hitching rails specifically designed for campers traveling with horses. The area experiences warm summer days with cool nights and occasional afternoon thunderstorms during July and August.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Secesh Horse Camp serves as a gateway to extensive trail networks. "It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century. Whether come from McCall via Lick Creek Road, or from the east down the Salmon River, it is beautiful!" notes Hannah C.
Creek exploration: Cool off in nearby mountain waters during summer months. At Silver Creek Campground, campers can enjoy both natural and developed water features. "Great campgrounds. Beautiful views. Clean grounds, clean toilets, and within walking distance to the hot spring pool. Highly recommend. Fishing wasn't too bad," explains Will M.
Scenic driving routes: Access forest service roads with high-clearance vehicles for backcountry exploration. The journey to Kennally Creek Campground offers spectacular mountain vistas. Max R. shares, "After an hour of driving over a very bumpy and gravely road, you arrive at a serene camp ground. Its right next to a creek and is connected to some hiking loops."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Several equestrian campgrounds near McCall provide direct water access. At Paradise Campground, Ryan C. notes, "The creek is fast running, echoing throughout the canyon so fishing or swimming are not an option."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kennally Creek Campground offers chances to spot local fauna. "Bears are known to visit but we didn't see any signs. The creek is gorgeous, not deep. The trail head is close to camp. The trails are fairly easy and maintained," writes Cyndi S.
Foraging opportunities: Wild edibles grow throughout the region during summer months. "I found huckleberries and wild strawberries along the trail at the beginning of July," reports a camper about trails near Secesh Horse Camp.
Off-road recreation: Many horse-friendly campsites connect to motorized trail systems. Cold Springs Campground provides access to surrounding forest roads. Amy S. describes it as "a small campground right off Highway 55 and across from the Payette River. There are 4 small campgrounds right in a row near here."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds offer only basic amenities. At Iron Phone Junction Campground, J.C. reports, "Camp is decent with a few spots for smaller RV or campers - pit toilet - trees surround - high clearance vehicle recommended - steep in places."
Road conditions: Forest service roads often require appropriate vehicles when hauling horse trailers. When visiting Ruby Meadows Trailhead, Jersey G. explains, "Traveled from N. Idaho and Montana to here multiple times over the year - definitely worth the trip, especially since they paved the road."
Water availability: Most equestrian sites lack water hookups for both humans and horses. Campers must either bring water or have filtration systems for nearby streams or rivers.
Seasonal considerations: Most horse campgrounds operate from late spring through early fall, with limited winter access. Higher elevation sites may retain snow into June.
Tips for camping with families
Safety around horses: Establish clear boundaries when camping with children at equestrian sites. Secesh Horse Camp can be dusty in summer, so families should bring dust masks for sensitive individuals.
Alternative activities: When not riding, children can explore nearby natural features. "The creek is gorgeous, not deep," mentions a Kennally Creek camper, indicating safer water play options for families.
Cabin options: For families seeking more shelter, Buck Park Cabin provides a rustic alternative to tent camping. Lance C. shares, "As stated in description it's rustic. Not much to it but it did offer a sheltered place to build a fire/get warm and weather a bad storm."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most horse campgrounds have size restrictions for rigs. Cold Springs Campground accommodates smaller setups as Amy S. notes, "Not much room for larger campers or RV, better for smaller campers and tents."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at most horse camping areas. Pack leveling blocks and stabilizers for trailers and RVs.
Cell service: Connectivity varies widely at McCall area horse camps. About Cold Springs, Amy mentions, "I did not get cell service here," which is common throughout the region's more remote equestrian sites.
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