Are you planning a trip to Melba with your horse? We've got you covered. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Idaho campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
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
ATTN: Fires not allowed at this site
Named after brothers Al and Roy Halverson who once farmed property to the north, the Halverson Bar and Halverson Lake area is unique for its curving two-mile sandbar along the Snake River and its two shallow lakes nestled below the rimrock and tall sand dunes. The Halverson Bar and Halverson Lake area is located at the western end of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). This 1,200 acre area is managed for non-motorized recreational activities. Motorized uses are not allowed in the area. The lakes were originally natural depressions that accumulated water seasonally and were sustained by small springs. The lakes have since been deepened by homesteaders and farmers. Today, most of the water in Halverson Lakes comes from irrigation run-off from the upland plateau. Decades ago the lakes were stocked with fish - blue gill, bass, and crappie - which are the primary catch today. Cliffs and sloping bluffs of basalt separate the shoreline and canyon bottom from the upland desert. Basaltic boulders, deposited by the flooding waters of Lake Bonneville 15,000 years ago, lie like giant-size melons on the sandy bar. The area includes a gravel parking area and several miles of hiking trails.
This small campground is located in a partially restored 19th-century mining town. Please plan to bring your own water. Don't use the water running through the campground from Jordan Creek because it may contain mercury from prior mining activity in the area.
$5 / 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
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Guide
Its pretty close to the snake river, and at the trailhead of a non vehicle trail. Its after Celebration Park on Victory Ln, you drive around the park and it turns into a dirt road. BLM or County land I think. Not many folks here. Smells like horse droppings. Pretty rough terrain getting to the end. There was a sign about a mile back that said “3 day camping limit”. You can get to the water, but its a slippery and steep trip. Its beautiful otherwise. There are big critters out here sniffing and jumping onto my camper, making my dog go crazy. Free camping, dispersed, no fresh water, no fires allowed. Hikers going to the trail will walk past your site if you park on the road turnouts... so dont shower outside... lessons learned.
Guide
I would go back if I'm ever here again. The drive back there takes a little while and the roads are narrow. Cows all over the town. The historical buildings date back to the 1890's and earlier. I talked to a local and he said the town is on a historical register. Feels like I took a time machine back to the old west. Check out the cemetery and the mine shafts behind the church. All the streets are public land so you can wander around, just don't stare into people's windows. Hard to believe people live there. People stay there as a summer cabin thing. The camping is not secluded at all. Lots of cows in town. There may be poop at your campsite. I didn't drink the creek water. I don't know if it's safe, so but err'd on the side of caution due to the towns mining history.
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.
ScoutEasy hike to a stocked pond. Not much elevation difference, on a good path.
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.
TravelerNice
ScoutFound this campsite thru a free site. Beautiful trees line Cow Hollow and history from American-Japanese work/labor camp back in 1942. The town's people we met were amazing. The site takes donations but the city will tell you $10/night. BUT, even paying the $10, you have electric and water hook-ups, two baseball fields, two small parks, basketball/tennis court. Weekends consists of events. We stayed 14 days in tents and had a wedding, church festival and another wedding coming up the weekend we were leaving. Weekdays are quiet. Grassy areas for tents, gravel for RVs. Nice fire rings donated by a Boy Scouts group and brick bbq grills, picnic tables, restrooms and showers.
12 miles or so towards Lake Owyhee, Snively Hot Springs is to your left before going over the cattle guard. The rocky canyons, Snake River and starry nights are incredible!
TravelerFree campsites right on the edge of town next to creek. The ride up is worth it!
GuideFishing, camping, and lots of trails! If you're not a fan of Porta potties then this place is perfect for you! They have really nice and clean bathroom. It is a lovely area with places to BBQ or have a fire pit. Both are already made up for your convenience just bring wood. There is a beautiful bridge, originally a train track, open to the public to cross onto the other side of the river. Please do not swim in this section if the snake river it has under currents that will drag you down. The actual camp ground sites are areas that have the sage brush removed, nothing too fancy. Lots of tumble weeds that are pushed together to create a path to the different camp sites.
RangerI love this place! It is awesome for having little bon fires, or just cat fishing in the Snake river. I do not recommend swimming In the Snake though, the stretch of river that flows through this park is dangerous and pulls people under. Enjoy the river from either a boat, or the land.. but the cliffs are beautiful! I go to this park at least once a month!!
TravelerThoroughly enjoyed camping in this area. Amazingly enough, we didn't run into a whole lot of other people while camping, only in the actual town. Getting there is interesting down a winding dirt road, but worth the trip to find all the trees in the middle of a desert. The landscape is this breathtaking mix of trees and rock formations and sagebrush. We hiked all over and climbed on the rocks. Had a good time getting coffee in town in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Melba, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Melba, ID is Celebration Park with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Melba, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Melba, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
