Fourth of July Trailhead offers excellent accommodations for horse owners with direct trail access. The trailhead is rated highly for equestrian use, providing practical facilities for those traveling with horses. Located near Headquarters, Idaho, this campground supports tent camping with amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and designated areas for fires. The trails connected to the campground are specifically noted for their suitability for trail riding with horses. Users report the camp is great for those interested in trail riding horses and features an excellent trailhead for adventures.
Wilderness Gateway Campground provides spacious areas with ample room for horses and trailers. The large, wooded campground is situated along the Lochsa River and offers 91 sites across separate loops, some with electrical hookups. Equestrians appreciate the drinking water, toilets, and sanitary dump available on site. Horse enthusiasts can access nearby trails including routes to Stanley Hot Springs. The campground is particularly noted for its accessibility, allowing for easy navigation with horse trailers. Seasonal operation typically runs from early June through late August, with sites priced at $14-20. The surrounding area offers extensive opportunities for riding, with trails connecting to backcountry routes throughout the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests region.
"Lots of places and plenty of room for horses."
"Great place for campers of all walks of life has trails to Stanley hot springs and has about everything you could ask for."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $280 / night
"Great shaded area with trails along weitas creek for fishing and hiking and very peaceful place to stay"
"Both campgrounds are great, but this one is a little more rustic and provides easier access from the highway for camp trailers and stock trailers. "
"Awesome place tucked away along the river with plenty of sites to see and wildlife to view"
"This campsite offers access to great fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing."
"Located along the clearwater river at the mouth of Kelly creek great scenery in this rugged river canyon"
from $14 / night
RangerMore of a primitive type of campground, although there are vault toilets. Plenty of spaces along the river; however there is a river take out that may be used to back trailers up to, so the flat spots across from it may not be ideal.
RangerGreat sites big enough to back a trailer in. Sites are close but feel secluded with trees and ferns. Running water was a bonus, after rafting for a week it felt luxurious!
TravelerGreat little campsite with the roar of the river.
Found it by accident a few years back. It sits above the Lochsa River, just north and west of the Wilderness Gateway Campground.
Both campgrounds are great, but this one is a little more rustic and provides easier access from the highway for camp trailers and stock trailers.
Have to look carefully because it is easy to miss: not well marked...
RangerLots of places and plenty of room for horses.
GuideVery large campground. The C sites are right along the river and C10 has a gorgeous view of the whole river valley. The equine camp was amazing. The campground was petty deserted when we were there in early August. Water had not been tested so was not considered potable and you can tell it doesn’t get a lot of attention from the local park office.
ScoutWe arrived on Wednesday with a reservation and stayed through Sunday morning. The drive from Orofino was a long and winding road along the river and oh so beautiful. The campground was clean, had flush toilets and drinking water, plus a dump station. There were plenty of open spots all weekend. Lying in the river was refreshing and recharged our inner batteries. Can’t wait to go back.
TravelerWe used to pull horse trailers in there all the time - 20 years ago
We won’t be pulling anything in there again. Gained some plumbing experience due to large “pot holes” that can swallow trailer tires whole.
Forest service has forgotten about the road and let it fall into dismal shape. Would be best if traveled without a trailer and with 4x4.
Campsites are there but grasses have overgrown most of the site.
Assume that road is in poor shape and sites are best for tents.
ScoutWe spent a week here this last summer. Awesome place for hikes and hot springs. Also dog friendly Everywhere we went. Beautiful area wit tons of trees.
TravelerGreat backcountry airstrip. Easy to catch cutthroat and solitude.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests region offers specialized accommodations for those traveling with horses across its expansive 4 million acres. Horse-friendly camping areas feature practical amenities such as stock-accessible trails, ample trailer parking, and designated areas for containing animals. Access to trailheads varies seasonally, with many remote equestrian sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Water availability for horses should be confirmed before arrival as some campgrounds offer drinking water while others require hauling or access to natural sources.
Explore backcountry hot springs: From Wilderness Gateway Campground, follow trails to natural thermal pools. "Great place for hikes and hot springs. Also dog friendly everywhere we went," notes Barbara F., who spent a week exploring the area.
Fish mountain streams: Multiple waterways near Kelly Creek Campground offer prime fishing access. Christopher R. mentions it's "located along the clearwater river at the mouth of Kelly creek" with "great scenery in this rugged river canyon."
Experience historic lookouts: Visit Weitas Butte Lookout for panoramic views of the forest. Christopher R. recommends it as a "great spot to camp at the historic fire lookout tower. The tower is locked up but it's a great spot to stay the night."
River recreation: The North Fork Clearwater River runs alongside several camping areas, providing opportunities for swimming and wading. Tracey S. shares, "Lying in the river was refreshing and recharged our inner batteries."
Spacious stock-friendly sites: Campers appreciate the horse-friendly layout at several campgrounds. Adelia notes about Wilderness Gateway: "Lots of places and plenty of room for horses."
Historic cabin options: Liz Butte Cabin offers alternative accommodation with cultural significance. Christopher R. enjoyed "the views from this small cabin and the historic value is priceless," though cautions the "road to this place is not recommended for low clearance vehicles."
Privacy between sites: Despite being developed campgrounds, many areas maintain natural barriers. Katherine B. describes, "Sites are close but feel secluded with trees and ferns."
Wilderness immersion: Isabella Landing Camp provides direct access to wildlife viewing opportunities. Cody B. explains it "offers access to great fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. J.C. warns about Table Meadows Campground: "Gained some plumbing experience due to large 'pot holes' that can swallow trailer tires whole... Would be best if traveled without a trailer and with 4x4."
Water availability is inconsistent: Not all sites have tested water sources. Lorrie K. mentions that at Wilderness Gateway, "Water had not been tested so was not considered potable and you can tell it doesn't get a lot of attention from the local park office."
Peak season limitations: Most equestrian camping areas in the region operate seasonally from June through August, with some closures due to snow or maintenance outside this window.
Vault toilet quality varies: Facilities receive different levels of maintenance across the forest. Shaun W. notes about one campground: "I dear not go in the vault toilets," though he appreciated that "it is free which is amazing."
River access safety: When camping near the Lochsa or Clearwater Rivers, select sites with gentle water entry points. Katherine B. found Boulder Flat's riverside location ideal: "Great little campsite with the roar of the river."
Shaded options for hot days: Summer temperatures can climb, making tree coverage important. Barbara F. recommends Wilderness Gateway as a "beautiful area with tons of trees."
Space for multiple tents: Boulder Flat - Lochsa River provides flexible camping arrangements. Jersey G. notes it "is a little more rustic and provides easier access from the highway for camp trailers and stock trailers."
Bring water purification: Given inconsistent water testing at some sites, families should pack filtration systems or sufficient water for their stay.
Electrical hookup locations: Limited options exist for powered sites. Gretchen B. highlights that Wilderness Gateway "offers separate electric and no hookup loops, with a total of 91 spacious clean sites."
Dump station availability: Plan waste management accordingly as facilities are limited. Tracey S. appreciated that Wilderness Gateway "had flush toilets and drinking water, plus a dump station."
Size restrictions for horse trailers: Not all equestrian camping sites accommodate large rigs. Boulder Flat's layout works well for stock trailers according to Jersey G., who found it "provides easier access from the highway for camp trailers and stock trailers."
Low clearance warnings: Some roads leading to equestrian sites require high clearance vehicles, particularly early in the season when conditions worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is Wilderness Gateway with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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