Best Equestrian Camping near Payette National Forest

Payette National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Payette National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Payette National Forest (7)

    1. Secesh Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Payette National Forest, ID
    8 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "It would be a great spot if you are planning on camping with horses as it has hitching rails. It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century."

    "Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base."

    2. Kennally Creek

    2 Reviews
    Spink, ID
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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. Very calm and quiet area."

    "The trail head is close to camp. The trails are fairly easy and maintained. Lovely place ."

    3. Ruby Meadows Trailhead

    1 Review
    Warren, ID
    20 miles
    Website

    "Most of it survived, but fire damage is present adjacent to the road and along the trails."

    4. Silver Creek

    5 Reviews
    Cascade, ID
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 739-3400

    $15 - $150 / night

    "Clean grounds, clean toilets, and within walking distance to the hot spring pool. Highly recommend. Fishing wasn't too bad."

    "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."

    5. Windy Saddle Trailhead Campground

    1 Review
    Pollock, ID
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 839-2211

    "We were the only campers at windy saddle and were able to get a perfect site at the head of the trail over looking hell’s canyon and Heaven’s gate."

    6. Buck Park Cabin

    1 Review
    Oxbow, ID
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 549-4200

    $50 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Payette National Forest

13 Reviews of 7 Payette National Forest Campgrounds


  • Jersey G.
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Ruby Meadows Trailhead

    Close to Adventure

    Great little campground, until the fire went through.  Most of it survived, but fire damage is present adjacent to the road and along the trails.

    It can sometimes be crowded with ATV and motorbikes, but most the time they are courteous and polite. 

    I enjoyed panning in the creeks around the area because there are neat dark red and purple garnet to be had.  Only found a speck or two of gold, so I am glad I was looking for garnet and not gold.

    Traveled from N. Idaho and Montana to here multiple times over the year - definitely worth the trip, especially since they paved the road.

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    Secesh Horse Camp

    Little old, but great!

    I really liked this campsite. It would be a great spot if you are planning on camping with horses as it has hitching rails. It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century. Wether come from McCall via Lick Creek Road, or fr the east down the Salmon River, it is beautiful! Be sure to hike the Secesh river trail which starts across the Secesh River from the campground. I found huckleberries and wild strawberries along the trail at the beginning of July. It cost $10 to park here.

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Iron Phone Junction Campground

    Decent base camp area

    Camp is decent with a few spots for smaller RV or campers - pit toilet - trees surround - high clearance vehicle recommended - steep in places

    You can explore a few miles on the roads by UTV or by pickup while exploring the Salmon River drainage or the Snake River drainage. Traveling to Pittsburgh Landing and Kirkwood from here is considered a short day ride.

    Steep terrain surrounds the area

    Unit 18

    A lot of cattle ranching in the summer and mostly hunters In the fall.

    Forest service maps are recommended for travel since a lot just circle back to start, mostly on road, little access for off road travel.

  • Will M.
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Silver Creek

    Great oasis in the middle of the mountains

    Great campgrounds. Beautiful views. Clean grounds, clean toilets, and within walking distance to the hot spring pool. Highly recommend. Fishing wasn't too bad.

  • M
    Oct. 9, 2022

    Kennally Creek

    Excellent Place to Camp

    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. Very calm and quiet area.

  • Max L.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Windy Saddle Trailhead Campground

    What heaven on earth truly is

    Arrived late on a Saturday night originally intending to camp at the 7 devils campground but there were no available sites so decided to go back to windy saddle. We were the only campers at windy saddle and were able to get a perfect site at the head of the trail over looking hell’s canyon and Heaven’s gate. Had an absolutely gorgeous view of the devils peaks easy access to trails, devils lake, Heaven’s gate trail. One of the best camping trips I have ever had. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities which was ok for our stay. I am definitely going to be coming back to camp at windy saddle again.

  • C
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Kennally Creek

    Quiet and relaxing

    campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. Bathroom with no running water. 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. Lovely place .

  • m
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Silver Creek

    Great Memorial Day weekend

    Didn’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!

  • Skyeriver  .The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Secesh Horse Camp

    ADA kind

    Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base.


Guide to Payette National Forest

Horse camping near Payette National Forest in Idaho offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for riders

  • At Secesh Horse Camp, you'll find hitching rails and flat sites, ideal for setting up your base while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
  • Kennally Creek provides a serene atmosphere next to a creek, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Windy Saddle Trailhead Campground features easy access to trails, allowing for seamless exploration of the area on horseback.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Ruby Meadows Trailhead allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for horse campers looking to explore the nearby trails.
  • Iron Phone Junction Campground offers a decent base camp area with surrounding trees, providing a natural setting for your equine companions.
  • Buck Park Cabin is a rustic option that allows for horse camping, perfect for those seeking a remote experience with basic amenities.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and access

  • Silver Creek is well-reviewed for its proximity to hot springs and fishing, making it a great spot for both you and your horse to unwind.
  • Secesh Horse Camp is praised for its epic views along the Salmon River, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Kennally Creek connects to hiking loops, offering additional exploration opportunities for horse campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Payette National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Payette National Forest is Secesh Horse Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Payette National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Payette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.