Best Equestrian Camping near Payette National Forest
Secesh Horse Camp provides equestrian accommodations in Payette National Forest with hitching rails at each site, making it suitable for camping with horses. The historic campground offers flat, dusty tent and RV campsites for $10 per night. Pit toilets are available, but no drinking water is provided, requiring campers to bring their own water supply for themselves and their horses. Located along the Secesh River, the campground provides access to the Secesh River Trail which starts across from the camping area and offers good riding opportunities. Huckleberries and wild strawberries can be found along the trail during early July.
Horse riders can access multiple trails from several campgrounds near Payette National Forest. The well-maintained trails near Kennally Creek Campground provide relatively easy riding terrain with creek access. Ruby Meadows Trailhead offers trail access for horses in an area that has experienced some fire damage but remains usable. Windy Saddle Trailhead Campground connects to Heaven's Gate Trail and provides access to Devil's Lake for watering horses. Most campgrounds in this area accommodate horse trailers in their parking areas, though the roads accessing Buck Park Cabin are rough and require high-clearance vehicles. Iron Phone Junction has limited spots for smaller RVs or campers, with surrounding steep terrain providing challenging riding conditions.
