Corral Equestrian Campground at Farragut State Park offers designated horse-friendly campsites with individual corrals for horses. The campground provides drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets for campers, with generators allowed for RV users. Horse owners can utilize the on-site horse corrals while staying in their preferred accommodation type. The camping area features sanitary dump facilities and reservable sites, making it convenient for equestrians planning extended stays. Visitors note the campground's well-maintained trails connect directly to the park's extensive trail system, providing excellent riding opportunities for campers with horses.
Located 51 miles south of Ponderay near Athol, this equestrian campground serves as a strategic base for exploring North Idaho's bridle trails. The campground connects to miles of forested riding paths suitable for various skill levels. Horse-friendly features include manure disposal areas and ample space for horse trailer parking. Pack River Dispersed Site offers a more primitive horse camping alternative where riders appreciate the remote riverfront location with natural tie-up options. The surrounding national forest land provides extensive trail riding opportunities with stream crossings and mountain views. Trails remain accessible throughout summer and early fall, though spring conditions can occasionally be muddy with higher water levels. The area accommodates both solo riders and group equestrian camping, with multiple sites available along Pack River Road.
"Bonus, there was a Fjord Horse show while we were here. Cool to see the horses."
"We particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. What truly sets this campground apart is its convenient location."
from $39 / night
"This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."
"Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."
from $12 - $29 / night
"Good for horses, camping and solitude."
"The only problem was people walking thru your site to the house next to the campground. Couldn’t figure that out and thinking it was random."
"Outlet Campground is a fine place to spend a weekend, but if you’re familiar with Priest Lake, you’ll notice it’s not quite as spacious or scenic as some of the other campgrounds in the area."
"Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent!"
"Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!"
"Tent camping, RV camping, cabin rentals, even camping with your horses! Whatever your style there is a campground here for you."
"This facility is located very near the general Fairgrounds and next to the horse park. No horses are allowed at the campground but stables are very near by in the Fairgrounds."
"I had no problem with the access to the rv park. If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper."
from $49 - $55 / night
"This old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 / night
"Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots."
"Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
ScoutThe scenery was absolutely beautiful, the spots are super spaced out so no need to worry about hearing anyone or if you bring furry friends! The water was so close and perfect!
ScoutEver since I can remember I've been standing on the beach every 4th of July! The place is breathtaking and refreshing! Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent! The swimming area and beach are unlike any other I've seen ....soft warm sand between your toes and the water .....ooohhh the water is so clean and cool perfect for summer ⛱️ days!! We always venture outside the campground and pick huckleberries . Pancakes with fresh huckleberries is the best especially from North Idaho! The rangers are super friendly and welcoming always! There's so many trails for hiking and the creek that runs into priest lake is super special!! I can't wait to see it again this year!! See you there everyone!!
RangerNice clean bathrooms, showers, water and electricity. No trees for shade so cloudy weather is ideal.
LegendVisited Priest Lake in October. Water was turned off at sites because of freeze threat, but otherwise had options for dry camping or electric hook ups.
Beautiful spot on the lake. Lots to do in the area. Rode my bike around to see some of the private homes. Didn't have a kayak, but that would have been fun.
Loved meeting friends here for a campout.
RangerConvenient dirt spot with a few places.
GuideIt’s still ok to stay here, but not many spots left. Officer came by to say these roads aren’t supposed to be here (and many were already blocked off) but you can still park in any of the sandy/ dirt road but can’t pull off anywhere. Took our licenses down.
TravelerNo shade, good for solar. Good cell and internet connection. Campground is designed well so sites have more space than other campgrounds. $60 per night.
ScoutIt's one of the nicest fairground rv park I have been to. This place was very well kept and very friendly campground host. This place is big rig friendly. I stayed in a 45 class A motorhome with a tow vehicle. I had no problem with the access to the rv park. If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly. The price is very reasonable for this area. No shade.
LegendOutlet Campground is a fine place to spend a weekend, but if you’re familiar with Priest Lake, you’ll notice it’s not quite as spacious or scenic as some of the other campgrounds in the area. The sites are a bit close together, so there’s not a ton of privacy, and the beach is more of a small, rocky shoreline down a short hill. There are much better and larger beaches down the road at Hill’s or Luby Bay.
I had hoped to bring a boat, but there’s no trailer parking or good spot to anchor, so I decided to skip it this time. That said, the campground does have clean bathrooms with running water and flush toilets.
If you're looking for something quieter with better lake access, there are other spots around Priest Lake I’d probably choose first. Still, Outlet works if you’re in a pinch or just want a quick nature getaway.
Equestrian camping near Ponderay, Idaho provides access to over 200 miles of trails through the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountain ranges. The area sits at an elevation between 2,000-4,500 feet, creating varied riding conditions from spring through fall. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during riding season, with cooler evenings dropping to 45-55°F even in July and August.
Fishing opportunities: At Round Lake State Park Campground, anglers can catch multiple fish species. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," notes Jason S., who appreciated the two fishing docks available at the park.
Horseback riding trails: The Cabinet Mountain area offers extensive trail options for riders. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," reports T&A Adventures about Pack River Dispersed Site, which serves as an alternative to more developed equestrian facilities.
Beach recreation: Sandy shorelines provide swimming and relaxation spots at several parks. "Lionhead is by far my favorite campground of hundreds I've been to... the beach is beautiful white sand with crystal clear water," states Scott B. about the beaches at Priest Lake.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers consistently receive positive mentions. "All of the bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily. The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," explains Heather M. about Lionhead Campground.
Convenient locations: Many campgrounds offer strategic positioning for exploring nearby attractions. "Easy bike ride to Sandpoint with lots of bike paths. Bathhouse and showers clean. Price great at $25 a night. Open till October 31st," writes Carol J. about Bonner County Fairgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to spot local fauna during camping trips. "Kayaking up the thoroughfare to the upper lake is a great workout with some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals along the way. You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears," shares Jeff W., who worked at Priest Lake State Park.
Weather variations: Early and late season conditions can affect camping comfort and trail access. "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable," notes Nic F. about winter camping at Round Lake State Park.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "The campground is spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room for RVs and other camping setups. They do not allow tents at this park," explains Melissa S. about her experience at Bonner County Fairgrounds.
Access limitations: Several horse camping areas have restrictions or seasonal considerations. "It's Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees! I get one bar of Verizon service but it's not very useful," reports Tee C. about Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp, a less-visited equestrian option.
Educational opportunities: Look for campgrounds with nature programs. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more. They also have boards to rent and games as well," mentions Heather M. about Lionhead Campground.
Swimming areas: Beaches with gradual entry points work well for children. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," notes Jason S. about Round Lake State Park.
Cabin options: For families wanting a camping experience without tents, cabins provide comfort. "Awesome guard station! Cozy little cabin type that fits a family of 4 perfectly. Right by the Bull River with great fishing and fly fishing areas and swimming in the Bull River," shares Corinne G. about Bull River Guard Station.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view! Bathrooms with vault toilets, water pump, and grey water dump all just a short walk away," notes Cody H. about Lionhead Campground.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigation on rough roads. "A few sites available along this road. Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful," advises Emma T. about Pack River Dispersed Site.
Site sizing: Research space requirements if bringing larger rigs. "The roads and sites are all paved. The price is reasonable for an RV park in the center of a busy resort area," explains Steve W. about Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, which offers more spacious options for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ponderay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ponderay, ID is Bonner County Fairgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ponderay, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Ponderay, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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