Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Sawtooth National Forest? Finding a place to stay in Idaho while traveling with your horse has never been easier. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Glacier View Campground is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake, beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range, at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
Glacier View is in the heart of the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Redfish Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Little Redfish Lake is just down the road, offering additional fishing and canoeing. The Redfish Lake Visitor Center is within 1/4-mile, offering interpretive activities, evening programs and wildlife, geology and historical exhibits.
Summer wildflowers are plentiful, lodgepole pines provide partial shade and Fishhook Creek is nearby. Temperatures are cool, with an average summer high of 78 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a myriad of excellent hiking and biking opportunities; an estimated 750 miles of trails crisscross the valley and surrounding mountains. Alpine Way, Fishhook Creek, Redfish Lake Creek and Bench Lakes Trails all offer trailheads in the immediate area. The Idaho Centennial Trail passes nearby. The Salmon River offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat trout and occasional hybrid cutbows and bull trout. Popular area events include an Arts and Crafts Fair in July, and Wagon Days, Salmon Festival, Quilt Fair, and Fireman's Ball in September.
$40 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the__Recreation.gov__mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free__Recreation.gov__mobile app__https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app\_\_prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Casino Creek Campground is composed of 19 sites including 2 double-sites along the Salmon River. Sites 18 & 19 are for tent camping only and sites 12, 13 and 14 accommodate livestock tethered to hitching rails. Casino Creek trailhead is located within the campground leading to trails along Big Casino Creek and Little Casino Creek which lead to the Casino Lakes in the White Cloud Mountains to the east and the Sawtooth Mountains to the west. This area is terrific for fishing and hiking along the beautiful Salmon river and surrounding creeks. All sites are first-come, first-serve.
$18 - $36 / night
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Bull Trout Campground is located on the shores of beautiful Bull Trout Lake at an elevation of 6,900 feet. The lake offers great fishing and canoeing opportunities. Many trails for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding are in the area. Only equestrian users may reserve equestrian sites. If an equestrian site is not reserved, it may be occupied by other user groups on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bull Trout Lake offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities, as the lake is for non-motorized watercraft only. Anglers fish for brook and rainbow trout. A primitive boat ramp is located on the west side of the lake. Martin Lake is nearby, offering canoeing and fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Many miles of trails can be found in the area, including the 11-mile Warm Spring Trail for hikers. The 35-mile Kirkham Ridge Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking.
The campground is situated in a mixed-growth forest of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant.
$15 / night
5500-foot elevation. This site is nestled between the main Salmon River and the mouth of the East Fork of the Salmon River, four miles north of Clayton on Highway 75. 10 campsites at the confluence of the East Fork and the main Salmon River. Fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, steelhead and whitefish. Head down East Fork Road to enjoy the wildlife viewing area in the East Fork of Salmon River Canyon.
$5 - $10 / night
Legend
Camped in site #15 on Sept 27, 2024. Paid $10 with senior pass. Nothing remarkable about the campground itself, but the trails leading out of the campground are really good. There is access to the Salmon River at the end of the campground road for bank/fly fishing; caught a nice rainbow trout. Sites along the river appear larger than those backing up to the hill. The river side sites are open sky, good for solar recharging and Starlink. The sites across the road have partial shade. There were a few pull-thrus; otherwise, back-ins. Campground is popular for OHV enthusiasts and hikers. Most sites are close to the dusty campground road. Vault toilet was not quite clean, although it was at the end of the summer season. There is a hand water pump. Site 15 is a small, almost level site with a pea gravel surface; it appeared to have a tent pad at the rear. This site has a table and metal fire ring. There is road noise from highway 75 across the river. It was very busy here during our stay, probably because forest service campgrounds west of Stanley were closed due to wildfires. There were a lot of drive-bys on the campground road. Nearby travel trailers with large noisy families kind of ruined the ambiance of this small campground; did not respect quiet hours. Campground probably okay for an overnight stay, fly fishing on the Salmon River or for accessing the trailheads. Overall, I did not enjoy camping here. I did, however, enjoyed hiking and fishing here. I am not likely to camp here again.
Guide
I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.
GuideThis was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!
Guide
Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.
Ranger
Spend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here.
Traveler
We drove in on a late Thursday night, June 27th, to find the entire campground packed, and even struggled to find a dispersed camping site nearby. It's a great spot, but for it being a Thursday night, expected to find a bit more available.
ScoutWe love camping in this campground. The reason for only three stars is because of the extremely rude behavior of the"camp host". We will not be going back as long as she is still there. This is our third time camping there and we have never seen treated so poorly by a camp host.
Guide
This is a fee based campground with a host that offers a first come first serve camping experience. We got in late in the day and were happy to find a spot. The ground was a bit limited for tent camping but we ended with a great location near moving water. The sound of water created a very serene environment for rest. The real treat came when we saw the beauty of the night sky unencumbered by city lights; the Milky Way was on full display.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet area along a creek and against the forest.
Guide
The first part of the road allows for 3-day max camping, but a little further in, you’ll hit 16-day max stay! The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream. Still further in, you’ll hit a Y in the road. The right side leads you to a small parking lot with bathrooms and access to a small pond, the left leads you up to more sites. Not too far past the pond, the dirt road is less smooth and has tall grass growing in the middle of the road. I scored a gorgeous site, with a campfire pit already established. The site overlooks the pond, with the Sun Valley Ski Resort seen in the distance and has a gorgeous Mountain View on the opposite side. Absolutely stunning! Plenty of ground squirrels and butterflies and have only seen 2 cars all day.
ScoutI arrived July 3rd, the first of a group of 8 ladies from Salt Lake City, UT. Driving up to the campground I was in awe by the views of the mountains, the streams, rivers, lakes, and campground.
As soon as I drove into the campground the host, Kelly greeted me with a huge smile and willingness to find me the perfect spot for me and the ladies.
Never in all of my camping experiences have I ever had a host that is not only 100% invested in his grounds but as well as his guests. I watched him closely. He knew all of the names throughout the campground. He would stop and visit multiple times to check on us. We connected and he is a friend for life now.
He kept his campground spotless. When I got there my spot was beautifully raked. It was amazing. He is amazing.
If you have the choice between any lakes in this area, you need to choose this one!!
Thank you Kelly for making our trip so amazing and memorable! You are the best!!! You truly are an awesome guy!
ScoutThis was a quiet place across the river from the main road. Clean and well kept. It was right up the road from the hot springs and away from the main tourist area . Will visit again. 😊
TravelerThis campsite was a little slice of heaven, I honestly contemplated reviewing it because it want to keep this gem hidden. We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite had been moved. We drove down the dirt road a little more and went to our new site, as well pulled up we were greated with the best lake view and a massive campsite. There isn't that many amenities at this campsite, it's a pack in pack our but there is a dumpster and vault toilets one for every I'd say 8 or 9 sites. The views were the best part, the camp hosts were kind and frequently driving through to make sure we are ok. They do sell wood bundles for $5 which was great because we ran out of wood multiple time and driving to Stanley they wanted $13 a bundle. This is now our favorite campsite and we will for sure be back!
ScoutMurdock campground has been lovely. There are 11 spots each with a picnic table, partial shade, and fire ring. There are two pit toilets and drinking water that is ice cold coming out of the tap. The camp hosts have been absolutely wonderful. The only downside is that the air quality is pretty bad due to fires in the surrounding areas.
ScoutGot here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in. Found a spot up the way by the creek that was further away from being around everyone there for a more secluded feel. Clean and easy.
LegendWe LOVED our campsite at Bill Trout Lake. We had a lakefront spot, tons of trees around, and enough space to have privacy from other campsites. All of the campsite we’ve seen were very spacious. We had a camper van and other people had tents. The sites fit a 5-person tent plus a 2 person tent, hammocks, camping table plus camping stove. Each site has a concrete picnic table and concrete benches. All of the lakefront sites on our side had individual access to the lake. The lake is shallow and perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. We saw one person fishing! This campsite is remote, no cell phone signal and that’s what we were looking for. We were able to disconnect, relax and reset! We had our dog with us and were able to have his lead tied to two trees to allow him to run from one side to another. Tons of chip monks (drove him nuts LOL). We saw a lot of chip monks and pretty birds. Thanks fully we did not see any bears although it is bear country! There was one bathroom by our campsite. Super clean, the campground manager came around everyday to check on the sites and she made sure only those who had a reservation were there. We had a beautiful view of the lake. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I read a book in two days! We definitely want to go back. Our campsite was number 5 and my favorite. Great shaded area. We liked the fact there was a lot of space and you are not on top of one another. We had a camper van and it got a bit chili at night but we had blankets so we were fine. There’s a small area for kids to go biking around these campsites. The closest grocery store and gas station is about 45 minutes from the campground so make sure you have everything you need, unless you plan on driving around! The roads are not paved so make sure your tires are in good conditions so you don’t get a flat. You would be on your own cuz there is no cell signal until you are back on the road (freeway/highway). Well worth the trip! We were there in the middle of the week so it wasn’t busy but it started getting crowded as we were leaving (on a Friday). We would recommend this campground! Get a lakefront spot, bring enough food, drinks, water, a paddle board or just your camping chairs, enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and mountains, disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and have fun!
RangerSituated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet. Water accessible in an adjacent trailhead (Tin Cup) parking lot. Campsites are well spaced. All sites are FF. $18/night. No cell coverage.
Only concern we had was that our site #13 was buggy given its proximity to the lake. Next time we will pick a site farther from the lake.
Guide
Nice and quiet campground close to highway 21. We arrived on a friday night without reservations and there was plenty of space.
Legend
Another campground close to Hwy 75. This campground has paved drive throughout the campground with paved parking pads at the sites. There is also a groomed area at each site for tents, which were nice and flat and clean. There is a host on site at this campground.
Hand pump water, toilets, and dumpsters for trash though no recycling. The host had firewood for sale ($10) but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. Sites were level and some with shade but over all lots of sun. This place had a very open layout.
Quite a few campers were there compared to the others we’ve stopped at along highway 75 through Sawtooth National Forest along the Salmon River. Each site had the standard picnic table, and fire pit but as mentioned above there also had tent pads. Area was clean and appeared well maintained. This campground is nice and spread out but being right on the highway with minimal trees to block some noise the road noise was constant, at least during midday/midweek.
$18/night
Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon or TMobile
LegendAnother nice first come first serve campground along the Salmon River. Cross the bridge off of Hwy 75 and keep driving down a dusty dirt road to the campground. There is also private property near here so stay to the main road.
Most of the campsites sit above the Salmon River and just across the river is the highway so you will get some road noise.
There were a couple of hike-to sites as well (#18 + 19), where you park your car in the designated area then take your stuff up from there. Toward the end of the loop is a horse camping area and staging area for ATVs. There are plenty of trails for various activities for this place: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, ATV use, and Fishing.
There are pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, dumpster but no recycling, and hand pump water. Some sites are small but there is plenty of room near the end for bigger rigs. Parking at each site varies by levelness or size.
There was only one other camper there. Shade/sun mix for all sites.
Store food appropriately as there are no bear boxes and bears do come to this area.
Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile.
Scout
When the water is high, and you have a boat available the lake can make the trip almost bearable. However, the high costs, terrible spot organization, continuous UTVs on the road, and overall maintenance at this campground really tend to kill any good vibes you may have had on the water. We have tried coming here multiple times and always are underwhelmed with the results. Also, if you by chance were thinking of staying in the "resort" expect higher than normal prices for a room with a bed and bathroom, no services are provided (including cable), they do however have a dvd collection you may barrow from if you are in need of something on the tv.
LegendThough this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?) type sites with covered picnic table and a fire pit. There are also pit toilets and a hand pump water spigot. There is also a boat ramp and a day use area.
The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly.
No privacy here and lots of road noise but you get to see the river and the meandering cows across the river.
Did not see any wildlife unless you count the swarms of tiny bugs of the variety that squeeze their little bug bodies through your screens.
Zero cell reception ATT, verizon or TMobile. The WeBoost was able to give us bars of LTE but still was not very usable.
Good for an overnight but not much around to keep us occupied for anything longer.
LegendThis forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road.
The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point.
There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.
There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade.
The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you.
Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.
Legend
This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny. There are nice lush grass areas where the sprinklers were running and was very tempting to just lay there after a hot drive.
Sites are close together, lined up along the outer edge of the loop, and there is zero privacy. The picnic tables are covered with a shade structure and there are fire pits. Also toilets and water.
A friendly host was also on site. Sites very in size but we saw a couple of bigger trailers there.
There was a dumpster for trash but no recycling. The campground sits well above the river and very close to the highway so there is road noise.
It was nice but we did not stay here as it seemed cramped and there are too many free options in this area.
$10/night
$5/night when the water gets shut off generally around October.
No cell reception for ATT, Verizon or TMobile
ScoutGood spot not too far back the road. About 12 sites here. First come. Set against the side of the mountain. Simple bathroom. Nice creek running nearby. Quiet with good chance at wildlife sightings.
Ranger
Come prepared for cold nights even in the summer. Water will be just as cold unless its August but it's refreshing and extremely clear. Clean campground with fire ring. Camp hosts were very nice.
RangerFamily reunion just up the road from bull trout lake next to what we call "Frog Lake". Frog lake is up the road from Bulltrout on one of the smaller ponds. It was a little dry this year so the pond was at a lower level than normal. Still lots of trout in the pond and saw about an Osprey catch fish every morning.
Horse camping near Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sawtooth National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sawtooth National Forest is Pettit Lake Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sawtooth National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Sawtooth National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
