Best Equestrian Camping near Stanley, ID

Casino Creek Campground offers equestrian facilities along the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho. The campground includes dedicated spaces for equestrian camping with ample room for horses and trailers. Campers can access multiple trailheads directly from the campground, making it convenient for riders to explore the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains. The campground features vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and a hand pump for water. Both tent and RV camping are available, with sites that accommodate varying sizes of horse trailers. The dust from the campground road can be noticeable during busy periods, especially with increased traffic from fellow equestrians and their vehicles. Most equestrian sites are situated toward the end of the campground loop.

Trail access is exceptional from Casino Creek, with multiple trails suitable for horseback riding leading directly from the campground. A staging area for horses provides convenient access to the trail system that connects to the broader Sawtooth wilderness. The campground's location just minutes outside Stanley makes it convenient for riders needing supplies or services in town. Water access for horses is available at the Salmon River, which runs alongside the campground. During summer months, the campground can become quite busy with both equestrians and other outdoor enthusiasts. No reservations are accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served at $10 per night with senior pass discounts available. The area requires proper food storage as bears are known to visit the area. Cell reception is nonexistent for all major carriers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Stanley, Idaho (17)

    1. Glacier View Campground

    11 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 537-8888

    $26 - $52 / night

    "Of note, Redfish lake is within the 1416 square mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first Gold Tier site in the United States."

    "Located on one of the most beloved and popular lakes in the Sawtooth. Redfish Lake. And with good reason. It has, orgeous views sny kind of water sports you crave. Backpacking destination trails."

    2. Casino Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 727-5000

    $18 - $36 / night

    "Campground was right on the Salmon River and right off of the highway. Great location just a few minutes outside of Stanley,ID."

    "Central to everything Stanley can offer and the trailheads and river at the site give you plenty to do."

    3. Mormon Bend Campground

    7 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    6 miles
    Website

    "At first we were worried since it was right off the busy highway but it was an awesome place to stay for a few days. "

    "Convenient to Stanley, lots of things to do"

    4. Mount Heyburn Campground

    4 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "We easily found a great site that gave a view of Redfish Lake and the long stretch of lodgepoles behind us. Sockeye Campground was below us on the lake but you won’t even know from our site."

    "We went to investigate in order to report with first hand knowledge

    On one of the most beloved and popular lakes in the Sawtooth. Redfish Lake. Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave."

    5. Decker Flats Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    13 miles

    "There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well."

    "Close enough to Stanley but still a world away. I camped for two nights and it was chilly in July but so quiet and peaceful despite every other spot being occupied by an RV."

    6. Pettit Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    16 miles
    Website

    "Situated next to Pettit Lake this campground served as a base camp while we explored the nearby hikes (Alice & Farley). Helpful host. Clean pit toilet."

    "It's a great place to set up camp if you're doing the hike to Alice lake (one of the best hikes).The campground is conveniently located right next to the trailhead."

    7. Bull Trout Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Stanley, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    $15 - $75 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    9. Deadwood Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lowman, ID
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    "One of my favorite campgrounds in all of Idaho. The road out to Deadwood is only open a few months of the year. While the road out can be a little rough, the campground is well worth it."

    "Just 6 sites here (try and get #6, it’s really close to the river) on a traditional and ancient campsite that Native Americans used for a long time."

    10. East Fork

    2 Reviews
    Clayton, ID
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 879-6200

    $5 - $10 / night

    " This is a very well manicured campground that sits directly off of highway 75. It is very small and mostly sunny."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Stanley, ID

89 Reviews of 17 Stanley Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Mormon Bend Campground

    Very rugged

    This site was right along a river that was very beautiful but the campground was on higher ground so most people walked down to the entrance where you could get to the river or some people stood on the bridge to fish. Not all spots have trees, so be careful if you have pets. They did have three campsites for people with horses to camp. Not our cup of tea but if you are low maintenance or bring it all with you then this may be your pace. No other amenities. Right up the road from Stanley.

  • N
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Bull Trout Lake Campground

    Wonderful Hidden Gem

    This 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!

  • Michelle P.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Boise National Forest Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground

    Whoop Em Up!

    Quiet with restroom and clean water. Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps), but an absolutely gorgeous drive! Only downside is the flies late morning to evening. But overall an awesome 2 days of peace and quiet and no cell. Didn't hike, but plenty of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance.

  • H
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Free!

    Primitive campsites along the Salmon River. There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well. Beautiful views, close to Stanley for essentials.

  • N
    May. 14, 2019

    Casino Creek Campground

    Campground right on the Salmon River

    Campground was right on the Salmon River and right off of the highway. Great location just a few minutes outside of Stanley,ID. Campsites kind of seem on top of each other because there aren’t many trees in between for privacy. Size wise campsites are solid with plenty of room for whatever size tent you have. Fire pit and picnic table at each site. Would stay here again without a question.

  • Cody E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2021

    Mormon Bend Campground

    One of our favorite spots

    We stayed here in August of 2020. At first we were worried since it was right off the busy highway but it was an awesome place to stay for a few days.  We had two separate campsites and they were perfectly located for going back and fourth. You can fish or swim in the river on those warm days and it is close enough to Stanley if you need to resupply. The campground is also close to Yankee Fork. The camp host was friendly and made sure we were taken care of. I highly recommend this campground.

  • Becbecandbunny O.
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Pettit Lake Campground

    Amazing campground

    Situated 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.

  • A
    May. 8, 2021

    Mormon Bend Campground

    Great spot on the Salmon River

    Convenient to Stanley, lots of things to do

  • Charles M.
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Mount Heyburn Campground

    Beautiful and Quiet

    We stayed here for four nights the weekend prior to July 4th weekend. Our expectations were that it would be full and would be a bit difficult to find a site as it is first come, but we were wrong. When we arrived on Thursday morning the campground was almost completely empty. We easily found a great site that gave a view of Redfish Lake and the long stretch of lodgepoles behind us. Sockeye Campground was below us on the lake but you won’t even know from our site. The vault toilets were clean and maintained. There was a campground host on site who were friendly and provide firewood for $7 a bundle which was significantly better than in town at the Stanley market. There are several trailheads that are an easy walk through woods to find in Sockeye and trails that go around the lake with beautiful views. We will definitely be returning for another long weekend.


Guide to Stanley

Casino Creek Campground sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, positioned across the Salmon River from Highway 75. The campground offers access to multiple trail systems within the Sawtooth wilderness, with terrain varying from riverside flats to alpine meadows. Summer temperatures typically range from 40°F at night to 80°F during the day, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.

What to do

Trail access: Multiple trailheads start directly from Casino Creek Campground, making it ideal for hikers, bikers, and horse riders. "There is access to the Salmon River at the end of the campground road for bank/fly fishing; caught a nice rainbow trout," notes Fred S., who also mentions "the trails leading out of the campground are really good."

Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River provides excellent fishing just steps from campsites. At Mormon Bend Campground, you can fish directly from your site. Kimberly Y. shares, "You can fish from your camp site. No hookups but water is available. Plenty of space between sites."

Hot springs access: Several natural hot springs are located near Stanley. Aleisha R. from Casino Creek Campground recommends the location because "It was right up the road from the hot springs and away from the main tourist area."

What campers like

River proximity: Campsites along the Salmon River offer convenient water access. Laura M. describes Casino Creek Campground: "Most of the campsites sit above the Salmon River and just across the river is the highway so you will get some road noise. Toward the end of the loop is a horse camping area and staging area for ATVs."

Equestrian facilities: Dedicated horse camping areas accommodate riders with stock. Annie C. notes, "There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."

Dark skies: The Glacier View Campground (formerly Redfish Lake Outlet) offers exceptional stargazing. Jeremy A. explains, "Redfish lake is within the 1416 square mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first Gold Tier site in the United States. The result is world class spectacular night sky astronomy unimpeded by light pollution."

What you should know

First-come basis: Most equestrian sites operate on a first-come, first-served system. For Pettit Lake Campground, Lisa H. notes, "The sites all had fire rings and picnic tables. The sites were spacious."

Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly year-round. Miles G. from Mount Heyburn Campground advises, "Come prepared for cold nights even in the summer. Water will be just as cold unless its August."

Limited connectivity: Cell reception is virtually nonexistent throughout the area. Laura M. reports about Casino Creek Campground, "Zero cell reception ATT, Verizon, or TMobile."

Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds shut off water in fall. Laura M. mentions about East Fork, "It's $10/night, $5/night when the water gets shut off generally around October."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stanley, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stanley, ID is Glacier View Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stanley, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Stanley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.