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Best Equestrian Camping near White Bird, ID

7 Reviews

The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area near White Bird, Idaho permits horses on many trails with primitive camping available. Seven Devils area is accessible by a 17-mile drive from the roadway, though the Forest Service does not recommend trailers due to difficult road conditions and single-lane sections in some portions. The steep terrain requires high-clearance vehicles, and campers should check with the ranger station about road conditions, especially before mid-June when seasonal closures may affect access.

Iron Phone Junction Campground offers several spots for horse camping with trailer parking available. The surrounding area features multiple riding routes for exploring both the Salmon River and Snake River drainages, with trails to Pittsburgh Landing and Kirkwood considered short day rides. High clearance vehicles are recommended as roads are steep in places. Most visitors are cattle ranchers in summer and hunters in fall. Forest Service maps are essential as many trails circle back to starting points. The area features steep terrain in Unit 18 with limited off-road travel opportunities but numerous on-road options.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near White Bird, Idaho (7)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near White Bird, ID

7 Reviews of 7 White Bird 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.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Table Meadows Campground

    Things change

    We used to pull horse trailers in there all the time - 20 years ago

    We won’t be pulling anything in there again. Gained some plumbing experience due to large “pot holes” that can swallow trailer tires whole.

    Forest service has forgotten about the road and let it fall into dismal shape. Would be best if traveled without a trailer and with 4x4.

    Campsites are there but grasses have overgrown most of the site.

    Assume that road is in poor shape and sites are best for tents.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Alyse L.
    Nov. 8, 2023

    North Thomason Meadows

    Wildflowers, raptors, beautiful views at the top of Imnaha Canyon

    I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

    This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

    *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

    The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

    Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

    Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

    Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

    This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

    I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

    I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

  • Jersey G.
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Nez Perce National Forest Five Mile Campground

    Fun Campsite

    Great little campsite.  There are actually two campgrounds across the road from each other.  The newer one is a wide open area while the older one is not conducive to larger 5th wheels.  

    I camped at the older one with my little 1960 Rolls Royal camper.  Fun trails all around to explore and I've heard you can pan in the creek.  

    It is reported the 2022 fire pretty well wiped out the area so camper beware...

  • Thomas K.
    May. 22, 2019

    Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho

    Seven Devils

    17 mile drive from roadway. Not recommended for any type of trailer; road can be difficult and is pinched in portions to single lane (substantial change in altitude from valley floor). Great hiking, fire lookout manned during portions of the year, vaulted toilets, check with ranger station on road condition before mid June.

Guide to White Bird

Idaho offers a stunning backdrop for horse camping enthusiasts, with diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails that cater to both riders and their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse owners

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Ruby Meadows Trailhead is a well-reviewed spot that allows fires and has toilets, perfect for a comfortable stay with your horse.
  • At the Nez Perce National Forest Five Mile Campground, visitors can enjoy a fun campsite with trails for exploration, although it’s important to note that there is no drinking water available.
  • The Table Meadows Campground is a more rustic option, featuring toilets and a remote setting, ideal for those seeking a back-to-nature experience with their horses.

Activities for horse camping enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near White Bird, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near White Bird, ID is Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near White Bird, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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