Best Equestrian Camping in Idaho

One of the least populated states in America, Idaho is the third state that makes up the Pacific Northwest—besides Oregon and Washington. This is a large and wild state, spanning two time zones and stretching from the Canadian border all the way south to Utah and Nevada. Its vast tracts of old-growth forests, various subranges of the Rocky Mountains and Hells Canyon, America’s deepest canyon, make camping in Idaho an essential thing to do during any visit.

Idaho’s wide variety in landscapes and biotopes, from arid plains to towering mountains, from pristine forests to river canyons, attract an equally varied array of visitors. Fishermen are drawn to the state’s abundant and exceptional fish species. It’s the West’s only inland state where you can catch blue-ribbon trout as well as king salmon and steelhead. Mountain bikers, rock climbers, and boaters find delight camping in Idaho’s wildernesses.

Hiking and camping in Idaho is, however, arguably the state’s most popular outdoor pursuit. And it’s available all across the state. A particularly great destination is the Boise National Forest, the location of the awesome Red Mountain Trail. Other fantastic places to go backpacking and camping in Idaho include Craters of the Moon National Monument, the remarkable Bruneau Dunes State Park and iconic Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies in the state’s southeastern corner.

In the middle of southern Idaho lies Shoshone Falls, a series of huge cascades on the Snake River sometimes referred to as the “Niagara of the West”. The Snake River meanders its way further west, making up the northern part of the Oregon and Idaho border, and flows through massive Hells Canyon. Ten miles wide and almost 8,000 feet deep, this is the deepest river canyon in North America, an absolutely natural gem to explore when camping in Idaho.

Best Equestrian Sites in Idaho (89)

    1. Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-7919

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise."

    "If you don't want to leave Idaho but you want to feel like you're in the dessert, this is an awesome place to camp!"

    2. City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

    25 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 824-5901

    "City Of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho

    Fascinating, desolate, historical State Park."

    "Sites are dispersed throughout the entire park, as opposed to being condensed into one central location. It makes for some very unique and private sites - no two alike."

    3. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    25 Reviews
    Twin Falls, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 293-2426

    "Wonderful dispersed camping and close to town. Spacious sites with a picnic table. Area for horses. Pull in and pull through sites. Vault toilet."

    "There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9"

    4. Murtaugh Lake Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 539-1656

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Off the beaten path, the setting is worth it. Spacious camp sites, beautiful lake side setting."

    "Nice smaller county campground surrounded by farmland and on a lake. Not very busy for early June. Gravel interior roads and campsites with power and water. No sewer or dump station."

    5. Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park

    16 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 824-5901

    "Located about a 7-mile drive/walk to the entrance of City of Rocks, Smoky Mountain Campground is situated above the valley providing a wonderful view from many sites including space #19 where I parked"

    "Smoky Mountain campground is very close to the entrance of City of Rocks NR and just slightly further is Castle Rocks SP, however, the grounds are managed by the state park."

    6. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    16 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    Website

    "Dyrt found this gem of a free waterfront site while passing through SW Idaho."

    "Both the idaho power side and further down the gravel road gives you numerous options for camping. Dam makes for great fishing too!"

    7. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $12 - $29 / 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."

    8. Celebration Park

    12 Reviews
    Melba, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 495-2745

    $2 - $5 / night

    "It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby."

    "Sites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.

    Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up."

    9. Beaver Dick Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Rexburg, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 356-3139

    "But Beaver Dick Park is the perfect place to camp if you are looking for a campground that feels safe (close to other campers) while still having your privacy (trees between most campsites)."

    "It’s feels secluded but you are also near other sites so it still feels safe! It includes a playground and picnic areas that I’m sure would be great for families! I love this little park!"

    10. Casino Creek Campground

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

    $18 - $36 / night

    "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. "

    "There are a couple of trailheads right in camp which is cool, and there are dedicated spaces for equestrian camping."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Idaho

8 Photos of 89 Idaho Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews in Idaho

466 Reviews of 89 Idaho Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Not terrible

    A little bit misleading in the description. There are some established camp spots and then there is some “dispersed” camping. In reality the dispersed camping is more like established camping on BLM land.
    It can be a little bit confusing when you arrive but you take a right turn away from the welcome sign. You’ll travel by a boat launch on your left and some construction type equipment on your right as you travel down a dirt road. The mile or so is the established camping in Idaho Power property. It’ll be on your left as your drive. About 2ish miles in you’ll see a beat up sign marking the beginning of BLM land. After that there are turnouts for the “dispersed” camping. There are permanent fire pits and even some pit toilets so not exactly dispersed in the overland sense, but more like camping in the 80’s if you are old enough to remember that.
    You won’t need a 4WD rig. A front wheel drive sedan can do this drive, but the road is bumpy. It was dry when I went to maybe if it’s muddy it would be more treacherous.
    All in not a terrible camping spot. You’re right on the river and the bugs are too.
    Remember, kids, only trash leaves trash and don’t be the weirdos “out in nature” with your Bluetooth speaker blaring music.

  • C
    Feb. 17, 2021

    Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park

    Beautiful location on the edge of City of Rocks National Preserve

    The relationship between City of Rocks National Preserve and Castle Rocks State Park is still not clear to me as this campground appears on the National Park Service website, although it is an Idaho State Park. That said, the park rangers seem to work cooperatively. This campground is delightful. Located about a 7-mile drive/walk to the entrance of City of Rocks, Smoky Mountain Campground is situated above the valley providing a wonderful view from many sites including space #19 where I parked my campervan.  I believe the walking distance to the reserve could be shorter by taking any of the hiking trails from the campgrounds rather than going along the paved roads which first go away from the City of Rocks then back up again, making a big "U". 

    During my one-night stay in February, water, showers and bathrooms in the campground were closed for the winter season. A very clean, pit toilet is located in the equestrian parking lot across from the campground entrance. The distance from the campsites to the bathroom will vary from quite close to about 1/4 mile max. And during the winter season, there won't be much competition for the spaces close to the bathroom, as I was the sole user during my time there. 

    In addition to the breathtaking views, the sites offer privacy from 3 sides though all face the loop access road. There are picnic tables, fire rings and electrical power. I did not note if water was available as it would have been shut off in February in any event.  There is a dump station about 1 mile down the road toward the exit. I do not know if it is open in the winter.

    Check-in during the off-season is accomplished by envelope collected at the entrance or directly to the ranger who came by in the morning to check-in. The rate was $27 per night. Definitely worth the money to stay in this tranquil campground so close to the magnificent City of Rocks.

  • Anne E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Ricketts RV Camp

    Easy stop just across the bridge from Twin Falls

    Very easy access. 13 sites. A couple of pull thrus. Mostly back in. Over-size and equestrian area with a horse corral. 5 day stay. Clean vault toilets. No water. Security checks nightly. Absolutely no shade. Concrete table and fire pit. Gravel drive.

  • 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.

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    A hidden gem in Idaho!

    Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise. There is a small field of sand dunes in the park and the largest dune is the largest active dune structure in NorthAmerica. A couple of lakes and ponds are also found at the base of the dunes. There are 3 campgrounds in the park, one is an equestrian one. Only the outhouses are open in the winter and water and showers are turned off in winter but electrical hook ups are still available. Great views of the sand dunes from the campgrounds as well. Marginal cell reception with Verizon. Signal too weak for AT&T.

  • 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.

  • Beth M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Grayback Gulch Campground

    Location!

    Small campsite with well-spaced sites. Pretty good Verizon signal. Close to the road but not noisy. Close to Idaho City, which has awesome little spots. Shady, no morning sun. The real treasure is the nearby hot springs resort, The Springs at Idaho City. This is not a big kiddie swimming pool, rather it is a lovely, serene spot and by far one of the nicest in Idaho. They even serve IPA poolside!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Moose Creek Trailhead Dispersed Area

    Literally perfect

    The site is close to the highway, but like other reviewers mentioned, all you really hear is the little river running right next to the campsite, which was super peaceful. The river was very cold, but it felt great for a quick dip after a long day hiking in the Tetons. Since Idaho is currently under a burn ban, we couldn’t use the really nice fire pit, but the site did have a bear box which was great for peace of mind. Overall, a very solid camping spot

  • R
    Nov. 8, 2020

    Honeys Park

    Great spot

    This is a great location. The owner of the property, Scar, is very generous in offering his property for free to stay at to complete strangers. This is dry camping, no water or sewer. There’s a dump station with water close by off the main highway. He does have a few outlets we saw but didn’t use them. Owner is friendly and generous. We enjoyed the nightly campfire. Read his website before arriving, all he really asks for and be respectful. Craters of the Moon is not too far. We hope to stop by again one day. Idaho is beautiful.


Guide to Idaho

Idaho offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to both equestrian needs and outdoor adventures.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals