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GuidePack River Dispersed Site
Beautiful remote area
There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude.
Equestrian Camping near Metaline Falls, WA
6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Pack River Dispersed Site offers several remote riverside camping locations suitable for equestrians along Pack River in Idaho. These free primitive sites are situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Metaline Falls, with good access for horse trailers though some road sections feature washboard conditions and rutted areas. The terrain provides natural areas for horses with no formal corrals or facilities. Sites are positioned along the river, providing water access for horses, though campers should verify seasonal water conditions before arrival. The dispersed nature of these sites ensures adequate space between camping parties, making them ideal for those traveling with horses seeking solitude.
Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House, located north of Metaline Falls, provides another option for horse enthusiasts. The ranch offers reservable accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. The surrounding area features multiple trail systems accessible to riders. The natural setting includes sightings of local wildlife including deer and bears. The property includes trash service, toilet facilities, and showers. Access is via drive-in routes that can accommodate horse trailers, though some areas may have steep sections requiring care with larger rigs. Riders appreciate the off-grid experience with convenient amenities in a forested mountain setting.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Metaline Falls (6)
1. Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
"Wonderful camping sites, along with sites that accommodate RV campers, pull behind campers, and they even have small cabins to rent!"
"I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers."
2. Plowboy Campground
3. Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House
"Lots to do in the area if you like fishing, hiking, biking, horses, and much more. I had a great campfire and watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! "
from $50 / night
Check Availability4. Outlet Campground
"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."
5. Dreamswept Farm Resort
from $12 - $32 / night
Check Availability6. Pack River Dispersed Site
"Good for horses, camping and solitude."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 49 min from Spokane, WA
- 1 hr 56 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 3 hrs 33 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 31 min from Wenatchee, WA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Metaline Falls, WA
6 Photos of 6 Metaline Falls Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Metaline Falls, WA
20 Reviews of 6 Metaline Falls Campgrounds
- John W.
ScoutIron Mountain Ranch Screen House
Clean, quiet, spectacular location!
I enjoyed staying in the screen house cabin and will definitely be back. Lots to do in the area if you like fishing, hiking, biking, horses, and much more. I had a great campfire and watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! Also saw deer in the driveway and the night sky was awesome with NO lights in any direction except the stats!
Great hosts and everything you need!
John
- KKris F.
TravelerOutlet Campground
Little gem on the lake
Wow! What a find! My daughter and I booked site 11 unseen and we jumped for joy when we drove up. A tiny little piece of beach, huge tent/picnic area. 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. Close enough to clean bathroom and the hosts were super friendly.
- Theresa R.Scout
Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Tradition for me
Ever 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!!
- Jeff W.Scout
Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Worked the State Park for a summer.
I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers. The staff are all very friendly and nice to work with. The hand- scooped homemade ice cream is worth it alone! 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. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery as well. Hunt lake trail is a beautiful trail to hike, but not for beginners. Priest Lake itself is a little chilly when first getting in to swim, but is very refreshing in the mountain heat. There are many good places to pick huckleberries all over the area! The campgrounds at the Indian Creek unit, which is where the headquarters and store are located, are very clean. There are plenty of RV and tent camping sites and 5 cabins available to rent. All cabins sleep different numbers of people, ranging from 5 to 9, the moose cabin being the largest and nicest. The cabins have no bathrooms or kitchens but boast fire rings and are right across from communal park bathrooms and showers. The lion head unit on the upper lake is about 12 miles up the road from Indian Creek turning into gravel about 8 miles up right before moose lake. It has a few smaller camper sites and many tent sites available. There is a maintenance shed along with a small ranger booth which also serves as a small store with ice and other foods and small supplies. There are first aid kits and radios available at all campground ranger booths. Priest lake has amazing fishing for rainbow trout, Mackinaw (lake trout), smallmouth bass, and Pike minnow (as the main species). The nearest town, Coolin, UD, is about 12 miles down the road. It is a small town with a store, a diner and a bar/ restaurant. The diner and restaurant have decent staple foods for what they have to offer. The store is fairly small but generally has most of the foods and supplies needed for restocking your camping food or obtaining the odds and ends you may have forgotten or overlooked at home. All around it is a beautiful place to visit with friendly staff and locals and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable family camping experience.
Cody H.GuideLionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
You won’t want to leave camp
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
- Jessie Z.Scout
Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Car camping by the lake
Campground was clean and spread out. There was a day use peach nearby so was a little loud with volleyball players and day use people. The Lake is gorgeous! Paddle Boarding, boating, kayaking...all a great time!
Heather J.ScoutLionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Beeeeeautiful!!
It is a gorgeous area. Our spot was about 20 feet from the water. Sandy campsite is a nice change of pace from dirt ( although I love dirt😁). The staff were incredible friendly and welcoming. I am a solo camper +🐶 and I felt very safe here. Very family friendly place. I really just wish more places would allow dogs at the beach or even have a nice sectioned off part for the doggies. Very heartbreaking to be so close to that beautiful water and not be able to enjoy it because I couldn't bring my bestie. 😕 Otherwise, I love it and will return!!
Kathy B.
LegendLionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park
Way Up There!
Visited 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.
Guide to Metaline Falls
Dispersed camping opportunities near Metaline Falls, Washington include rustic sites along forest service roads and backcountry areas. The region sits at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet with dense conifer forests and numerous waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F while spring and fall bring significant temperature fluctuations requiring campers to prepare for unexpected weather shifts.
What to do
Horseback riding on forest trails: The trails surrounding Dreamswept Farm Resort provide access to varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels. Rebecca S. notes, "This place has whatever you are looking for in a campground. RV sites with full hookups for water/electric/sewer, there are outdoor or private indoor showers, it's ADA accessible."
Fishing local waterways: Accessible fishing spots can be found at Outlet Campground where anglers can catch trout species. "A tiny little piece of beach, huge tent/picnic area," reports Kris F. about site 11, adding that it's "close enough to clean bathroom and the hosts were super friendly."
Stargazing in remote locations: The minimal light pollution at remote sites creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. John W. from Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House shares, "The night sky was awesome with NO lights in any direction except the stars!"
Canoeing quiet waterways: Priest Lake offers paddling routes for various skill levels. Francie M. describes a memorable experience: "After the storm blew through, camp had been established and dinner was over, we set out in the canoe. It was Wednesday, in early summer. No other campsites were occupied on Upper Priest, we were the only ones there."
What campers like
Natural water access: Many sites feature direct water access for cooling off during summer months. At Lionhead Campground, Cody H. shares, "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!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife viewing. John W. mentions, "I watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! Also saw deer in the driveway," during his stay at Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House.
Trail connectivity: Equestrian trails in the area connect to larger networks allowing for extended riding experiences. T&A Adventures notes about Pack River Dispersed Site, "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking genuine backcountry experiences, Jill S. describes Plowboy Campground: "No car access which makes it much quieter and less used. I was there on a hot July weekday and there were only two parties camping, both which had come by canoe."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads to dispersed camping areas may deteriorate following weather events. Emma T. warns about Pack River Dispersed Site: "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites."
Campsite availability fluctuates: Higher elevation sites typically open later in spring due to snowmelt patterns. Scott B. shares about Lionhead Campground, "it's designed more for tent camping of very small rv's such as truck campers or tent trailers."
Water access for horses: Water depth and accessibility at river sites change with seasonal conditions. Not all river access points have suitable footing for horses to safely drink.
Out-of-state fee considerations: Non-residents should budget for additional fees at state parks. Buck notes, "All the state (not Federal) parks at both Priest and Lake Pend Oreille (Farragut) have become prohibitively expensive for out of staters."
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping options: Sandy beaches provide natural play areas for children. Crystal C. states about Priest Lake, "I've been to Priest countless times. Camp in the woods or on the beach. Upper or lower Priest Lake."
Educational experiences: The area offers numerous opportunities for children to learn about forest ecology and wildlife habitats. Jeff W. shares from his time working at Priest Lake, "You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing."
Cabin alternatives: Families wanting amenities while maintaining outdoor access can consider cabin options. Yuki B. mentions, "Indian Creek as a store and laundry facilities. They also have a few cabins to rent. Showers and rv slots available."
Pet considerations: Not all beaches allow dogs, which may impact family plans. Heather J. notes, "I really just wish more places would allow dogs at the beach or even have a nice sectioned off part for the doggies. Very heartbreaking to be so close to that beautiful water and not be able to enjoy it."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for equestrian camping: Choose campsites with adequate space for both your rig and horse trailer. Saraj B. cautions about Outlet Campground: "There's no trailer parking or good spot to anchor, so I decided to skip it this time."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly dispersed sites lack hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. Plan accordingly with sufficient water storage and power solutions.
Size restrictions: Many forest roads have width limitations or challenging turns that restrict larger combined rigs. Jessica B. notes about one campground, "The sites are super close together," limiting maneuverability.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation horse camping areas typically close by mid-October due to snowfall. Verify current conditions with ranger stations before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Metaline Falls, WA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Metaline Falls, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Metaline Falls, WA is Lionhead Campground — Priest Lake State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Metaline Falls, WA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Metaline Falls, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Metaline Falls, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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