Equestrian camping near Thayne, Wyoming offers varied terrain across both Wyoming and Idaho. The region sits at elevations between 5,500 and 7,000 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45°F to 85°F. Horse-friendly camping areas connect to extensive trail systems in the Salt River and Snake River ranges, with several access points requiring high-clearance vehicles during spring months when creek crossings run high.
What to do
Mountain trail riding: At Cottonwood Group Campsite, riders can access multiple trail networks. "There are trailheads from the CG and from the south end of the lake," notes one visitor, highlighting connections to alpine terrain suitable for day trips or longer excursions.
Fishing from horseback: Near Palisades Creek Campground, equestrians can combine riding with fishing opportunities. "The lake has brown and cutthroat trout. They were jumping like crazy in the evening and the fly fishing was excellent," reports one camper who successfully used a yellow caddis fly.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening trail rides provide wildlife spotting opportunities. Horse campers should carry bear spray and store food properly, as one camper at Moose Creek noted: "Be cautious of bears as we arrived and found large bear droppings."
What campers like
Natural water access: The Spring Creek Trailhead area provides excellent horse watering opportunities. "The Greys River is right near camp as well as Spring Creek," making it convenient for horses needing water during hot summer days.
Established facilities: Some sites offer basic amenities helpful for horse campers. At Fall Creek dispersed, "Fire rings along the sites and level land" provide suitable spots for setting up horse camps, and the "easy access to streams" helps with watering needs.
Seasonal weather conditions: Late summer typically offers the most stable trail conditions. One rider at Hobble Creek noted, "Usually roads are not passable until almost July" due to high water and muddy conditions that make crossing creeks challenging with horses.
What you should know
Limited dedicated horse facilities: Outside of Cottonwood's equestrian area, most sites require self-contained horse camping setups. "The left fork goes to an equestrian area with a couple of non-equestrian sites also," explains one Cottonwood visitor, but most other areas lack corrals or dedicated horse infrastructure.
Road conditions: Many horse camping areas require navigating rough roads. A camper described Hobble Creek access challenges: "You need to cross Hobble Creek to get to the campground, which can be very high in early summer."
Grazing regulations: National Forest lands near Thayne generally require packed-in feed rather than grazing. One Fall Creek visitor warned, "Cows, cows not just passing thru, they are in the valley with you all the time," indicating grazing allotments may limit suitable camping spots.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water play: Families with both children and horses can enjoy dual-purpose water access. At Fall Creek, "Several spots have nice access to a stream that runs through that area which was great to play in with my pup!" providing cooling options for both horses and children.
Fishing opportunities: Combine riding with family fishing trips. At Sage Hen Flats Campground, "Good fishing and my kids loved floating the river," making it suitable for families who want both riding and water activities.
Berry picking: Seasonal wild berries add fun to family horse camping trips. Near Hobble Creek, "there were a lot of wild strawberries and raspberries in the area," creating educational foraging opportunities between trail rides.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Horse trailers with living quarters require careful site selection. At Cottonwood Lake Campground, "The road is mostly one lane, though a little wider in some spots, so if you are towing, hope you don't encounter someone coming the other direction."
Leveling considerations: Finding level sites for larger horse trailers requires advance planning. One Hobble Creek camper reported: "I had no problems pulling my 26' TT into here, but I don't know if I would attempt to bring anything in much larger than that."
Water management: Most horse camping areas near Thayne lack hookups. One Flat Creek visitor noted their site had "full hookups and amenities," making it potentially suitable for overnight stays between backcountry camping trips with horses that need cleaning.
