Wildhorse Campground

Star4.33
37 reviews
, Copper Basin Road, Trail Creek Road, Wildhorse Creek Road

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Seasonal operation f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Wildhorse Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night for overnight use at a single campsite. Payments must be made in cash or check. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
208-524-7500, None provided
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 37 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietpeaceful

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews for Wildhorse Campground are mixed but generally positive, with frequent mentions of the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Complaints often focus on overcrowding, road conditions, and limited facilities such as drinking water and power."

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Campground Map

, Copper Basin Road, Trail Creek Road, Wildhorse Creek Road

Wildhorse Campground

, Copper Basin Road, Trail Creek Road, Wildhorse Creek Road

Driving directionsFrom Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 16 miles north of Mackay to the Trail Creek Road. Turn left on the Trail Creek Road (#208). Follow this road 18 miles to the Copper Basin Road then turn left on the Copper Basin Road (#135). Follow this road 2 miles to the Wildhorse Creek Road. Stay to the right on the Wildhorse Creek Road. Follow the Wildhorse Creek Road 5.5 miles to the campground. From Challis: Take US Highway 93 south of Challis to the Trail Creek Road. Turn right on the Trail Creek Road. Follow this road 18 miles to the Copper Basin Road. Turn left on the Copper Basin Road. Follow this road 2 miles to the Wildhorse Creek Road. Stay to the right on the Wildhorse Creek Road. Follow the Wildhorse Creek Road 5.5 miles to the campground. From Sun Valley/Ketchum: Take Highway 75 (main street) to Sun Valley Road. Turn northeast onto the Sun Valley Road. This road turns into Trail Creek Road. Follow this road to the Copper Basin road. Turn right on the Copper Basin Road. Follow this road 2 miles to the Wildhorse Creek Road. Stay to the right on the Wildhorse Creek Road. Follow this road 5.5 miles to the campground.
The last 15 miles is unpaved and single-lane with few turnouts. The interior road is described as rough.
Nearby places
, Mackay, Challis, Sun Valley
Nearby supplies
Mackay is the closest population center with groceries and supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Wildhorse Campground

Open from late May through September, Wildhorse Campground experiences the full spectrum of mountain weather. Early season visitors should pack warm layers for crisp, frosty mornings that give way to brilliant sunny days. Summer brings comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, though afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. As autumn approaches, cool evenings return, painting the Aspens gold and reminding guests to bring that extra fleece.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and accessible in summer with good weather, but busiest and sometimes overcrowded on weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in ID

Quieter in September and aspen color likely; reviewers note reduced crowds and pleasant fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; early spring weather can be cold and variable, limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal operation May 22–Sept 30).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: , Summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Seasonal operation from May 22 through September 30.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Wildhorse Campground

Nestled within a pristine forest sanctuary, Wildhorse Campground offers an intimate escape with just 13 thoughtfully spaced campsites beneath a canopy of towering Lodgepole pines. This tranquil retreat embraces visitors with its hushed atmosphere, where sunlight filters through a mixed forest of conifers and shimmering Aspens. Each generously separated site provides a private haven in nature, while the surrounding Copper Basin's dramatic peaks create a stunning backdrop for your wilderness adventure.
The Wildhorse Campground offers a range of camping options in its 13 sites. The campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers, with no specialized accommodations such as cabins or glamping available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
,Not applicable.
Check-out
,Not applicable.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 16 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Wildhorse Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Highlights include direct access to the 2.5-mile Boulder Creek Trail for hiking, fishing opportunities with rainbow and brook trout in the nearby Wildhorse Creek, and wildlife viewing. The scenic views of the Copper Basin landscape are a notable attraction.
HikingThe campground is convenient to the Boulder Creek Trail #057, a 2.5-mile trail suitable for foot traffic. "Great hiking trails nearby" and "hiking to the old mine is great," as described by a user review.
FishingFishing opportunities in the nearby Wildhorse Creek include rainbow and brook trout. However, some reviews criticize the fishing access, stating it is "bad", while others enjoy the activity as part of their camping experience.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity at Wildhorse Campground. Visitors often report sightings of moose and other wildlife. "Gorgeous views, clean camp sights," and "the wildlife is beautiful and a pleasure to see," according to user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country. Wildlife and rugged terrain may pose safety concerns.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Wildhorse Campground

Reviews

4.3
37 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Wildhorse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Wildhorse Campground are mixed but generally positive, with frequent mentions of the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Complaints often focus on overcrowding, road conditions, and limited facilities such as drinking water and power.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, and abundant wildlife. Many reviews praise the spacious campsites and opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns mentioned by users include lack of potable water, poor road conditions leading to the campground, and overcrowding during peak times. Some users also criticize the lack of reservations and...
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Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, as all sites are first-come, first-served. Bring sufficient water and supplies, as there are no on-site services. Practice bear safety and prepare for rugged road...
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Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in the summer months, particularly on weekends. Reviewers note that it is quieter in September. Winter use is not applicable due to seasonal closure.
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to camp! Quiet and you might get a moose or two through your campsite like we did," "The sites are shaded by Lodgepole pines with some other conifers and Aspen trees mixed in," "Great...
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Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites adjacent to Wildhorse Creek are noted for their proximity to the water and scenic views. One site can accommodate multiple RVs, but no exact site numbers were provided.
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet policies were noted.
Based on 37 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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