Whoop Um Up Campground (Equestrian)
4.5411 reviewsWhoop Um Up Campground, State Highway 21, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Whoop Um Up Campground (Equestrian)
$0.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Parking permits must be purchased online in advance for $65. Free parking is available at highway pullouts.
About this campground
Saddle up for an authentic Western camping experience at Whoop Um Up Campground, where six thoughtfully designed equestrian campsites await horse enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. Each site comes complete with sturdy hitching posts, convenient feed boxes, warming fire rings, and grills for evening cookouts. Fresh potable water flows throughout the grounds, ensuring both riders and horses stay refreshed after a day on the trails.
Whoop-um-up Campground is primarily designed for equestrian camping but also accommodates general camping needs.
Historical SignificanceJust 11 miles down the winding mountain road lies Idaho City, a living testament to the Wild West's golden era. Once a booming mining town where fortune seekers chased their dreams during the gold rush, this historic gem now offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the fascinating legacy of Idaho's mining heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this mountain retreat, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and summer brings gentle warmth to the pine-scented air. From mid-May through October, the campground comes alive as perfect camping weather settles over the forest, with comfortable days ideal for trail riding and cool nights perfect for gathering around the campfire.
ElevationPerched in the highlands near the majestic Mores Creek Summit, this mountain campground offers the crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures characteristic of Boise National Forest's elevated terrain. The high-altitude setting provides a refreshing escape from valley heat and stunning vantage points across the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a cathedral of towering pines, the campground unfolds as a natural sanctuary where wildlife roams freely and summer wildflowers paint the forest floor in vibrant hues. The melodic Crooked River winds nearby, while the spectacular State Highway 21 scenic byway invites exploration through some of Boise National Forest's most breathtaking landscapes, revealing endless mountain vistas at every turn.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast pine forests of Boise National Forest, the campground sits alongside the meandering Crooked River in a region shaped by ancient geological forces. The dramatic Mores Creek Summit towers nearby, part of the rugged mountain ranges that define this spectacular corner of Idaho, where rushing waters have carved valleys through granite peaks over countless millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeThere are six campsites, each suitable for equestrian campers. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. User reviews indicate that Site #2 offers the most shade and trees, while Site #5 has no shade. Sites #1 and #6 are described as decent pull-through spots.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site #5 due to lack of shade. Site #3 has limited afternoon shade. Site #4 offers decent mid-day and afternoon shade.
Best CampsitesSite #2 is noted for the best shade and trees. Sites #1 and #6 are described as decent pull-through options.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLayout includes six campsites equipped for equestrian use with hitching posts and feed boxes.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to Mid-October
Reservation PlatformsOnline park and recreation websites.
Walk-in AvailabilitySite does not explicitly mention walk-up availability for campsites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not specified.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, biking, and scenic driving. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Hiking
The area features numerous trails, such as the Crooked River (#158) and Beaver Creek (#276) trails. User reviews highlight trail systems that connect to Idaho City and offer spectacular views.Fishing
The nearby Crooked River offers opportunities for rainbow trout fishing.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the area. Specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by abundant wildlife and summer wildflowers.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. The campground's parking lot is popular with snowshoers and offers access to excellent trail systems.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within fire rings, but proper monitoring is crucial as unattended fires were noted.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours are not mentioned; one review suggests weekend noise issues up until 11 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsDangers include burned-out trees in some areas mentioned by a reviewer and wildlife encounters typical of forested regions.
Active alertsActive advisories not stated.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Idaho City Ranger District (nearest ranger services), Idaho City Medical Clinic (11 miles south), Boise hospitals (56 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to Mid-October.
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresNear Crooked River, known for fishing opportunities including rainbow trout.
Common complaintsReviews mention cleanliness issues with roadside bathrooms and enforcement lapses related to dogs off-leash and unattended fires.
HostNull
Campground Map
Whoop Um Up Campground, State Highway 21, Boise National Forest, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Idaho City, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 21 about 17 miles to the campground. You will pass Mores Creek Summit. The entrance is on the east side of State Highway 21.
Easy accessibility from State Highway 21, which is paved and generally well-maintained.Nearby places
Boise (56 miles, approximately 1 hour), Idaho City (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Lowman (approximately 65 miles).
Nearby supplies
Idaho City (11 miles) offers small grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Whoop Um Up Campground (Equestrian) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with positive highlights on cleanliness, trail access, and suitability for equestrian campers. Some negative feedback concerns burned-out trees, lack of shade in certain campsites, and occasional disturbances from noisy visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
The cleanliness of the campground and vault toilets is frequently praised. Visitors also commend the scenic trails and suitability for horseback riding and snowshoeing.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users note that certain campsites lack shade, particularly Site #5. There are also complaints about off-leash dogs, unattended fires, noisy motorbikes, and lack of ranger enforcement on weekends.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend avoiding weekends if seeking peace and quiet. Site #2 is noted as the best for shade, while pull-through sites like #1 and #6 are recommended for trailers.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is favored for hiking, horseback riding, and fishing, while winter is appreciated for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. However, weekends can be noisy due to off-road vehicles.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Clean campgrounds has an outhouse also the cleanest one I've ever seen.'
2. 'We did 65 miles of trails from this campground... incredible view of much of this region.'
3. 'Nice clean and...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is recommended for shade and privacy. Site #4 offers decent mid-day and afternoon shade, while Site #5 lacks shade entirely. Sites #1 and #6 are suitable pull-through spots.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users complain about off-leash dogs running through the campground despite posted leash requirements.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025