Wildhorse Campground
01 reviewWildhorse Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No fees required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled beside the pristine waters of Wildhorse Lake, this intimate six-site campground offers a gateway to untamed wilderness adventure. From your tent, you'll wake to morning mist rising from the riparian meadow as birdsong fills the air. Two spectacular trails beckon from the campground's doorstep: one winds through the wildflower-dotted expanse of Tenmile Meadows into the heart of the wilderness, while the southern trail embarks on an epic journey to the distant summit of Sugarloaf Butte, promising breathtaking vistas for those who venture deep into the backcountry.
The Wildhorse Campground is a primitive facility with six campsites, emphasizing a natural, back-to-basics experience.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season paints a dramatically different portrait. Summer brings warm days perfect for lakeside relaxation and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, the meadow transforms into a golden tapestry. Winter cloaks the landscape in deep snow, creating a serene wonderland for the adventurous—though reaching this high-country haven requires careful planning as mountain roads become challenging. Expect heavy cloud cover, frigid temperatures, and substantial snowfall that can make access an adventure in itself.
ElevationPerched at 7,500 feet above sea level, this high-altitude retreat offers crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures even during summer's peak. The elevated setting provides stunning views but also means winter arrives early and lingers late—snow can blanket the campground from November through May, transforming accessibility into a seasonal consideration that rewards the prepared with solitude and pristine winter beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a verdant riparian meadow where Wildhorse Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks in its crystalline waters. This lush oasis, fed by mountain streams, creates a haven for wildlife and wildflowers alike. The meadow's gentle terrain contrasts beautifully with the rugged wilderness beyond, where trails disappear into forests and climb toward alpine heights. From the tranquil lakeshore to the distant silhouette of Sugarloaf Butte, the Gospel Hump Wilderness surrounds you with raw, untouched beauty.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape where Wildhorse Lake meets the Gospel Hump Wilderness, this campground occupies a unique ecological niche. The riparian meadow represents thousands of years of geological patience—carved by ancient glaciers and nurtured by mountain streams into a rare high-elevation wetland ecosystem that serves as a vital corridor between the lake's aquatic environment and the surrounding wilderness peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThere are six campsites available, but no specific information on their size is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information about site privacy is provided; the area is noted for its scenic and secluded setting.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNull
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but may not be accessible due to snow.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Wildhorse Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and scenic viewing. Winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may also be available depending on snow conditions.
Hiking
A trail from the campground leads into the Wilderness via Tenmile Meadows, and another trailhead south of the campground extends to Sugarloaf Butte, offering hikers unique opportunities to explore the area's rugged beauty.Fishing
Lake and pond fishing are available at Wildhorse Lake. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The scenic riparian meadow and wilderness areas offer excellent opportunities for observing local wildlife, though specific species are not listed.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are listed as recreational options, particularly when snow is present.Water Sports
No information on non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include snow accessibility issues and rough terrain on approach roads.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingGarbage services are not available at this campground. Campers are required to follow a 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresNear Wildhorse Lake.
Common complaintsLimited accessibility due to rough terrain and snow. No garbage service.
HostNull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom State Highway 14 turn south on Crooked River Road #233. Proceed through old Orogrande town site, past the junction with Big Creek Meadows Road #311 to Orogrande Summit and the junction with Road #233I. Turn right on Road #233I and continue 2.5 miles to campground (near the Gospel Hump Wilderness). Approximately 25 miles SW of Elk City, Idaho.
Limited accessibility due to rough terrain. Trailers are not recommended on Forest Road #233.Nearby places
Elk City: ~25 miles SW
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Wildhorse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Wildhorse Campground is highly valued for its natural beauty and remote location, though some highlight the difficulty of accessing the site due to rough roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenic location near Wildhorse Lake and the nearby hiking trails are commonly praised. One user stated, 'Once you get there it is worth it.'
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The primary complaint is the challenging drive to the campground, as noted by one reviewer: 'Bumpy drive up to Wildhorse campground.'
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should prepare for a bumpy drive and ensure they bring all necessary supplies, as there are no garbage services or potable water available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round but may be inaccessible during winter due to snow. Winter sports like cross-country skiing are popular during snowy months.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Bumpy drive up to Wildhorse Campground but once you get there it is worth it.' (Desiree Tarro, 2018)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual campsites within the campground are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss pet policies or pet-friendly features at this campground.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025