Windy Saddle Horse Camp
Closed — Likely closed for the winter season due to snow and road conditions. Forest Road 517 is not recommended for trailers in late fall and winter when it becomes slippery. The campground typically operates seasonally when road conditions allow.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:23AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Stagnation conditions will trap pollutants, leading to deteriorating air quality. * WHERE...Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River Region, Orofino/Grangeville Region, Southern Clearwater Mountains, and Northern Clearwater Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the build up of pollutants near the surface.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Occupancy and Use of Wild and Scenic Snake River Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Prohibitions on all National Forest System Lands with in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a 1/4 mile of the Snake River Between Hells Canyon Dam, river mile 247.5, down stream to the Oregon-Washington boarder at river mile 176.0.
Forest Order: HCNRA Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System Landswithin the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a ¼ mile of the Snake
Forest Order: Anthony Lakes Over-the-Snow and Wheeled Vehicles
Prohibitions on vehicle use off road in areas around Anthony Lakes.
Forest Order: Tri-Forest 14-Day Stay Limit
Prohibitions for camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period.
Forest Order: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Domestic Sheep and Goats
Prohibitions on possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
About
Windy Saddle Horse Camp is a specialized equestrian campground situated at 7,700 feet elevation on Windy Saddle above the Hells Canyon Wilderness in Idaho. This small, rustic facility offers 4 campsites specifically designed for horse camping, with long camp spurs to accommodate trailers, hitching rails, a loading ramp, and an overflow parking area for stock trailers or day use visitors. The campground serves as a primary access point to the Hells Canyon Wilderness from Idaho, providing direct access to Seven Devils Trail #124 and Sheep Creek Trail #53. The location offers spectacular views of the Seven Devils mountain range and the Hells Canyon area. Access is via Forest Road 517 (Seven Devils Road) from Riggins, Idaho, though the road is very steep, narrow, and not recommended for low clearance vehicles, RVs, or vehicles pulling trailers. Campers should come prepared with their own water, as none is available on-site. Wilderness regulations apply within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, prohibiting motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hang gliders, and other mechanical equipment. The remote, high-elevation setting makes this an ideal base camp for experienced horse campers seeking backcountry adventure in one of the deepest canyons in North America.
Directions
From Riggins, Idaho travel south on Highway 95 for 1.3 miles to Seven Devils Road (becomes Forest Road 517). Turn right on Seven Devils Road and go 17 miles to trailhead and horse camp road junction. Take a right at the road junction and continue towards Heaven's Gate Lookout for about 0.1 miles to the horse camp entrance road. Forest Road 517 is very steep and narrow; not recommended for RVs, low clearance vehicles, or vehicles pulling trailers.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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