Windy Saddle Horse Camp
The campground typically opens in late June and remains open through fall, depending on snow conditions. Forest Road 517 is currently closed due to snow and generally opens when conditions allow in late spring or early summer.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
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.
About
Windy Saddle Horse Camp sits at the edge of the Hells Canyon Wilderness in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, serving as a base camp for equestrian access into some of Idaho's most remote backcountry. The campground offers 4 sites with long spurs designed to accommodate stock trailers, along with an overflow parking area at the upper end for additional trailers or day-use visitors. Facilities include hitching rails and a loading ramp for horses, vault toilets, and picnic tables at each site. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground is first-come, first-served with a self-service pay station. Access is via Forest Road 517 (Seven Devils Road), an 18-mile gravel road from Highway 95 that climbs steeply toward Heavens Gate Lookout. The road is narrow with tight switchbacks and is not suitable for low-clearance vehicles, large RVs, or inexperienced drivers pulling trailers. The road is closed seasonally due to snow and can be slippery when wet or frozen.
Directions
From Riggins, Idaho, travel south on Highway 95 for 1.3 miles to Seven Devils Road (becomes Forest Road 517). Turn right and continue 17 miles to the trailhead and horse camp road junction. Turn right at the junction and continue 0.1 miles toward Heavens Gate Lookout to the horse camp entrance road (one-way traffic). Follow this road to the horse camp. Advisory: FR 517 is steep, narrow, and not recommended for low-clearance vehicles, RVs, or trailers.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 523-6391 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!