Overnight Camping in a Sheepherder's Wagon

Here is something you don't see every day: an authentic sheepherder's wagon, available as an overnight rental.

The Girl Camping Girls encountered this unusual accommodation at a place called Mavens' Haven in Lucille, Idaho, on the Salmon River. It costs $50 a night.

Inside the wagon is an amazingly well-used dedication of space. A kitchenette and wood-burning stove are at your right as you enter. Along that long wall is a bench seat, part of which lifts up to reveal a commode for nighttime use.

To your left as you enter is this vanity area, complete with handmade soaps.

There's a step up to the bed that's up in the front half of the wagon. The rear window lets in plenty of light.

Here's another sheepherder's wagon on the same property, used as accommodation for an apprentice to the resident herbalist.

Another reason why we think Girl Camping travel is so great: You never know what will be around the next corner!

Addendum: The late Wally Byam, inventor of the Airstream and the pioneer of contemporary RV travel, was inspired by the rolling comfort and efficiency of sheepherder wagons. He tended sheep in Oregon as a boy, staying in wagons like those shown above, and remembered them when he set about to create his first travel trailer designs.