2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Whispering Pine Horse Camp accommodates equestrians with campsites specifically designed for horse trailers and tent camping. Larger vehicles can access the camp, which features picnic tables at each site and allows campfires when seasonal restrictions permit. The camp operates on a reservation system through the U.S. Forest Service, making advance planning essential for weekend trips. Sites are relatively private despite their proximity. No potable water or shower facilities are available, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. Users have reported difficulty finding available spaces when arriving later in the week, as non-equestrian campers sometimes occupy horse-designated areas.
Located near the Sisters region, the camp connects to multiple trail networks offering varied terrain for riders. Dry Lake Horse Camp provides an alternative equestrian camping option near the coast between Florence and Yachats, featuring horse corrals and pit toilets in a forested setting. The access road presents challenges for larger trailers with a sharp, immediate uphill turn from the highway. Horse Creek Campground in Siuslaw National Forest has gravel roads and corrals installed by local equestrian groups but has experienced increased use by non-equestrian campers. Trailer turnaround areas accommodate larger rigs, though campsites are positioned close together with limited views. Cell service is available for AT&T users, allowing riders to stay connected while on the trails.
"There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."
"The sites are sling the right side of the of the road, the road that leads along the left (west side) of the lake. There are several sites, we stayed in H2, which is painted on the road."
"Like most Oregon coast campgrounds, the summer months are very busy."
"4 1/2 stars for this sprawling, accessible campground, easy to find and close to so many things Shangra-La-ish about Newport and the Oregon Coast."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $90 / night
"Horse Creek is a great site for horse camping. Only two sites are for non-stock campers."
"Just south of Yachats, highway 101 makes a sharp turn with a steep drop, down to the beach."
from $10 - $44 / night
"Parks that are walking distance to shops and restaurants are such a treat. "
"The main draw of this campground is its proximity to the cute town of Florence. We don't tow a car, so being able to camp within walking distance of shops and restaurants is always a treat."
from $35 - $55 / night
"Small (only a handful of sites) campground with a moderate walk to the beach. The campground host was very friendly!"
"Close to the neighbors it’s pretty flat if you back up close to the rocks. The grounds and trail smell like horse poop. Goes away if the wind blows in an another direction."
"Lots of great trails to hike."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $30 / night
"When all other nearby campgrounds were full, we came here. Great spot in between Florence and yachats."
"So much better than those CGs next to highways and RRs"
"Dump station nearby. We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig. This worked out fine."
ScoutStopped in for a night. Nothing fancy but did the trick. Cheap wood nearby, up the road with the big mushroom. Used the fire pit to cook dinner. Generators are definitely allowed as some dude ran his all night… bathroom was clean considering what it is.
GuideThis dispersed campground allows a 14-day stay. Paved roads and a good variety of sized campsites. I found a cemented level slab to park my trailer on, however, this was the only site with a cemented structure. Lots of blackberries to pick, and very nice place to hike with your pets.
TravelerI am so grateful someone told me about this campground. It has old growth trees and 15 miles of trails. It is a campground for people with horses but two of the spots are for anyone. ( Also, you can camp in a site that has corrals.) No one will make you leave. I walked the trails every day through the gorgeous forest. Would definitely come here again. The only drawback is that the first three quarters of a mile off the highway are mostly a single Lane road. I drove slowly and honked at the two large curves. But there were plenty of people up there with horse trailers so evidently, it's not as much of a problem. Eric, the camp host, is a great guy.
GuideI loved it here. The spots are a little close where I was but at least there was a picnic table. I love the location most of all. You can hear the birds and watch the seals close up. Well kept park and good facilities.
RangerEverybody raves about this campground, but we found it just ok. This is a HUGE campground situated along the Oregon coast and Hwy 101. Actually, you walk under Hwy 101 to get out to the beach. There are 8 loops (A-H), that are a mix of yurts, standard tents sites, FHU (full hook-ups) and PHU (partial hook-ups) sites. Loops A, B, and groups sites are the closest to the beach, but also closest to the road noise from Hwy 101. The campground is nice, but there is not much privacy or space as sites are packed in close together. We lucked out in that our site, F14, was around a bend in the road and surrounded by shrubs. This was not the norm though from what I saw during our daily walks. As other reviewers mentioned, this is a very family friendly campground. There were tons of kids on bikes and scooters going to and fro. This caused a little bit of an issue when we arrived and were prepping to back our 32ft 5th wheel into our spot. I had to give a yell at some kids who kept riding their bikes behind our trailer as my husband was trying to maneuver the trailer. Not cool and not very good campground etiquette. I will say this though, when quiet hours rolled around, I didn't hear a peep out of anyone near us. A couple more things...I had no Verizon connectivity what-so-ever until I got to the beach. If you are in loops C-H, the beach is definitely not "steps" away. It was quite a walk from F loop and even farther if you camp at the back of H and G loops. Lastly, the dump station (sigh). There is one lane in the dump station. For such a huge campground that has only 53 full hook-up sites out of 257 campsites, one lane is not enough. We waited in the dump station line for 45-50 minutes before we could dump our tanks. Another issue is the pilot program that Oregon state parks is doing at some of their parks. The fee for the dump station is $10 for everyone unless you had a FHU site. There is a qr code that you're supposed to be able to scan and pay. Well, I still didn't have service at the dump station and my husband doesn't have a smart phone. I had to walk over and pay at the ranger station. We had an issue at another park as well, but that will be in the review for that park.
Another little note: we saw some dead birds on the beach. I reported this to the ranger station and she told me that unfortunately this is a normal occurance in August. The name escapes me at the moment, but this type of bird nests in the rocks and when a predator comes, they fling themselves off the rocks. So it is a normal thing in August, but just beware for when you go out on the beach.
Guide4 stars because ppl are packed in like sardines. Off season this place would be best.
This is August and of course there are lots of families with kids and adults seem to think it’s ok for them to scream around on bikes and e-bikes w/o any limits on speed and awareness of other people.
However there are a few nature trails thru some unbelievable old growth forest that is mind numbing beautiful!!!
It’s close to the ocean, so you can walk.
The campgrounds are long and spread out, the lower letters a-c have the best spots if you love the ocean. Also better WiFi signals.
There are a few people who think that they own the spots I guess and can be up doing their thing like this guy. It’s got a big ram truck. It seems to be moving his truck just to move it this morning and then later on and it loud. It’s 6:30 AM light is flashing right in my eye. I’m trying to enjoy my coffee.
Take away the people in this place would be stellar
Good access to the town. It’s only about 7 miles away to get supplies, but it’s quiet with the exception of the people and the forest is lovely.
TravelerStopped here for the night. Got the last open spot on a Tuesday. Got site 2. Close to the neighbors it’s pretty flat if you back up close to the rocks. The grounds and trail smell like horse poop. Goes away if the wind blows in an another direction. The trail to the beach has a lot of horse poop as there’s someone up the road that does horse back riding tours to the beach. Only a few sites we got luck and got the last available site on a Tuesday in July. Got site 2 it’s pretty level if you get up close to the rocks in the side. Campground host was very friendly. Cleanest pit toilet I have ever seen.
TravelerGreat staff and great overall place to stay
ScoutWe had a nice camp spot. Showers and restrooms not far away from any campsite. Will definitely return to this one.
Alsea, Oregon sits within the Coast Range at elevations between 300-600 feet, creating a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters. Rainfall averages 85 inches annually, concentrated between November and March. The forested terrain contains numerous horseback riding trails through Douglas fir and western hemlock stands, with camping options ranging from primitive to developed.
Trail riding opportunities: Access multiple trail networks from Whispering Pine Horse Camp where "The scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike." Forest roads connect to several loop options suitable for day rides.
Kayaking and canoeing: At Hult Pond Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating on the calm waters. "The pond was great for kayaking and there is plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike." Mornings typically offer the calmest water conditions.
Beach exploration: Camp within driving distance of coastal access points. Baker Beach Campground provides "a moderate walk to the beach. The walk to the ocean was through soft/deep sand." The campground sits just a quarter mile from shoreline access.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation. At Horse Creek Campground, "the sites are spread apart with lots of natural foliage between as a screen." This setup allows for quieter camping experiences even when facilities reach capacity.
Equestrian-focused amenities: Horse camps near Alsea include facilities specifically designed for riders. "Horse Creek is a great site for horse camping. Only two sites are for non-stock campers. The camp has no water or any hook ups but the corrals are pretty good except they can get muddy if manure is not carefully picked out."
Natural surroundings: The forests create immersive camping environments. Near Fawn Creek, campers experience "a refreshing experience, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The campground offers a quiet retreat with well-maintained facilities, making it a great spot for nature lovers."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Hult Pond, "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there." Pack paper maps and download any essential information before arrival.
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions. "We went during my spring break and I was lucky that it was too cold for most people to camp there. It was beautiful and quiet." Winter and early spring visitors should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing overnight.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Dry Lake Horse Camp, "The turn into this road from Highway is a sharp one and immediately uphill. Probably not for anyone towing large trAilers but if your skilled you can try it out."
Pack extra water: Many equestrian campgrounds lack potable water sources. For Hult Pond, one camper advised: "There is no water available here... this is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!" Estimate 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly locations tend to offer more space between campsites. At Beverly Beach State Park Campground, "Many if not most of the campsites are nestled between large trees, which gives them some privacy. Short walk to the beach and nature trails. Nice educational programs for kids."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer structured learning activities. "Great under Highway beach access. Nice spaced sites." Beverly Beach provides educational programs focused on coastal ecology specifically designed for younger visitors.
Fairgrounds alternative: When traditional campgrounds fill up, consider Polk County Fairgrounds for RV camping. "We stayed here for seven nights and we do it again! Electricity 30 amp and water at the post. Dump station nearby." Spaces cost $25 per night with a two-week maximum stay.
Avoid difficult turns with large rigs: RVers should research access routes carefully. At Hult Pond, one camper warned: "We have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn... if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!"
Consider electrical needs: Most horse campgrounds near Alsea lack hookups. "It is basically a Parking Lot at a fairgrounds with RV hook ups." Budget-conscious RVers can find better value at developed campgrounds slightly further from prime recreation areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alsea, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alsea, OR is Hult Pond with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alsea, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Alsea, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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