Wild Mare Horse Campground is situated 20 miles north of Bandon in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The campground has 8 sites designed for equestrian use, each with picnic tables and fire rings. Non-equestrian campers can use the facilities when space is available, though primary purpose remains horse camping. Access is via Bear Creek Road which connects to coastal Highway 101.
What to do
Equestrian trail riding: Horse riders access trails directly from Wild Mare Horse Campground into the Oregon Dunes. The campground serves as a dedicated base for horse owners. One camper noted, "This a more peaceful spot, without immediate engine noise but with plenty of room for human and horse at each site."
Beach exploration: Located 0.75 miles from Bullards Beach State Park Campground, the trail through dunes leads to expansive coastline. A camper shared, "We decided to stay here because you can hike from the campground through the dunes and to the beach. It was a beautiful .75 mile hike to a gorgeous beach."
Lighthouse visits: Cape Blanco Lighthouse, oldest on the Oregon coast, offers tours 9am-3:30pm Thursday-Monday. "The lighthouse is the oldest on the Oregon coast and you can get a tour of it," reports one visitor who enjoyed exploring this historic structure.
What campers like
Private camping spots: Bullards Beach provides natural buffers between sites. "Great camping location with lots of private spots with lots of trees and greenery. They have bathrooms and showers if needed. Close to beach and nice to walk around campgrounds with 3 camping areas," writes one camper.
Beach access options: Cape Blanco State Park Campground offers multiple beach access points from campground trails. "The Coastal Trail runs through camp and you can follow it North for a half mile through the trees while listening to the ocean waves," explains a frequent visitor.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive reviews. "Very clean campground with beautiful beach within walking distance. Clean bathrooms and showers! Will definitely return," notes a Bullards Beach camper.
Wildlife viewing: Wild turkeys are common at Bullards Beach. Morning walks provide opportunities to spot coastal birds. The dunes habitat supports diverse wildlife.
What you should know
Seasonal crowding: Summer months bring higher occupancy at all area campgrounds. Many sites require advance planning during peak season. Cape Blanco operates on first-come basis except for cabins.
Weather considerations: Coastal winds affect Boundary Campground and surrounding areas year-round. One visitor advised, "Be prepared for cold weather and misty air." Morning fog frequently blankets coastal campsites, clearing by midday.
Non-equestrian concerns: Recent changes at Wild Mare Horse Camp have created conflicts. A frustrated horse owner reported, "This is a horse camp, for people who have horses, NOT a car camp. It's not fair that car campers are taking reservation spots away from horse campers."
Dump station availability: Cape Blanco's dump station remains closed for repairs. "The dump station is closed because it's broken and they've been trying to secure funding to replace it. You will need to plan on using the dump station at the state park north or south of this park."
Tips for camping with families
Beach day planning: Pack extra clothes for children visiting Bullards Beach. "The campground itself was quiet and populated with wild turkeys. We were there off season, so we had no problem finding a site day of," notes one family.
Cabin options: Cape Blanco State Park offers reservable cabins ideal for families with young children. "The tent sites were great, but the cabins looked fabulous. The sites here really have a large amount of privacy compared to others on the coast," shares a family camper.
Nature activities: Collect huckleberries around Cape Blanco campsites in late summer. "Breakfast included huckleberries collected around my site," mentions one camper, providing a natural foraging activity.
Accessibility notes: Most trails from campgrounds to beaches involve moderate hiking. Paths typically range from 0.5-1 mile and may include dune crossings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Bullards Beach, A-loop provides most privacy for larger rigs. "A loop is the best loop of A-B-C loops for privacy. The walk to beach is about a mile but a fun walk with a great beach to walk on," advises one RVer.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. "Cell signal on Verizon was really low speed and mostly useable. But ATT was good with 5-7Mbs without using our outside antenna and cell booster, 10-20mbs when using it," reports one RVer at Bullards Beach.
Seasonal planning: Winter camping offers quiet experience but requires full hookup sites. October-April visitors should prepare for significant rain, with monthly averages of 5-10 inches.
