Hares Canyon Horse Camp at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park features horse-friendly camping facilities approximately 25 miles west of Hillsboro. This equestrian campground offers pull-through sites with 50-amp electrical hookups and water connections specifically designed for horse trailers and RVs. While no dedicated horse corrals are mentioned in the data, the campground provides accommodations for tent and RV campers with horses. The park maintains a network of trails accessible directly from the camping area, making it convenient for riders to explore without having to trailer their horses to trailheads. Sites are reservable and pets are allowed alongside equine companions. Camping areas remain fairly spacious with good room between spaces, creating a peaceful setting for both horses and their owners.
The trail system at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park connects equestrian campers to extensive riding opportunities throughout the 1,800-acre park. Riders can access miles of forested trails directly from the horse camp, with routes suitable for various experience levels. The Banks-Vernonia Trail, a 21-mile paved path, runs through the park and provides additional riding options along its parallel horse trail. Trail conditions generally remain well-maintained with renewed signage making navigation straightforward for first-time visitors. The park's location provides a convenient base for day rides while being close enough to Portland for easy access. When planning a visit, equestrians should note that advance reservations are recommended as this is a popular destination, particularly during summer months. The campground's proximity to Hillsboro (approximately 45 minutes) makes it an accessible weekend destination for local horse owners.
$24 - $39 / night
"I live in Hillsboro, so it's a quick trip out there provided there is availability."
"Top reasons I love this campground:
- So easy to get to from anywhere in northwestern Oregon; especially the Portland area
- Open year-round
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Great hiking and"
$40 / night
"Arrived here late for a single night stay on the way to the Oregon Coast. This is a very convenient stopover for those needing a place to stay near Portland."
"The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions."
"Driving up there the way we drive (from Vancouver) you go up through ranching/farming territory and it’s nice and green and pretty, so it’s nice getting there."
"Hiking around the lake is a great way to start and/or end you day while staying at Battle Ground Lake SP. Horses are welcome. There are cabins available also. Several sites overlook the lake."
$8 - $78 / night
"It has wonderful hiking trails. There is swimming available in the warmer months in the Clackamas River. Horse trails for equestrians and fishing!"
"A short hike will take you right to the river and there’s plenty of nice trail to explore. If stepping around occasional horse poop isn’t your thing, maybe skip the hike though."
$39 / night
"Hares Canyon Horse Camp is one of three campgrounds in Stub Stewart State Park and unlike other horse camps which often allow the overflow of tenters and rv'ers without horses, this horse camp is equestrian"
"I don’t have a horse but I still stayed here! We were in the area, struggling to find a place to camp. After 7 pm, the campground let us set up camp in an empty equestrian campsite. Unique experience!"
$33 - $39 / night
"One of our favorite Oregon SPs. In the middle of a mountainous forest with lots of hiking, paved path & mtb biking, disc golf, horse trails and more."
"Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up."
$25 / night
"Great access to the river to keep cool in summer. Nice sandy beaches. Park also has a lot of sheltered picnic areas and playground.
Multi-use trail great for short runs and apparently horses.""Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."
$25 - $69 / night
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Really cool atmosphere just steps away from the beach. The sounds of the waves can be heard right from your site. Nice facilities. Yurt is highly recommended and sleeps 5."
$22 - $64 / night
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain."
TravelerIf you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts.
Legend[ PROS ]
We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights. Man, it was so amazing. It was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.
A family of deer visited us every single morning/night during our stay. We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park is nestled in lots of beautiful, lush greenery. There are lots of birds, plants, and other wildlife to observe. We loved hearing coyotes yapping in evenings from the campground.
It's very peaceful and serene here. It's right by the beach and an easy walk to the coast. We also got to visit Manzanita for a little day trip and had lunch out there. Such a cute little coastal town worth checking out.
Free hot showers and really nice restrooms. I'm starting to realize that Oregon State Parks are SOOO much superior to California State Parks. The amenities at all the Oregon campgrounds I've visited are wonderful. We definitely got spoiled by camping in Oregon that it will be hard going back home to California
Very close to stores, restaurants, and gas stations if you need to pick up supplies.
[ CONS ]
ScoutGreat place to camp. It has wonderful hiking trails. There is swimming available in the warmer months in the Clackamas River. Horse trails for equestrians and fishing!
LegendHares Canyon Horse Camp is one of three campgrounds in Stub Stewart State Park and unlike other horse camps which often allow the overflow of tenters and rv'ers without horses, this horse camp is equestrian only.
The Campground is set up in one loop and offers both single and double sites, ADA facilities, showers, toilets, and trash. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a corral. There is a double corral on the double sites.
You must clean up after your own horse. Manure bin as well as shovels/brooms are provided onsite.
In mid May, the sites were very wide open.
GuideI don’t have a horse but I still stayed here! We were in the area, struggling to find a place to camp. After 7 pm, the campground let us set up camp in an empty equestrian campsite. Unique experience!
TravelerOne of our favorite Oregon SPs. In the middle of a mountainous forest with lots of hiking, paved path & mtb biking, disc golf, horse trails and more. Well maintained full hookup sites with 50amp, most 63' long. The park has recently renewed trail signage.
GuideReally cool atmosphere just steps away from the beach. The sounds of the waves can be heard right from your site. Nice facilities. Yurt is highly recommended and sleeps 5. Really liked that each yurt had its own deck, picnic table, and fire pit. The shrubbery around the campgrounds was really cool and offered extra privacy. They also had equestrian sites as well as tent and electric RV. Cannot wait to go back my only regret was that we couldn't stay longer!
LegendWe had the campground to our self midweek. This is a wonderful campground far enough off the beaten path and being listed has a horse camp most likely keeps the crowds down. While this is a horse campground, only 8 of the sites are for horse campers, a small tent/RV camping loop of 3 sites is also available, but the parking pads are small so don't think most RVs will fit in the spots. Each campsite has a picnic table and metal fire ring. Nice flat ground for your tent with plenty of shade from the large trees. Campground has a hand pump for water. Dish wash stations are through out the campground for pouring out you dish water. The horse camp sites all have corrals for the horses. Nice hiking trail starts at the tent camping area, "Big Tree Trail" will take you past some monster sized trees. This will be a campground we return to the next time we visit Oregon
GuideTHE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain. Saw all but the northern most two falls while hiking the trails. So many more to hike! Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground. RV dump at the horse camp turnoff. I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time! We rate this one an 8.
Equestrian camping near Hillsboro, Oregon offers riders direct trail access from designated horse facilities approximately 25-45 minutes from town. The forests surrounding Hillsboro include stands of Douglas fir and alder at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet. Weather conditions vary seasonally with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall campers should prepare for potential rain.
Disc golf adventures: The extensive disc golf course at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park provides a recreational alternative for non-riders. "The park maintains many hiking trails of varying length, access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, several disc golf courses, cabins, a horse camp, a day use picnic/event area and a hike-in camp area," noted Shane B.
Swimming spots: At Battle Ground Lake State Park, visitors can enjoy a volcanic lake with dedicated swimming areas just 30 minutes from Hillsboro. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," according to Ashley Y. The park's swimming area includes a small sand beach for children.
Horseback riding on trails: Trail riders can access multiple loop options directly from Hares Canyon Horse Camp without trailering. "Experiencing several of the many long trails on horseback was an unforgettable experience. The horse camp comes complete with full hookups, a full bathroom with showers, and corrals for the horses," observed Tanya B. in her review. Rangers actively ensure that horse campsites remain reserved for actual equestrian users.
Private tent sites: For non-equestrian campers seeking more solitude, Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp offers secluded tent camping with a short walk-in. "The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch," reported Nathan R. The campground provides wheeled carts to transport gear from the parking area.
Spacious campsites: At Dairy Creek West, campers appreciate the well-maintained full hookup sites. "Well maintained full hookup sites with 50amp, most 63' long. The park has recently renewed trail signage," wrote OregonSteve. The west loop provides more trees and privacy compared to the more open east loop.
Wildlife viewing: Campers often report wildlife sightings around Hillsboro area campgrounds. "When we came back from the shower my wife and I observed a dark shadow darting from the table around the back corner of the tent... A bobcat to be exact," Patrick G. recounted from his stay at Hares Canyon Horse Camp. Deer sightings are common throughout the area's parks.
Limited water pressure: Some parks have utility limitations despite full hookups. "The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," noted MickandKarla W. about their Dairy Creek stay. Campers should consider bringing a pressure regulator if equipment is sensitive.
Early season mud: Spring campers should expect wet conditions on trails. "My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain)," Jenny R. mentioned about Brooke Creek. Early season riders should be prepared for muddy trails.
Cell coverage varies: Connectivity is unreliable at many campgrounds. "We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon," reported one camper, while others noted poor or nonexistent coverage. The Hares Canyon area generally has better reception than lower elevation camping areas at Stub Stewart.
Playground accessibility: When camping with children at Milo McIver State Park, note the recreation areas. "Kids especially loved the pools and playground," Brian C. mentioned in his review. Many campgrounds near Hillsboro feature dedicated play structures for children.
Easy hiking options: Family-friendly trails accommodate younger hikers. "One thing that always looked intriguing is they do have the cabins, so maybe one of these times we'll rent one. Another thing that some people might like is that they do have horses and some of the trails around the lake you can have horses on," Richard B. noted about Battle Ground Lake. The loop trail around the lake offers easy terrain for beginners.
Bring bug spray: Insect protection is essential during summer months. "If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience," advised Nathan R. This is particularly important for evening activities around campfires.
Site selection strategy: When reserving at Oxbow Regional Park, consider noise factors. "Like most campgrounds, it has its peak season and its off-season, but you can go there year-round if you choose to. The beach area isn't big, but that's okay," Richard B. explained in his review. Sites further from main roads and facilities tend to be quieter.
Pull-through availability: Horse-friendly sites at Hares Canyon provide convenient setup for equestrian rigs. "The pad starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig," explained MickandKarla W. These pull-through sites accommodate larger trailers with living quarters.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when setting up. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad," noted one RVer about Dairy Creek. Shorter connection hoses may require strategic parking within the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hillsboro, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hillsboro, OR is Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hillsboro, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 equestrian camping locations near Hillsboro, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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