Best Equestrian Camping near Astoria, OR

[ 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 ]

• While it was a beautiful campground, the sites are rather small and close together. We obviously didn't experience this campground when it's crowded, but I can imagine how packed it would feel.

This is one of the largest state park campgrounds in Oregon! Nice location near Astoria and Seaside, with lots of things to do and explore.

There are different “loops” available, with many RV sites. We were the only tent campers we could see in our RV loop, the sizes vary, but their website gives you a general size idea. All the loops have restroom/shower facilities that were regularly stocked and cleaned.

There is a lake within the park that you can boat or go fishing. Also, there is access to the beach right in the park. This beach is one of the few that allow motor vehicle use.

Check out the old military sites and the shipwreck while at the park, and head in to Astoria for a day of exploration!

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 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.

I went in April and there were a bunch of open camp spots to choose from but I imagine it fills up in the summer months! They offer tent, full-hook up and electric. The sites were all paved with lots of beautiful, tall, shady trees. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers. Access to lots of walking and biking trails. The beach was just a short drive from my spot in Loop G. Cool shipwreck to explore on the beach plus the option to drive on the beach, driving access is just a bit South of the shipwreck. Both dirt and paved biking paths all over the campground and park. Coffenbury Lake has a 2-3 mile dirt path around the lake. Looks like a nice spot to paddle board and I saw some people fishing. There are great views of the Columbia River, with the huge ships coming and going, in the historic area of the park (Civil War Fort and Batteries). The CG/park is a 20 minute drive to Astoria. Ate at the Rogue Brewery and grabbed at coffee at Pier 39 Public House.

Military Family so Fort Stevens was definitely on our list as we travel to Oregons State Parks!

This park is huge compared to most of Oregons State Parks, it is also one of the most popular. So be sure to book months in advance if you plan on visiting during peak season.

The campsites were spacious, the playground was nice and there are many hike/bike trails to explore. The shipwreck on the beach was pretty cool and the Fort/ Military Museum was Amazing!

Located near Seaside with its aquarium and Astoria home of the Goonies, there is plenty to see and do!

The only downside to this park was the Hoards of Mosquitoes we encountered in the campground, so be sure to bring lots of bug spray!