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Sam Brown Campground offers primitive camping facilities for equestrians near Cave Junction, Oregon. The trails surrounding the campground are described as amazing by regular visitors, with Briggs Creek flowing year-round providing a water source for horses. While the horse camp area has become somewhat run down in recent years, it remains functional for equestrian use. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash service available. Basic amenities include vault toilets, but there is no drinking water, showers, or cell service. Campground data is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Trail riders can access extensive riding routes directly from the Sam Brown facility. Most visitors with horses make this an annual destination despite its basic nature. The closest cell service is available approximately three miles up the road from the campground. The primitive setting appeals to equestrians seeking a more natural camping experience with their horses. Visitors should prepare for self-sufficient camping, bringing all necessary water for themselves and their horses. The lack of drinking water and limited facilities make this location best suited for experienced horse campers comfortable with rustic conditions. The natural setting and creek access compensate for the minimal amenities, making it a popular choice for horse owners in the region.
"We were down in Southern Oregon for the Caves. We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive, It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves."
"we love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. theyre heated and cozy. weve probably camped here a half dozen times or so over the past couple years, including standard tent sites."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake. Toilets but no showers."
"There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake."
"The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year. The horse camp is getting a little run down, but still nice. We go every year with our horses. Its primitive camping."
"It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise. But most in this area are. Sites are tight like most KOAs. We chose an end spot and did alright. Plus it was quiet part of year."
"Great bike trails. Plenty of showers and restrooms. Flat concrete for tent setup and bbq pit in each site with fresh water close to all sites."
"The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. "
"A small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail."
"We just finished a backpacking trip in marble valley and sky high lakes area, both accessible about 5+ miles from the Lovers Camp Trailhead. It was absolutely beautiful!"
from $45 - $50 / night
ScoutPack it-pack it out. There is no trash service. The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year. The horse camp is getting a little run down, but still nice. We go every year with our horses. Its primitive camping. No drinking water, showers, or cell service. There is a spot about 3 miles up the road where most can get service.
RangerThe Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. This campground wasn't busy when my family and I went which was really nice. It almost felt like we had the whole campground to ourselves. There really isn't many campsites- I believe there are only 8. I'm assuming this campground isn't well known by people, which again is really nice because you can escape the craziness. The campground itself is pretty basic- each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring. It is pretty cheap to stay here as well- only $5 per night. We had a Northwest Forest Pass and were able to use that instead of paying the $5 fee. There is a great hike that is nearby called Bear Creek Trail. This trail does run along the river, which makes it great for fishing. My family and I hiked this, and stopped on our way back to do some fishing. They also have trails that you can ride your horses. We actually saw a few people doing this when we were on our morning hike. Overall, I thought this was a great place to camp. We really enjoyed the peace and quite. I feel like during the summer months most campgrounds are super busy, so it was really nice to experience a camping trip that was not overly crowded.
GuideWe were down in Southern Oregon for the Caves.
We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive, It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves. Firewood here is not bundled and since it was off season we got a huge amount for$5. The hosts were terrific. This was a wonderful quiet stay.
Will always be back.
This year it was pretty spendy for a tent site $24
TravelerSites are small and we were in a tent. We were going to be there for an extended period of time and they asked us to move our tent around to spot so we didn't kill the already dead grass... it was the middle of August in Oregon everything is dry and dead. Closed both bathrooms at the same time every day, why not close one and then the other? clean bathrooms though, nice pool. Small play area for kids.
TravelerSome sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake.
Toilets but no showers.
LegendNo it is not perfect. It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise. But most in this area are. Sites are tight like most KOAs. We chose an end spot and did alright. Plus it was quiet part of year. Many year around residents but was not cluttered. Also sort of kept the short term rentals separate. Nice country location. Good green space to walk dogs. Did not get harassed for walking dogs off leash. We r responsible pet owners. Great laundry room. A little expensive for laundry. Pool table and Pac-Man was used by families. Very clean facilities and flexible manager on when we chose to leave.
ScoutA small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail.
ScoutGreat bike trails. Plenty of showers and restrooms. Flat concrete for tent setup and bbq pit in each site with fresh water close to all sites.
ScoutGreat spot for families. There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake.
Sam Brown Campground serves as the primary equestrian campground near Cave Junction, Oregon. Located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the facility offers direct access to miles of forest trails at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The campground sits beside Briggs Creek which provides water for horses throughout the riding season. Facilities are rustic with minimal development, focusing on equestrian needs rather than modern amenities.
Trail riding access: Boundary Campground offers direct access to the Bear Creek Trail system, which connects to a network of horse-appropriate routes. "Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail," notes one visitor, making it convenient for early morning rides.
Fishing opportunities: The creeks near horse campgrounds provide fishing spots where riders can combine activities. At Lake Selmac County Park, "fishing, canoeing are some fun things to do here. Lake is large," reports Kassidy D., noting the variety of water activities available within riding distance.
Overnight horse packing: Plan multi-day rides using Sam Brown as your base camp. Trails connect to remote wilderness areas where experienced riders can access primitive campsites. The network extends north toward the Rogue River and east toward the Applegate Valley.
Creek access for horses: Lake Selmac Resort provides reliable water sources throughout the season. As one camper notes, "The owners are great" and have made improvements to the equestrian facilities, making it easier to water horses during summer months.
Privacy between sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the spacing between designated horse areas. "Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all)," explains Nicole O., which helps reduce stress between horses from different groups.
Year-round accessibility: The lower elevation of these campgrounds makes them usable for longer seasons. Liesa B. reports about camping options in the region: "Even nice in the winter. Clean bathrooms and good hiking," which is important for riders seeking early spring or late fall trail access.
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds in this area are primitive with basic facilities. As Medford-Gold Hill KOA reviewer notes about regional camping: "No drinking water, showers, or cell service" is common in forest service equestrian sites.
Seasonal trail conditions: Spring brings muddy conditions while late summer trails can become dusty and hard-packed. "The campground was completely empty except for me. It was very dusty and not very appealing," reports one camper about summer conditions at Lake Selmac.
Pack in all supplies: There are no feed stores or equestrian supply shops near most trail access points. Bring everything your horse needs, including salt blocks, feed, and first aid supplies. The nearest supplies may be 30+ minutes away in Grants Pass.
Beginner-friendly trails: ONeil Creek Campground offers options suitable for less experienced riders. "Great bike trails. Plenty of showers and restrooms," notes Sonia O., and these same trails work well for novice riders and children on horseback.
Water recreation options: After trail riding, families can enjoy lake activities. "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. The kids enjoy the fishing and I love the view across the lake," explains Paul H., highlighting the dual recreation possibilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening rides often provide opportunities to spot deer, elk, and various bird species. Schedule rides during these cooler hours for both wildlife viewing and more comfortable riding temperatures.
Trailer parking logistics: Lovers Camp Trailhead provides sufficient space for horse trailers with living quarters. "Very well kept trail and the campsites were well maintained," explains Erin, which includes adequate turning radius for larger rigs.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Cave Junction lack water and electric connections. Plan to operate self-contained with generator restrictions. "We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive," reports Kevin R. about regional camping, typical of horse camping areas.
Reservation considerations: During peak riding seasons (May-September), secure sites early as horse camping areas fill quickly on weekends. Most Forest Service equestrian sites operate first-come, first-served with no advance booking option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cave Junction, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cave Junction, OR is Lake Selmac County Park with a 3.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cave Junction, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Cave Junction, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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