Are you planning a trip to Central Oregon with your horse? We've got you covered. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
Located partway along the Crooked River’s 125-mile journey from the Ochoco Mountains to its confluence with the Deschutes River, the Prineville Reservoir is a vast blue pool filling a colorful canyon of volcanic rock, sagebrush and juniper. The reservoir was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Bowman Dam. The state park was established shortly after to provide campers, anglers and water lovers an opportunity to enjoy the natural area—and a chance to beat Central Oregon’s summer heat. The park lies adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area, which preserves the habitat of a wide variety of mammals, waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.
Prineville Reservoir State Park is located just 15 miles south of the town of Prineville, and 50 miles east of Bend. The park’s Main Campground features 67 sites, including full- and partial-hookup RV sites and primitive tent sites. The Jasper Point Campground features 28 partial-hookup sites. Both locations provide drinking water, flush and vault toilets, hot showers, and recycling stations; a dump station is located at the Jasper Point site. There are also a few camping cabins for rent. The park hosts interpretive programs at an outdoor amphitheater, and onsite amenities include sports courts, hiking trails, a dog park, and a fishing pier. The park host sells ice and firewood. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed. Seasonal campsites are $21–$33/night; cabins are $89–$99/night; reservations recommended.
For enjoying some on-the-water fun time, boaters can launch watercraft from the ramp at the day-use area, which has plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. Nearby, sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy some beach time at the designated swim area. Picnic tables are available for packing lunches and refreshments to enjoy by the water. For paddling around the shoreline, kayaks and SUPs can be put in from either the boat launch or the beach. Anglers can cast for trout, catfish, bass and black crappie, then take their catches back and prep them for dinner at the park’s fish cleaning station. Another boat ramp, beach and parking area is located west of the state park at Powder House Cove, near the Bowman Dam.
$37 / night
An oasis sits just east of Bend...a small 12-acre pond surrounded by old juniper and dusty trails. Tall willow and cattails offer a lush green vista in a sea of desert brown. Visitors can pass through to access the north side of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness or spend the day at the pond, enjoying the sunshine and fishing for sunfish, largemouth bass and brown bullheads. The .75 mile walking trail around the pond provides access to spots for picnicking and floating. Bring a tent and tuck yourself back amid the basalt rock for a primitive night of camping. Know Before You Go: Open YEAR ROUND. The pond is not ADA accessible. Open for primitive overnight camping. Amenities include limited trailer parking, but no potable water or restrooms. Campfires are allowed; fire restrictions may be in effect in the summer. Pets should remain under owner control at all times. Motorized boats are not permitted. Canoes, kayaks and float tubes are allowed but must be carried from the parking lot over a narrow bridge to the pond. Point of Interest: This pond was built to hold excess water from the Central Oregon Irrigation District canal system. It has been stocked for fishing and the state record reader sunfish was caught here at almost two pounds! Reynolds Pond Brochure ADA Access: No accessible facilities are available.
$35 - $40 / night
Traveler
Friday night rest stop boondocking. All to ourselves. One jeep came out after we set up and 2 trucks went past us in at 20:30. Lovely sunset nice place to let dog run.
Legend
We were able to score a couple of nights here in Early May. It's a very popular Oregon State Park and I'm sure summer requires advance planning. The weekend we were there was pretty full and our site was at the top of the B loop. Monday, however, the park cleared out to much fewer campers. The lake was actually mostly full and the views were beautiful. Some of the amenities were boating, of course, lake views from some sites, a nice dog park along with the normal state park fare. We'll definitely make another trip!
ScoutWe are here as camp hosts; the rangers are great to work with. The campground is beautiful, we have deer and squirls and lizards every day. It was so fun to watch the squirls play. The roads are paved, and the sites are as well with fire pits and picnic tables. full hookups with fifty amps or you can choose a lessor grade site. The lake is full, and the fishing is good. I have seen ospreys diving into the lake hunting. sites are mostly level, and the roads are wide.
GuideStayed two nights at end of June. Reservoir is full but has algae bloom along shore. Firewood and ice is available to purchase on site. bathrooms and showers were clean and well kept. Sites near the water have a nice breeze sometimes. Some sites have partial shade. roads and campsite drives are paved.
GuideWe stayed here for two nights late March early April. We had snow and some wind, but this place was beautiful. The facilities were immaculate and the rangers were amazing. Unfortunately the reservoir was very low, but perhaps there will be water later in the year. Long drive for us from the Tri Cities, but we’ll make this trip again!
TravelerNo water in the Resorvoir! But campfires were ok in August.. The campground was nice enough, but no playing in the water
GuideMultiple pull-offs in the area. Fire rings present, but current fire ban in effect so campfires not allowed.
GuideWe had a wonderful experience went to Pineville to do some rock hunting had a wonderful time
TravelerThis campground and small pond is spread out over what must be 20+ acres of scattered sage brush and Juniper trees and it's pretty much boondocking. We were here in mid June 2022 with our 19' camp trailer. And I think there might have been three other campers. No amenities - You carry it in, You carry it out. There is fishing in the pond but no motorized boats.
TravelerI camped in May and the water level was very low (26%). Others have commented on the small pads and that is true. I don't have a very big RV and the pad was only just big enough.
The bathrooms & showers appeared to be clean; although I didn't use either. Star gazing is stunning. The view from my spot was beautiful.
Some fellow campers were able to get cell phone service from the fishing platform.
The only thing that was really annoying is the fact that there is no dump station if one has a site without sewer hook up. The nearest is at Jasper Point which is about 2 miles or so away down a narrow, winding road. I found the concept of a campsite that allows RV's but has no dump station to be extremely annoying and seriously, who thought that was a good idea?
TravelerThis was my first time renting an RV spot at a campground and don’t have much experience to compare with other campgrounds. The RV spot I reserved had good amenities such as electrical outlets, a water faucet, a picnic table and a fire pit. I don’t have an RV but reserved this spot to car camp in my Tesla and be able to charge my car overnight.
Other amenities include bathroom and showers. They sell firewood and ice where the campground hosts are.
The campground hosts and park rangers were also very friendly.
RangerGreat FREE BLM space. We watced storms cells develop, then fizzle away here in late June. There are many spots to park and/or pitch a some tents on the sandy base surrounded by junipers. We found lava rock fire circles, but no fires are allowed at this time. Camp stove only (no charcoal). One other camper was staying in a tent on the bank of the pond.
TravelerStayed for two nights midweek and was 1 of 2 campers out there. Most establish sites had trash and liquor bottles in their fire pits, so I can’t speak to what it’s like on the weekend, but I would stay again.
I’m learning the ropes of truck life while working full time, so the proximity to Bend is a big plus.
GuideNot bad for a quick night close to Bend. Not crowded, but most established sites had a lot of trash/litter around. Woke up to some locals walking by. Probably wouldn’t stay again unless we needed to.
TravelerCamped here for an overnight on the way from Portland down to Nevada. Looks like it would be a great spot to enjoy for a few days, but it was still perfect for an overnight rest with gorgeous mountain sunrise views in the morning
GuideOn my out of Bend,OR after getting my van modified it came time to find the first spot to break it in. I was not disappointed at all to find a secluded spot such as this for a peaceful overnight stay. Good Verizon service. No trash cans, or bathrooms. Bring a flashlight it gets pitch black.
GuideThis popular lakeside campsite is perfect for your water-based adventures. The reservoir is really pretty and has great fishing. Some of the campsites have really nice shade, while others have stunning views over the lake. The cabins are super nice and reasonably priced too.
GuideAn oasis. We stopped to check this place out and ended up staying. A steady stream of locals came and went, running the dogs, fishing, playing guitar, even flying model pontoon planes, but it was quiet after dark. We jumped in the irrigation stream to cool off because the pond, even though good sized, looked a bit pondish. I will so visit again!
GuideRecommend for anyone who likes the state park feel and easy getting around via paved roads and all. Nice star gazing. All in all good spot. Ada friendly in most getting around spots.
TravelerBut to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. It was very hot and dusty so we spent quite a bit of time on the beach. The water level was low, but most reservoirs are pretty low this time of year. My biggest complaint was the amount of trash along the shore and in the water. My wife actually found a used sanitary napkin floating around! Disgusting. The campsites don’t have much privacy and there’s not much room to back in your trailer. Meaning the pads are ninety degrees from the road in some spots, not angled. On the plus side, we were able to break out the telescope once the sun was down and do some stargazing as there’s hardly any light pollution. The bathrooms were also very clean. The camp hosts sell ice, which is cool because the nearest store is a few miles back down the road. It seems like the main draw here is the lake, but for us, it was the worst part of the campground.
ScoutBeautiful and open. Easily accessible, close to town, spread out, and has cell service (Verizon).
GuideCamping for bigger rvs the water can get low making the beach access muddy and smelly great little store
GuideLarge grassy areas, big roped off swimming hole it can get blazing hot a few stickers so wear river shoes fro swimming or at least getting there. There is a boat marina plenty of parking for trailers. Great Lake for all water sports beautiful full sky view for star gazing
GuideI used to love this location for fishing, however due to the boats and people swimming there it has lost much of its appeal.
ScoutI didn’t catch any fish but I did take a nice shower. Good place for campers, RVs and tents.
GuideVery beautiful and multi use.
TravelerThe educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Central Oregon?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Central Oregon is Prineville Reservoir Campground — Prineville Reservoir State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Central Oregon?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Central Oregon, with real photos and reviews from campers.
