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Best Equestrian Camping near Cove, OR

61 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas near Cove accommodate horse owners, with Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 standing out as a popular equestrian option. The forest service land offers multiple pull-offs with adequate space for horse trailers, particularly in the areas beyond the signboard where the road climbs a hill to the right. While no dedicated horse corrals exist, riders bring portable corral panels or use highlines. The open meadow areas provide natural grazing opportunities when allowed by seasonal regulations. Horse waste management requires packing out or dispersing manure away from campsites and water sources according to forest service guidelines.

Located approximately 20 miles from Cove via forest service roads, West Eagle Meadow provides additional options for horse camping with several dispersed sites along West Eagle Creek. The broad meadows fed by mountain streams create suitable areas for horses to graze when permitted. Access requires traveling about 20 miles of dirt track with occasional washboard sections and potholes that can be challenging after rain. The forest service roads connect to multiple trail networks suitable for day rides, with routes leading to Echo and Traverse Lakes. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including elk and turkeys while exploring the surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest trails.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Cove, Oregon (12)

    1. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site."

    "Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."

    2. Spring Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    "in the surrounding aria   there are plenty of dispersed campsites that can hold any size RV  Around the form almost completely  shaded to full sun."

    "It’s direct access onto the road from the highway exit. It’s a rough road about 1.2 miles, that’s bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2”."

    3. Walla Walla Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor, we decided just to drive until we found a spot we liked. We landed at Walla Walla Forest Camp and claimed site 4."

    4. Irondyke Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    $10 / night

    "The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road."

    "Densely wooded, next to a great running river. I think there are 6 sites. Fire rings. One vault toilet that was pretty darn full this year, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5."

    5. Shady Campground

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    21 miles
    Website

    6. West Eagle Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Union, OR
    22 miles
    Website

    "It would make a good base camp for visiting Echo and Traverse Lakes.  Camps are spaced around one paved loop up the hill in the trees above the meadow. "

    "Just drive down the road and explore the many turnoffs to find one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to leave time for a day hike up to Echo Lake!"

    7. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $20 - $74 / night

    "It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails."

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    8. Two Color Guard Station

    1 Review
    Halfway, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    $100 / night

    "It’s near the end of 18 miles of unpaved mountain road and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery along the way."

    9. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites

    1 Review
    Wallowa Whitman National Forest, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail."

    10. Lostine River

    Be the first to review!
    Wallowa Whitman National Forest, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    $10 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cove, OR

2 Photos of 12 Cove Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cove, OR

61 Reviews of 12 Cove Campgrounds

  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites

    Beautiful but very popular

    These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

    This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

    We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

    If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2020

    North Fork John Day

    Secluded and peaceful

    This is a FCFS, primitive campground with nice spacious sites and some with river views. There are 4 equestrian sites.  There was a camp host during our stay but he was only there one of the 3 nights we stayed.  The North Fork John Day trail departs from the campground and it is possible to make a loop using the Crane Creek trail if the river crossing is possible.

  • Aspen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Uneventful night

    Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site. Good level ground and easy to get back on the road in the morning. Would recommend.

  • Rayne N.
    Jan. 18, 2021

    Spring Creek Campground

    spring creek campgrond and dispersed camping

    There is  a small campground with 6 sites mostly good for campers or tent in  a grove of trees with a vaulted  outhouse.  in the surrounding aria   there are plenty of dispersed campsites that can hold any size RV  Around the form almost completely  shaded to full sun. It is a designated ATV aria with tons of trails used by hikers and horses in the fall it is a favorite spot for hunters   

    cell service is serves is sporty from 3 bars to  none

  • Kolette S.
    May. 20, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Emigrant Springs - Love it!

    My husband and I love this campground. It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails. There is room for both tent and RV camping. We have only ever gone tent camping, and the size of the campgrounds for us has been great. There is room to set up hammocks and chairs.

    The only unfortunate aspect about this campground is that it is somewhat close to the highway. After the first weekend we spent there, we got somewhat used to the sound - it can sometimes be soothing. It's also a good idea to bring something to provide added shade to either the tenting area or sitting area as it gets quite sunny in the morning.

  • M
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Irondyke Forest Camp

    Good camping site, popular spot

    We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Taylor Green Pond

    Taylor Green Pond Boondocking

    Nice little pond off 77 Rd an hour or so East of Highway 203 in Eastern Oregon.

  • JulieJay M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Oregon state park

    Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places.

  • Jennie R.
    May. 30, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Thimbleberries and plenty of room

    We stopped for a night in a rustic camping cabin at Emigrant Springs in July of 2015. It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers. There seemed to be good space and shade around the sites offering some privacy. Great spot! Take the time to stop in Meacham on the West side of I-84 tomstop at The Oregon Trail Cafe - literally the ONLY store in this teeny town. Wonderful hospitality, the local ‘scoop’ and great breakfast.

Guide to Cove

Horse camping in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse campers, you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed, you can enjoy miles of trails perfect for horseback riding, surrounded by beautiful wildlife.
  • The West Eagle Meadow Campground is an excellent base for exploring nearby Echo and Traverse Lakes, with ample opportunities for hiking and riding.
  • Walla Walla Forest Camp provides access to the Lostine corridor, where you can ride along scenic trails and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

Tips for equestrian camping near Cove, Oregon

  • When visiting Spring Creek Campground, be prepared for limited amenities, but enjoy the peaceful surroundings and great access to trails.
  • At Shady Campground, the primitive setting offers a quiet retreat, but be ready for a hike to the river for water access.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Two Color Guard Station, which is perfect for larger groups and provides a clean vault toilet.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Lostine River features picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient stop for horse campers looking for basic amenities.
  • The Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites offer a beautiful backdrop for camping with horses, though be aware that water sources are limited.
  • At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, you’ll find well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for a comfortable stay with your horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cove, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cove, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cove, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Cove, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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