Looking for the best horse camping near Crater Lake National Park? It's easy to find Crater Lake National Park campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. With our help, you'll find the best Oregon equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Meandering along most of the east shore of the mile-high Diamond Lake, this large campground boasts spectacular views of both Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen, and offers visitors abundant recreational opportunities.
At an elevation of 5,183 feet, Diamond Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of recreational opportunities year-round. The area offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters, and anglers casting a lines from boat or shoreline. Rainbow trout thrive in the lake, as it is stocked annually with 300,000 fingerlings. Bicyclists will enjoy riding on the 11-miles of paved trail around the lake, while hikers can head out for the day on one of many trails leaving from the area. Interpretive programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the campground amphitheater.
Explosive geologic events have shaped the distinctive landscape on the 984,602-acre Umpqua National Forest, and the area provides spectacular scenery as well as an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, are available to visitors. Several designated wilderness areas provide opportunities undisturbed solitude. Encompassing 19,100 acres, Boulder Creek Wilderness is an incredible landscape, with dense old growth forests and steep terrain that tower above Boulder Creek. The most popular area in Boulder Creek is Pine Bench. This flat area overlooking Boulder Creek is home to a grove of old growth Ponderosa pines. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife common to the area. From eagles and owls, to salamanders and salmon, these species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Access to Diamond Lake is within walking distance, and boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are accessible to visitors. A nearby resort offers bicycle, boat and horse rentals as well as lodging, restaurants, a grocery store, laundry facilities and fuel. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are within 10 miles of the campground. Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon! The amazing Crater Lake area offers a glimpse into the volcanic history of the area. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.
$16 / night
Natural Bridge Campground stretches along the scenic Upper Rogue River, with majestic conifers creating pleasantly shaded sites and privacy between campsites. The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Rogue Gorge are popular sites nearby. Additionally, the entrance to Crater Lake National Park is 11 miles away, making this campground a popular place for those venturing into the Park for day trips.
$15 / night
Sites are located near Imnaha Creek. Activities and points of interest include structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s, hiking trails and Imnaha Springs. Facilities 5 campsites Drinking water Vault toilet No garbage disposal - Please pack it out
Fourmile Lake is located off Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods. The campground and day use area is at the southern end of Sky Lakes Wilderness area. This rustic campground with few amenities is the place to get away from the modern world. Horse corrals are available in the upper portion of the campground and the proximity to the wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail make it ideal for the backcountry enthusiast.
Visitors to the area will enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, fishing, and horse camping.
The 113,400-acre Sky Lakes Wilderness occupies the crest of the High Cascades, extending south from the boundary of Crater Lake National Park to Fourmile Lake. The wilderness has gentle, densely forested terrain with occasional steep areas. The name derives from the many small lakes, most of them clustered in several glacial basins near the crest of the Cascade Range. Several species of trees including Shasta red fir, western white pine, mountain hemlock, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce and whitebark pine are found throughout the area. The forest's understory is dominated by species of huckleberry, as well as manzanita, snowbrush, and heather.
Lake of the Woods is another nearby lake with USFS facilities and a full service family oriented resort just six miles down the road. Travel along the Volcanic Scenic Byway as you explore the surrounding area. Other stops of interest may include Kla-Mo-Ya Casino (57 miles), Fort Klamath Museum (35 miles), Collier Memorial State Logging Museum (60 miles), Pacific Crest Trail (within 2 miles) and Crater Lake (55 miles).
$52 / night
Many people enjoy the solitude of camping away from developed campgrounds. Many people prefer to drive out on a Forest Service road and pitch their tent near a stream or at a spot with a nice view. Call any of our ranger stations for recommendations about where to camp.
Be aware that some areas may be closed to dispersed camping and that campfires may be prohibited in the summer, so call a ranger station ahead of time to ask. Generally, you cannot camp within a mile of developed recreation areas such as trailheads or picnic areas. Also, you cannot camp on the Forest for longer than 14 days at a time or more than 28 days in a year.
There are usually no facilities or services available to dispersed campers, such as trash removal or toilets. Please practice Leave No Trace by using existing sites when possible, packing out your trash, camping 100 feet from water, and digging a 6-8 inch hole for human waste.
Christmas Valley base Camp is 4 miles south of Christmas Valley. We are a private campground with a great cabin with a large picture window overlooking the Black Hills. We also have a tipi bunkhouse tents and RV hookups. A super firepit where the world problems are solved and memories are made.
$40 - $250 / night
Guide
Great quiet camping. Large flat easy to park and hook up. Tent camping also offered. Very clean.
Guide
No frill Forest Service campground in the Fremont-Winemaker National Forest. On a warm June night, it’s a pleasure to have a campground like this entirely to one’s self.
ScoutRoad ip is gravel & steep. No place to pull over. Graffiti on rocks and seems to be a party place.
Legend
This is a large Forest Service campground stretching along the shores of Diamond Lake. It is difficult to do a full review of this campground as we were there at the end of the season when it was cold, windy, and rainy. There was no staff on-site, and it was only the next morning that I saw an occupied host site way at the other end of the southern part of the campground. The north end of the campground had already closed for the season, and I believe the south end closes at the end of October. Reservations are only available June through Labor Day, but we pretty much had our pick of sites on a weekday in mid-October.
The road and camper pads are paved, and a good amount of foliage between sites provides privacy.
As far as activities, there is a paved bike path that winds through the campground. In season, there is boating (there is a boat ramp in each end of the campground), and there is a fishing dock too.
In each end of the campground, there is one “nice” bathhouse that is clean, heated, well-lit, and has showers. Depending on where your site is, it may be quite a walk to get to these bathrooms. Note that showers are free but there is a donation box. I wouldn't be surprised that at some point in the future, they will require payment. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the campground are very basic bathrooms with one sink, two stalls, cold water only, no soap. It had last been cleaned three days before we were there and there was no toilet paper in the men’s bathroom closest to our site.
There is also a dump station with a donation box.
Rates are reasonable, especially if you have the senior Golden Access Pass, however, there was a note that each transaction also incurred a $3 transaction fee. Didn’t know if that was if you reserved online, used a credit card, or no matter. We included it in the envelope for a total of $14.
LegendThis is a highly recommended campground. Great spots right on the lake and it's a huge campground with tons of spots in general. Cellphone service is hit or miss depending on where you are. We found a level spot, not all spots are level. They have trash and a dump/water station.
Showers are available via a donation..campsite rates are very reasonable for amenities and location.
10 miles from Crater Lake, 1 mile from the lodge with a little store and restaurant. Restaurant was pretty darn good for the middle of nowhere. 100 years old.
TravelerStayed at diamond lake for 3 days. The specific site didn’t have any reviews or pics, but took a chance on it. Our site didn’t have any shade so it was a little rough. And it was a little dirty throughly the entire campground. You could tell it’s highly used, sad that people don’t take a little more pride and leave it a little cleaner then they found it.
We have Verizon and had 1-2 bars LTE. Couldn’t make or receive calls and really couldn’t text or email.
The bathrooms were fairly clean given you are in the middle of nowhere. They showers were available, but we didn’t use them.
The camp hosts were awesome! They gave our free firewood and had free WiFi you could use.
Guide
We picked this dispersed camping near Lemolo Lake since it was an open area that we could run our Starlink. There was also some cell service. Lemolo lake also has several Campgrounds to choose from if you want to pay. In the area we visited Lemolo Falls and Warm Spring Falls. We weren't disappointed. The area does have mosquitoes to contend with. Where we camped there was a picnic table and rock fire ring. Be mindful of the no fire season.
GuideI camped at diamond lake for the first time in about 15 years and can’t believe how rundown it has become. Most toilets in bathroom are broken. Our nearby water spigot not functioning. And lots of litter in camp site. Beautiful lake though.
GuideThis is a very large campground with over 200 sites. I stayed overnight, July 3, 2023. I was a walk in . The ranger office was closed when I arrived and they did not have a list of available sites posted. I found a site, K11, without any reserved tag and spent a wonderful night. There was a very strong onshore breeze from the lake that kept the mosquitoes grounded and I didn't really need repellant.
The campground is two halves. In the upper half, the campsites are higher, above the lake. To the south or east, the sites are closer to the lake. Water was only available (non threaded faucets) outside the flush latrines, which were not very well kept (mostly due to the dead bugs). There is not electricity and I was only able to get 2 bars on Verizon. I could get a text through, but rarely a photo.
I have camped throughout Oregon and what impressed me as different were the large number of tent campers. More than half were tent camping, though the site would fit small to medium size rigs. I only saw one Class A and few trailers. Noisy neighbors can be a problem, as the sites though not exactly next to each other, are still close. The roads and parking for sites are paved, but some have very steep driveways. Be careful in your site selection if you have a long trailer or RV.
There are some nearby stores and gas station if you need, but very little else. A very beautiful spot with lots to do and see nearby.
RangerThe scenery is stunning and the sites are large and roomy. The water access doesn’t have much of a beach to speak of, but it is a great lake to paddle.
TravelerAdequate campground was perfect to break up a long drive. Clean bathrooms but not much privacy
LegendWe were headed to Thompson Creek reservoir, but opted for this lovely little FS campground. We had the place to ourselves the first night and another camper came in for the 2nd. Easy pull-through site, pretty level and fit both rigs. Otherwise plenty of room between sites.
It was a bit of a trek down gravel roads to get here. Took it easy, though, and no problems.
Lovely walks and hikes to be had. Beautiful stargazing. Clean pit toilets and clean overall campground. There were corrals at one end for horse camping. No cell service. (in 2020)
4 stars only because of the sometimes-washboard road to get here.
From here we visited Crack in the ground, Cowboy Dinner Tree, The Sand Dunes, Fort Rock and Christmas Valley.
LegendThis campground was in a great location to go see crater lake (15 min drive or less) as well as nearby Hot Springs (30ish min drive) and waterfalls. The campground itself was wooded and very close to diamond lake, it was a very beautiful location. There were lots of close by walking trails which was wonderful.
The amenities were nice enough, sometimes the showers are hot and others times was not. Most of the laundry machines were working with several out of service, and worked well enough.
The staff was helpful and gave suggestions for nearby hiking and Hot Springs. Sites included fire ring, a picnic table, and full hook ups. The stars at night were incredible.
GuideTypical well maintained state campground. Water, flush toilets, showers. Showers with only moderately warm water. Obvious site of wildfire in not too distant past.
Traveler
This a lovely forest campground with good spacing between sites. Most sites are right on the river providing a very serene forest feel. A very nice hiking trail takes off from the far end of the campground toward Union creek and runs along the river.
GuideThis is our stop-off as we pass through before heading into the woods to explore waterfalls. It's a clean stop with a picturesque lake, clean sites, restrooms, and showers. Sites are roomy, and all of them are different. There are bookable sites and first come first serve sites. Dog friendly.
Make sure your reserved tag is visible on your site. We have had a few people try to take our site because they were not paying attention. We drive a Jeep with a Roof Top Tent or our Van, so we are self-contained without the need for a tent to leave at the site.
ScoutLoved this campground close to Crater Lake. Good spot for biking around as the campground is long and narrow - I read that the trail goes all the way around the lake, although we didn’t get that far.
Our campsite was pretty close to Diamond Lake Loop Rd and the road noise was not great. Traffic seemed to pick up at around 5:30 with water/garbage trucks noisily passing by. I would try to get a site closer to the lake if possible.
LegendDiamond Lake had such great amenities and had all the basics which was very nice. Hot showers, nice bathrooms, picinic tables, fire rings, trash, and boat launch/dock. BUT. The sites were so close together, and there was basically no privacy. I know that isn’t a problem for everyone, but I have done too much dispersed camping to enjoy a packed campground. Great place for families and close to Crater Lake which is why we stayed!
GuideA very long stretched campground along the water of diamond lake. Nice view on the mountain. Some boats in the water. Swimming not recommended due to algue.
GuideClosed until June I believe. Very frustrating since there was NOTHING open on this entire 5+ hour stretch of road, ended up getting stuck in a storm, would have loved to have stayed here for the night. Wish the parks in the area would coordinate so at least one campsite was open to stay.
TravelerBeautiful views over Diamond lake. No leveled tent spots. Nice amount of trees to create shade and some privacy between campsites. Non native tree variety caused me terrible allergies. Hot shower access was a great connivance. They do ask for extra donations for shower use. Employee at entrance booth was extremely unhelpful. Campsite was conveniently close to the north entrance of Cater Lake NP.
GuideLoved the lake, loved the atmosphere but two rows back from the water isn’t quite as spectacular as waterfront. Showers far and older. At some sites it isn’t easy to find a level pad for the tents, ours had that issue. Also, inland sites are closer to the road and do get some noise - not bad but adds to the unevenness. Would def come back but get waterfront next time.
LegendStayed here in late June and found reservations for a week night only a few days before. This campground is HUGE. Water-front sites are hard to get and have amazing views but even second-row sites have views because they are built high above. Site K-15 was on the second row but still had great views for example. Some peak-a-boo views of Diamond Lake and Mount Bayley from many sites.
TravelerThis campground is huge, and it is wonderful. Lots of spaces. Many are on the lake. It’s VERY popular, but we were lucky to get an unreserved space on the lake for our one night stay. If you’re in an RV, leveling can be a challenge, and some of the sites aren’t suitable for RVs but better for tents. Still, there are so many in there, with many loops that you should be able to find something. The lake is beautiful, and you can swim or boat in it. There were bugs - but it’s the outdoors. Cell service was ok - data took some time to load, but it was there, on Verizon. The FS personnel who were working were friendly and helpful. We stayed one night - I could see going back for a week and having so much fun. Wonderful bike trails - we saw many families out biking. Highly recommend.
LegendNice campground with views of the lake. There are several loops to pick from, but the best sites obviously face the lake. I was partial to K 27(and nearby sites) because it wasn’t ON the lake but had great views and nice shade. This is one of the only campgrounds on the lake staffed by actual forest service rangers. You can reserve sites in advance or work with the Ranger to find what suits your needs. You are really close to the marina and the resort with all the resort offers (restaurant, store, rentals). Right across the street from the campground is the forest service office with a cool little museum to check out.
GuideBeautiful!
Fire pit, picnic table, showers, flush toilets and large campsites.
Really good balance of privacy and community.
Bikes and Boat Rentals nearby as well as a small general store and restaurant.
Short drive to Crater Lake National Park.
Note: I recommend getting a site near the water if you can. The Forest is very buddy but better by the water.
GuideWe enjoyed this spacious site with access to the lake and close to the restrooms. It was a little buggy and rainy, and we couldn’t seem to find shower facilities as the park mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crater Lake National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crater Lake National Park is Diamond Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crater Lake National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Crater Lake National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
