Best Equestrian Camping near Crater Lake, OR
Looking for the best horse camping near Crater Lake? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Oregon horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Crater Lake, OR (13)
1. Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake, Oregon58 Reviews•148 Photos•473 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$16 / night
2. Collier Memorial State Park Campground
Chiloquin, Oregon17 Reviews•72 Photos•116 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Natural Bridge Campground
Prospect, Oregon9 Reviews•27 Photos•229 SavesNatural 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
4. Imnaha Campground
Prospect, Oregon1 Review•5 Photos•38 SavesSites 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
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Cabins
5. Fourmile Lake Campground
Butte Falls, Oregon2 Reviews•16 Photos•83 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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).
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$52 / night
6. NF 2612 Dispersed Camping
Diamond Lake, Oregon1 Review•3 Photos•84 SavesMany 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.
- Pets
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Christmas Valley Base Camp
Silver Lake, Oregon1 Review•7 Photos•11 SavesChristmas 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$40 - $250 / night
9. Kelsay Valley Horse Camp
Be the first to review!Diamond Lake, Oregon•12 PhotosOverview
This campground and trailhead is located along the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River. Visitors will experience the river's rushing waters as they pass through lush high Cascade meadows. Spring arrives late in the high country and it is welcomed here with an explosion of colors. Purples, reds, yellows, greens, and white are arranged in a riotous bouquet. This site is designed to accommodate pack and saddle use as well as standard camping.
Recreation
The campground serves as a base camp for many trailheads that are local favorites for horse riding. Please be courteous and only reserve equestrian site(s) if you bring a horse. Campers in equestrian site(s) without pack or riding horses may be turned away or directed to another campground.
Natural Features
Umpqua National Forest visitors are often taken aback by unique and surprising landscapes shaped by explosive geologic events. The 984,602-acre forest provides spectacular scenery and 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, offer visitors a renewed sense of spirit. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife. 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.
Nearby Attractions
This site provides access to Porcupine Connect Trail 1412A , which connects to the North Umpqua Trail 1414 and Windigo Pass Trail 1412 . The North Umpqua Trail heads southeast to enter Mount Thielsen Wilderness where it connects with the Tolo Creek Trail #1466 , Lucile Lake Trail #1459 , Maidu Lake Loop Trail, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 . In addition, Lemolo Lake and Resort are just a short drive away.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
$10 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Crater Lake
92 Reviews of 13 Crater Lake Campgrounds
- S
Stephanie G.
Guide
Collier Memorial State Park Campground
Great shade trees
Great quiet camping. Large flat easy to park and hook up. Tent camping also offered. Very clean.
- kkelly B.
ScoutNo Name Ridge
No Place to pull over
Road ip is gravel & steep. No place to pull over. Graffiti on rocks and seems to be a party place.
Lee D.
Legend
Diamond Lake
Large Campground on a beautiful lake
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.
- Kristi D.Legend
Diamond Lake
One of our favorites
This 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.
- JJason A.
TravelerDiamond Lake
Not too bad
Stayed 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.
- RReidGuide
NF 2612 Dispersed Camping
Good open area dispersed camping
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.
- Jeff K.Guide
Diamond Lake
Badly Degraded Campground
I 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.
Bill T.GuideDiamond Lake
Very large lakeside campground
This 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.
aaron S.
RangerDiamond Lake
Beautiful scenery, spacious sites.
The 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.
- jjessicaTraveler
Collier Memorial State Park Campground
Nice stop over point
Adequate campground was perfect to break up a long drive. Clean bathrooms but not much privacy
Amy & Stu B.LegendDiamond Lake
Great choice!
This 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.
Frank H.GuideCollier Memorial State Park Campground
Oregon state park campground
Typical well maintained state campground. Water, flush toilets, showers. Showers with only moderately warm water. Obvious site of wildfire in not too distant past.
Tina C.Traveler
Natural Bridge Campground
Beautiful natural forest campground
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.
- April C.Guide
Diamond Lake
Passing Through
This 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.
- MMichael H.Scout
Diamond Lake
Great Location
Loved 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.
Alyson M.LegendDiamond Lake
Great place but crowded.
Diamond 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!
- RRobertGuide
Diamond Lake
Great view on mountain and lake
A 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.
Julie I.GuideDiamond Lake
Closed for the season?
Closed 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.
- MMikaTraveler
Diamond Lake
Perfect to visit Crater Lake NP
Beautiful 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.
Ansgar D.GuideDiamond Lake
Location , location, location it’s all about the water
Loved 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.
Emma A.LegendDiamond Lake
Gorgeous Settins. BIG busy campground
Stayed 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.
- GGay Lynn A.Traveler
Diamond Lake
Diamond is right - great place
This 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.
Annie C.LegendDiamond Lake
Big campground close to marina and resort
Nice 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.
- AAlison W.Guide
Diamond Lake
Great!!!
Beautiful!
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.
- LLaurenGuide
Diamond Lake
Quiet spot on the lake
We 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.
Laura M.LegendNatural Bridge Campground
Beauty and People
This is a great campground, very beautiful, but very busy. Off highway 62 take the Natural Bridge turn off and follow the road to the campground. The sites are for the most part secluded from each other and most are along the Rogue River with a mix of sun and shade. All sites have picnic tables and fire pits. There are also multiple outhouses throughout the campground.
Keep in mind that though the sites near the water are awesome, there is a heavily used trail that runs right along the river so you will have multiple hikers walking near or through your amazing campsite. We had site 6 and though it appears to be the best site (large and nearly fully enclosed) it's not because the trail runs at the edge of the spot and you will have loud hikers strolling right through your space.
The hiking nearby is great. There is a loop hike which takes you to the Natural Bridge area which is really cool. There is also a hike to the Rogue Gorge that takes you through another campground further up. On top of the busy trail along the campsites there is also areas where people hang out to swim or fish so you can hear people nearly all day long. It was nice the first day and night during the week but over the weekend it got a bit ridiculous and we left. There are large garbage cans for trash service but no water and no recycling. There is also no cell service from ATT, Verizon and TMobile.
Off season this place would be great but we strongly suggest not going on a weekend or busy season unless you like people noise constantly all day.
- JJoe V.Guide
Natural Bridge Campground
Beautiful campground near Crater Lake
My wife and I stopped here after visiting Crater Lake. This campground is right on the Rogue river and is absolutely gorgeous. The sites are well maintained, and there are toilets. The “Natural Bridge” is a short walk away and is really cool. Lots of informative signs along the path to describe what you are seeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crater Lake, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crater Lake, OR is Diamond Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crater Lake, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Crater Lake, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.