Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Crescent? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Oregon campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
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
Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 20 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and North Waldo is also a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon, Wahanna and Torrey Lakes. There is a 1-mile Shoreline Trail between North Waldo Campground and Islet Campground which provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.
Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day.
$27 - $40 / night
Cultus Lake is one of the few lakes along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway that allows high speed motorized water craft. Cultus Lake Campground offers opportunities for waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and jet skiing, as well as, access to trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Cultus Lake Campground offers opportunities for waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and jet skiing, as well as, access to trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Campers have the option to launch their boat from a walk-in boat launch located within the campground or the more developed boat launch located within the day use area.
Cultus Lake Campground is located on the shore of Cultus Lake just a few miles off the Cascade Lakes Highway. The campground offers visitors access to boating on Cultus Lake, hiking in the Three Sisters Wilderness and exploring the rich volcanic hisotry of Central Oregon's Cascades.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$32 - $34 / night
Although located away from the lake, this small horse camp offers a quiet camping opportunity for equestrians away from the busy North Waldo and Islet Campgrounds. Ride opportunities include: * The Harralson Trail (#4364), which connects the camp with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (#2000) * The Jim Weaver Loop (Waldo Lake Trail #3590), which connects with trails in the Waldo Lake and Three Sisters Wildernesses. Note that there no equestrian improvements (corrals and hitching posts), as well as no water on site, so plan your visit accordingly. Picnic tables and fire rings are available. Drinking water can be obtained at North Waldo Campground and horses can be watered near the campground off of the Waldo Lake Trail (#3590). Please note that stock is not allowed in any of the Waldo Lake developed camps. Harralson is a good staging area for those wanting to explore the trails in or around the Three Sisters and Waldo Lake Wilderness areas. The trail around Waldo Lake is another nice ride, but be aware that stock is not allowed in any of the Waldo Lake campgrounds.
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
Chief Paulina Horse Camp is the only horse campground located in Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Deschutes National Forest. A favorite for horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors with access to lakes, lava flows and spectacular geologic features. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159
Visitors on horseback can explore the area on a variety of trails, with several trailheads located at the campground. Lakes, lava flows and forested areas provide a beautiful scenic backdrop for a variety of rides. The Crater Rim Trail, considered one of the premiere high country trails in the area, boasts vast stretches of forest, desert and mountain views, with many access points and connector trails for convenient and customized rides. For visitors who enjoy hiking, the Peter Skene Ogden National Scenic Trail parallels Paulina Creek as it ascends 8.5 miles to the spectacular Paulina Lake. Lost Lake Trail traverses drier landscapes and heads up from the lakes into a more arid part of the Newberry Caldera. This trail affords some excellent views of The Big Obsidian Flow as well as pumice flats and other features of Newberry Volcanic National Monument. The start of the trail is near Big Obsidian Flow.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the area's unique geological features by exploring nearby Paulina Lake, located within the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano. The lake covers a surface area of 1,531 acres and reaches depths of up to 250 ft., but neither Paulina Lake or its twin, East Lake, receives water from an inlet stream. Instead, each lake relies on relies on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, racoons, deer, bats, and the occasional black bear. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee salmon moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$14 - $25 / 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.
Driftwood Campground is the first of four facilities located on Three Creeks Lake and provides campers with beautiful views of the water and surrounding nature.
Driftwood Campground is at the head of the Tam McArthur Trail which is a short, reasonably easy hike that provides great views of the Sisters - Faith (North), Hope (Middle) and Charity (South). The Three Sisters are volcanic peaks and are the third-, fourth- and fifth-highest peaks in Oregon. Three Creeks Lake is easy to fish from shore or by wading, but boat fishing is the most popular method. Only non-motorized boating is allowed.
Driftwood Campground is at the head of the Tam McArthur Trail which is a short, reasonably easy hike that provides great views of the Sisters - Faith (North), Hope (Middle) and Charity (South). The Three Sisters are volcanic peaks and are the third-, fourth- and fifth-highest peaks in Oregon. Three Creeks Lake is easy to fish from shore or by wading, but boat fishing is the most popular method. Only non-motorized boating is allowed.
All sites in this campground fall on the lakeside providing campers with wonderful views of adjacent Three Creeks Lake. Located in a glacial cirque below Tam McArthur Rim, the lake is 28-acre alpine gem with an elevation of 6,550 ft. surrounded by old growth forest. The outlet stream from the lake flows northward and is joined by two other streams to form Three Creek. The shoreline of Three Creek Lake varies from gentle slope to rocky cliff. Maximum depth is 28 feet down the center and near the cliff on the south end of the lake.
The close proximity to the town of Sisters offers many additional amenities and attractions, as well as the nearby Tam McArthur Trail and Sisters Wilderness Trails. Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres within the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest. Many enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. To the north the Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$19 - $21 / night
Guide
There are several places just off Hwy 31 where camping is available. There will be highway noise, no facilities of any kind, and patchy cell service. Camped here one night then moved to another area south of Silver Lake up in the forest.
Guide
We have been here a few times. Gorgeous hikes and large sites. Sometimes other campers can be obnoxious with motorcycles and road in gets very rough the last few miles. Couple of fishing lakes within 1 or 2 miles
GuideSome spaces are really great with trees and level sites. Some are bare and fully exposed to the sun. We managed to get our 40' DP in here a year ago, but it was rough the last 10 miles or so. I have heard the road is improved. All in all, nice place. No water or other amenities.
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.
ScoutSuitable for overnight or longer stay.
Some road noise during day
No Campfires - Wildfire Danger
May be blocked by snow in winter
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.
Ranger
The site we stayed had had plenty of privacy and lake front access. The lake is very shallow so it was kid friendly.
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.
Ranger
Spent two nights here celebrating a friends birthday party. The weather was a little too cold/windy to enjoy the lake, but the campground is clean and well kept. Fellow campers were respectful and friendly. Cultus is always a great experience.
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.
LegendI have written a review on Three Creek Lake Campground that tells all about the road. The road to this camp site is just as bad if not worse. Take it slow if you have a big rig or don’t have 4 wheel drive.
This camp was more spacious than the one across the lake, and yes you get to have fires (at designated spots only). No fee, no water, no trash, and no electricity.
The bathrooms on this side of the lake didn’t make me gag and are very well stocked.
We went on a hike on Driftwood Trail (which is NOT marked). It’s the only way you can get out to Little Three Creek Lake. It was well worth it and the trail is wide and easy to follow.
Fire rangers drive around about twice daily, and Forest rangers about 5 to 6 times daily.
This side of the lake definitely has a lot more options of hiking and fishing. The lake is deeper and easier to bank fish.
It was around the 15th of the month when we decided to leave because frost was setting in, or we would have stayed a bit longer. I love this place and would definitely come back, but with a vehicle equipped for the road.
Guide
11 sites with tables and fire rings. Additional sites specifically for horse trailers. No cell service. Multiple hiking trails from the campground. 3 Creek Lake is .75 mile away. No water available
GuideBeautiful spot to relax! I didnt hear or see a single person the entire night even though there were other people in the area!
There werent any firepits or anything that i could find but there was a bathroom nearby, as well as a beautiful creek!
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!
Guide
Wow, this is one of the most pure lakes in the world. Like distilled water! It’s clear and you can see all the way down. Lots of islands to paddle or kayak to. Sites are large and the pit toilets are very clean. Camp Host Doug kept an immaculate campground. The only negative is the massive number of mosquitos, we underestimated their effect. Be conscientious of the lake and respectful.
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.
LegendIt's beautiful, scenic, and full of mosquitos. Bring long sleeves and some citronella and you'll have a great time though. Excellent paddle boarding and swimming. Loads of stars to look at.
Scout
Picnic tables and fire pits available. Pretty good RV sites. Pretty good tent sites. Somebody even left us some wood. Other wood available in the area. Only one other camper while we were there (4-days).
Horse camping in Oregon offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With numerous campgrounds catering specifically to horse campers, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your equine companions are well taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crescent, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crescent, OR is Diamond Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crescent, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Crescent, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
