14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kelsay Valley Horse Camp accommodates equestrians with specific facilities near Diamond Lake. The camp provides access for horse trailers and designated areas for horses, though it lacks dedicated corrals. Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Diamond Lake at an elevation of 5,100 feet, this campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Reservations are required for the campground, which operates seasonally when mountain conditions permit. The campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping, though sites are not equipped with hookups for electricity, water, or sewer.
Located in the Umpqua National Forest, Kelsay Valley serves as a trailhead for several horse-friendly trails. Riders can access multiple backcountry routes directly from the campground, with connections to the broader trail system throughout the region. Whitefish Horse Camp, another equestrian option in the area, is situated approximately 24 miles northeast of Diamond Lake. Both campgrounds provide strategic access to forest service roads and trails suitable for day rides of various difficulties and distances. Trailheads connect to paths that wind through dense forest and open meadows, offering diverse riding experiences for equestrians. Water access for horses is available from nearby natural sources, though campers should verify seasonal availability. The mountain terrain provides scenic views throughout the trail system, with paths that vary from relatively flat to moderately challenging.
"Beautiful location near several Lakes and large fields with plenty of level camping and fire pits although fires are not currently allowed."
"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."
"Off highway 62 take the Natural Bridge turn off and follow the road to the campground."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"Nice classic Oregon state park with all the requisite facilities of electric hook-ups, RV dump station, ranger programs. Amphitheater and showers."
"Great rivers close by, nice hiking trails. Restrooms open and clean. Quiet during weekdays."
from $36 / night
Check Availability"We were in a walk in Tent site right on the lake which was quiet for the most part. Right next to hiking path that went around the lake."
"My car and I climbed over 5,000 ft from the Oregon coast to get to Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The drive along was well worth it."
from $28 - $56 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"There are only 3 campsites, which are all next to a gorgeous creek made of runoff from the spring. There is also a cabin, and an old barn the kids loved playing in."
"Just moved back to Oregon and came back to find it the same as its always been. Great camping great hosts and the grounds are always very well maintained. 10/10 would recommend"
"Love going to cultus lake with friends. It gets pretty busy at times so if you want a good camping spot then you need to go before the weekend starts."
from $32 - $36 / night
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GuideThis was a great campsite. We were in a walk in Tent site right on the lake which was quiet for the most part. Right next to hiking path that went around the lake. There didn't appear to be a boat put in around the area, but there is one down the street. We stayed in Campsite 28, which helped get away from the chaos of the big group sites which I would strongly Recommend! Beautiful place.
LegendNice classic Oregon state park with all the requisite facilities of electric hook-ups, RV dump station, ranger programs. Amphitheater and showers. Camp sites a little on top of each other, especially in comparison to the nearby Williamson River Campground, but still a very nice and popular camp site near Crater Lake and Klamath Falls.
Across the highway there's the "Collier State Park Logging Museum" which we didn't get a chance to get to but looked like a lot of fun.
LegendMy car and I climbed over 5,000 ft from the Oregon coast to get to Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The drive along was well worth it. There are three campgrounds at Waldo Lake and North Waldo is the largest. I didn't have a reservation and attempted to find a site in the smaller two campgrounds first but neither of them had space available. Of the almost 100 sites at North Waldo I'd estimate that about a dozen were unclaimed the second weekend of September.
The campground was definitely crowded. There were many large groups with people of all ages. There was noise until about 11pm. Be warned that it gets VERY chilly at night. There are pit toilets but when I was there the majority were closed for maintenance and had been replaced by portable toilets. There are also water spigots and each site has a sump for dish water. The majority of the sites are removed from the water and only a select few are near the lake. They all have trees between the site and the water. The campgrounds also all have boat ramps and swimming areas. In addition to the trails throughout the national forest, there is also a trail that runs around the lake and through the campgrounds.
The sunsets are not to be missed! I spent all of my phone battery taking pictures of the sunset and didn't get any of the campground...
TravelerCame here every weekend 6 years ago. Just moved back to Oregon and came back to find it the same as its always been. Great camping great hosts and the grounds are always very well maintained. 10/10 would recommend
LegendThis 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.
GuideVisited Collier in August. Temperature was nice. A little dry and dusty this time of year. Great rivers close by, nice hiking trails. Restrooms open and clean. Quiet during weekdays.
GuideMy 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.
GuideWe stayed here at the recommendation of a friend—2 nights. Very clean bathrooms and unlimited showers. We stayed in a tenting site, with our mini Meerkat trailer, off the grid. Lots of bold chipmunks. Near the junction to go to Crater Lake, which we did as a day trip, about 45 minutes each way. Small grocery store in nearby Chiloquin. The campground is near the highway, and you can hear traffic occasionally, but there are a number of hiking trails (easy) and you can get down to the cold, clear river.
TravelerWaldo is a beautiful lake, and as long as you go later in the summer - like August and September - the less likely the mosquitoes will drive you back home. It can get quite cold at night, but the cold keeps the mosquitoes down. Tent camping is delightful, especially because generator and motorboat use is quite limited at Waldo. It's a very popular campground, but there's always someplace close by where you can find a secluded spot. When it's really hot, the swimming is lovely - unless the mosquitoes are out. It's a nice place for kids, dogs, and families.
Equestrian camping near Diamond Lake, Oregon offers dedicated facilities for horse enthusiasts within the Umpqua National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 4,000-5,500 feet with a short summer season typically spanning late June through September. Trail conditions vary with seasonal snowmelt, and riders should check current forest service reports before planning extended backcountry trips.
Trail riding from alternate sites: While Kelsay Valley serves as a primary equestrian camp, Whitefish Horse Camp provides additional access to trail systems approximately 24 miles northeast of Diamond Lake. The camp accommodates larger rigs and offers more spacious parking areas for horse trailers.
Explore connecting wilderness routes: Several backcountry trails connect the Diamond Lake area with adjacent wilderness zones. Most routes require moderate riding experience with elevation gains of 800-1,200 feet. Trails often cross streams and open meadows with seasonal wildflowers during July and August.
Visit nearby lakes: When not riding, anglers can enjoy fishing at Diamond Lake where campers report good catches. "Awesome fishing," notes Tim W., who recommends bringing equipment suitable for trout and maintaining proper licenses.
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate the lake views and swimming opportunities. "Such a beautiful campground has beautiful lake views, access to bathrooms and showers, and ice cream and firewood just a walk or bike ride away," reports Macy G. at Diamond Lake Campground.
Quiet forest surroundings: Those seeking tranquility find NF 2612 Dispersed Camping provides a peaceful alternative. "Beautiful location near several Lakes and large fields with plenty of level camping and fire pits," notes Steve M., who adds there are "no facilities here" but the location is "very peaceful and quiet location full of birds."
Site privacy: Campers frequently mention site spacing as important. Richard D. describes NF 2612 Dispersed Camping as having "flat sites down short dirt road" with "open area with room for about six rigs" and "several shaded spots."
Seasonal considerations: The high elevation means short summers and rapidly changing conditions. Most equestrian trails and facilities operate from late June through early September, depending on snowmelt and weather patterns.
Wildlife awareness: Bears, deer, and smaller wildlife frequent the area. Practice proper food storage techniques and maintain clean campsites. Mosquitoes can be problematic in early summer, especially near water sources.
Limited services: Natural Bridge Campground represents the more rustic options in the region. Laura M. notes: "Really beautiful campground, we love it here. The hikes along the river here are amazing, and the campground is nice and peaceful. The cost per night is $15, which is nice and cheap. Zero cell reception in this area."
Beginner-friendly riding trails: Several shorter loop trails near Kelsay Valley provide options suitable for younger or less experienced riders. These typically cover 2-4 miles with minimal elevation change and return to the main camp area.
Lake activities for non-riders: Cultus Lake Campground offers options for family members who don't ride. "Great little getaway. Love going to cultus lake with friends," shares Hollina P., who adds "it gets pretty busy at times so if you want a good camping spot then you need to go before the weekend starts."
Alternative accommodations: For families with mixed camping preferences, some areas offer cabin options. Ashley B. says about Cultus Lake: "If you want to be on a beautiful lake but not have to worry about setting up camp this is the place. Cultus lake resort rents cabins, all water sport rentals, firewood, great store, and a cafe."
Space limitations: Many equestrian campsites accommodate smaller to mid-sized rigs, but check specific site dimensions when making reservations. Standard sites typically fit rigs up to 30 feet, while some specialized equestrian areas allow larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds in the Diamond Lake region lack hookups. For RVers seeking amenities, Collier Memorial State Park Campground offers alternatives. Jessica P. advises: "We felt our campsite was plenty big enough for our 30 ft. trailer, chairs, dog, and equipment. The chipmunks are everywhere and will steal food."
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to equestrian camps often feature gravel surfaces with occasional rough sections. Some areas become difficult to navigate during inclement weather, especially for larger trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Diamond Lake, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Diamond Lake, OR is NF 2612 Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Diamond Lake, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Diamond Lake, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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