Best Equestrian Camping near Diamond, OR

South Steens Campground features an equestrian section with individual corrals at each site, providing ample space for horses and riders. Located in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area, this campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding gorges and trails. The solar well supplies water for horses, and the spacious layout accommodates highlines for additional horses beyond the corral capacity. Riders frequently use this area to access the gorges and Riddle Brothers Ranch via connecting trails. The campground maintains clean facilities including vault toilets with toilet paper and trash service. Weather can change rapidly in this area, requiring riders to carry rain gear when exploring the trails. The campground charges $8 with a senior pass and can accommodate various camping setups except for large bus campers and long travel trailers.

The trail system accessible from South Steens connects riders to Big Indian Gorge, offering a spectacular route to the headwall. Fall visitors experience impressive foliage on quaking aspen trees along the trails. Wild horse herds can be spotted in the surrounding areas, adding to the authentic equestrian experience. The remote location requires navigating approximately 50 miles of washboard gravel road, but the solitude and riding opportunities justify the journey. Water access is limited beyond the campground, with the next reliable source at Jackman Park. Summer conditions are hot and dry, while fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant colors. The campground's position provides direct access to multiple gorges coming off the Steens Mountain range, creating diverse riding options from a single base camp.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Diamond, Oregon (3)

    1. South Steens Campground

    10 Reviews
    Frenchglen, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 573-4400

    "We go up to the South Steens Campground each year and stay in the Equestrian side of the campground. Normally we spend 7-10 days there and ride the gorges and down to the Riddle Brothers Ranch."

    "We chose F2, a big pull through near the vault toilet and not far from the well. The campground was basic but very tidy and quiet during our stay."

    2. Palomino Hills Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Diamond, OR
    41 miles
    Website

    "We pulled off here for a quick night before continuing to eastern Oregon. There wasn’t a pull-off at the location listed in the Dyrt, but we took one at mile marker 88."

    3. Harney County Fairgrounds

    1 Review
    Hines, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 573-6447

    $15 - $40 / night

    "We saw the fairground entrance sign, turned into the main fairground area, and stopped in front of the office."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Diamond, OR

13 Reviews of 3 Diamond Campgrounds


  • Jacob F.
    Apr. 29, 2020

    South Steens Campground

    Great area to ride horses in!!!

    We go up to the South Steens Campground each year and stay in the Equestrian side of the campground. Normally we spend 7-10 days there and ride the gorges and down to the Riddle Brothers Ranch. This campground is great for horses. The solar well is great for water and having corals at each site is awesome! We high line some horses but there is still plenty of space for that as well. No campfires are allowed in the fall but what we do to stay warm outside is we have a small wood stove that works great to cook on as well. Just a little piece of advice is to always have you rain coat with you when you go riding in the Steens, the weather can change fast!

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2020

    South Steens Campground

    Nice quiet place

    I originally went to the South Steens family Campground to find a site and it was full. I went over to the equestrian campsites even though I didn't have any horses. It worked out just fine. The campsites are close together so there isn't much privacy. It is August and they are not allowing campfires. They have restrooms and a well house to get water from. The skies were clear and I was able to get a glimpse of the meteor shower. I've never seen stars like that it was really nice. This is a good base camp to go to Wildhorse Lake for a quick hike. It's 2 1/2 miles long but worth it. I would come back here.

  • Tanya B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2021

    South Steens Campground

    Basic but tidy

    This was my first time at amazing Steens Mountain Wilderness. It was also my first time on a 50 mile washboard gravel road.  Since we stayed in October, the campground had plenty of sites to choose from.  We chose F2, a big pull through near the vault toilet and not far from the well. The campground was basic but very tidy and quiet during our stay. We especially enjoyed seeing herds of wild horses, the fall foliage on the quaking aspen, and the hiking trails.

  • A
    Jun. 28, 2022

    South Steens Campground

    A campsite with door to exploration

    Basic campsites, but some are very private. Either sides of camp offer amazing longer hikes to gorges coming off the steens mountain range. Fall colors were amazing, and still some water from the little Indian and blitzen rivers. Coyotes at night, pit toilets, solitude, plenty of trees. Is hot and dry in summer, but the exploration around it is breathtaking. Long dusty road but worth it. Wild horses and scenic

  • Devon R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Palomino Hills Dispersed Camping

    Great stop-over spot

    We pulled off here for a quick night before continuing to eastern Oregon. There wasn’t a pull-off at the location listed in the Dyrt, but we took one at mile marker 88. Just down the road a quarter mile was an established spot with a fire ring. It was down in a dip, so not visible from the road and very quiet.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2023

    Harney County Fairgrounds

    Good Overnighter

    This review is based on an overnight versus destination campground (CG). We followed our RV GPS to Harney County Fairgrounds. We saw the fairground entrance sign, turned into the main fairground area, and stopped in front of the office. We had called the fairground office about a week prior and left a message to call us back, which was quickly returned. The nice lady on the phone said camping was first come, first serve, and if there was no one in the office and it was normal work hours, a worker on the grounds would help us. She also said that there was nothing going on that week, so come on in. No one was at the office, so we proceeded straight into the fairgrounds. We came upon a worker, and he came over and led us to the new full hook-up area, which is in the southwest corner of the grounds. The gentleman could not have been nicer, giving us a rundown on the fairgrounds and camping areas, including opening up the new bathhouse/restroom that is located in the 30-site fenced FHU area. There was no one camping at the time, so he told us to pick any site and either pay him (cash or check) or put the payment in the slot at the office. That evening another camper came into the FHU area and another into the water and electric sites, which are at the end of the office road where you curve around and head to the FHU area about 150 yards further down the road. We chose site 18 as it had the lowest sewer connection, as most were 4 to 6 inches or more above the ground. The water, which we were told was very good/clean water, had water pressure at about 60 PSI, so we used a reducer. The pads are not marked, but you can figure out how they are laid out. Depending on how busy the FHU area might be, you could be parked very close to each other. There are a few street light poles. Overall, the FHU area is just a big parking lot but worked well as an overnighter. There are huge areas to walk or run your dog. We had stayed in the area before, and the fairgrounds are a bit cheaper than the other campgrounds in the area, but you don’t get a picnic table or other amenities other than the bathhouse. Call 541-573-6447 after hours or if no one is around to check in. Highly recommend that If it's your first time, don’t come in after dark as the sites are not well marked, and you could run over the FHU area utilities. Take a right out of the FHU area, as that road is the recommended exit. Though on the pricey side for what you get, we’d rather have the privacy and spaciousness to let our dogs run.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2024

    South Steens Campground

    Worth the washboarded drive

    Syayed here on Oct 2. Paid $8 with senior pass. Nice campground. Level sites. Can accommodate all sorts of rigs, except big bus campers & long travel trailers. Trash service. Water. Clean vault toilets with tp. 2G T-Mobile service. Most sites are open with partial shade. No privacy between most sites. A few sites may accommodate hammock campers. Tent camping possible. Steens Mountain Loop Rd closed at the campground entrance.

  • Christopher  B.
    Jun. 24, 2021

    South Steens Campground

    Quiet and remote, a jump off to the unreal

    Stayed a little bit up from the campsite in the wilderness. Beautiful approach to this area, the canyons are impressive. Remote and quiet, if that’s what you’re looking for. This will never get much traffic. And then, right next door you wake up the next morning to find an incredible natural wonderland. Huge canyons, old glacial relics, a radical canyon wall that drops off to a sand dunes desert...spend a day, spend days wondering around the canyons and summits of this mountain range. Unreal beauty and so untouched, so out of the way as to almost have it to yourself.

  • Conor B.
    Jul. 8, 2021

    South Steens Campground

    Great spot!

    This is a small but great camp site. Bathrooms present on site. Each spot has a great picnic table and grill. It is a rocky area so have a pad if tent camping.


Guide to Diamond

Oregon offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it an ideal destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With various campgrounds catering to equestrian needs, adventurers can explore the great outdoors alongside their horses.

Tips for equestrian camping near Diamond, Oregon

  • South Steens Campground provides access to beautiful trails and scenic views, perfect for riders looking to explore the Steens Mountain Wilderness.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Harney County Fairgrounds features spacious areas for horse camping, allowing for easy access and plenty of room for your equine companions.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

  • South Steens Campground is noted for its proximity to longer hikes and trails that are ideal for horseback riding, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Diamond, OR is South Steens Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Diamond, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.