Equestrian camping near Dorena Lake offers access to diverse terrain across the Willamette National Forest and surrounding BLM lands. The area sits at elevations between 1,000-5,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most horse camps remain open from May through October, with limited amenities available during shoulder seasons when rainfall increases.
What to do
Trail riding and exploration: Several campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems through logging roads. At Upper Lake Creek - Hult Reservoir, riders appreciate the natural setting with "no motorized boats" allowed, creating a "quiet, peaceful" environment with "excellent hidden creek water" for horses.
Fishing between rides: Combine equestrian activities with fishing opportunities. At Hult Pond, campers note it's "a non-motorized lake area" where you can enjoy "kayaking and plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike." This creates excellent opportunities for combining camping with fishing between trail rides.
Water activities: When not riding, campers can enjoy paddling and swimming. One visitor mentioned, "We ended up finding a decent spot. Would come again, but there's no cell service at all so I'd plan accordingly." This makes the area ideal for disconnecting while enjoying nature.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Horse-friendly sites offer privacy from other campers. At Harralson Horse Campground, visitors enjoy the quiet atmosphere: "Only one other camper while we were there (4-days)" and appreciate that "picnic tables and fire pits available" with "pretty good RV sites" and "pretty good tent sites."
Natural water access: Many camping areas offer creek or lake access for horses. One camper at Hult Reservoir noted the "excellent hidden creek water" making it convenient for caring for horses between rides.
Group camping options: For larger equestrian groups, dedicated areas provide space for multiple trailers. At Horse Creek Group Campground, "the sites are large enough that you can have more than one tent in each, and the campground is all yours, so everyone camping is your pal!" Plus, "if you want even more privacy, you can lock the gate."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Many equestrian sites have minimal facilities. Horse Creek Group Campground provides basic amenities but "the biffies aren't always pumped out often enough, and the water in the pump has a lot of rust in it."
Road conditions: Access to some horse camping areas requires navigating rough forest roads. At North Waldo Lake, which is about 40 miles from Dorena Lake, campers note that "research the campgrounds for sites because some are not very close to the lake."
Cell service limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have no mobile coverage. At Hult Pond, campers warn, "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant, particularly at higher elevations. One camper observed, "It can get quite cold at night, but the cold keeps the mosquitoes down."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose horse camps with adequate space between corrals and tents. At Whispering Pine Horse Camp, one visitor noted, "The scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike," making it suitable for family members who might not ride.
Kid-friendly activities: Plan alternative activities for non-riders. Near Fawn Creek, parents appreciate that "keeping them entertained is easy whether it's exploring the outdoors" with "dense forests and rolling hills" providing natural playgrounds.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife spotting times along trails. Campers report seeing various bird species, deer, and occasionally elk in the forested areas near the horse camps.
Water safety considerations: Lakes near horse camps often lack lifeguards. Supervise children near water at all times, especially at Hult Pond where "the pond was great for kayaking" but requires parental supervision.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Many equestrian camping areas have limited space for large rigs. One camper at Douglas County Fairgrounds RV Park, which is about 30 miles from Dorena Lake, notes the campground has "pretty good RV sites" but they're "pretty close to one another."
Trailer maneuvering: Some horse camps have tight access roads requiring careful navigation. A camper at Hult Pond warned, "We have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. RV almost tipped over trying to u turn... if you go down the main lower path you will find an area big enough to u turn! Don't do it until then!"
Power management: Most equestrian sites lack hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. Plan to bring solar panels, generators (where allowed), or sufficient battery capacity for your stay.
Water access planning: Limited water sources at some equestrian camps requires careful planning. At several horse camps, campers must bring their own water or use filtration systems for creek water, as potable water is not always available.
