Best Equestrian Camping near Dorena, OR

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. 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 There are pit toilets but when I was there the majority were closed for maintenance and had been replaced by portable toilets.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...

Not near Eugene

The scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike.

Whether you’re visiting friends or simply seeking a tranquil getaway, this camp provides a perfect blend of nature and comfort. While you're planning your trip, if you find yourself needing assistance with any writing tasks or essays, consider the academized.com/write-my-coursework writing service. They offer professional help that can elevate your academic experience. Enjoy the serene beauty of the forest and create lasting memories at Whispering Pine!

North Waldo has great beaches. Some of the sites are huge. Many are lake front.

One of the purist lakes in the world! Wonderful campground on Waldo Lake. Very secluded, basic sites, and close to the lake. Awesome biking and hiking trails all around the lake. Mosquitos can be vicious, but other than that it’s perfect!

It'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.

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.

Waldo Lake is a fantastic choice for any non-motorized boaters, as motors are banned. We took our kayaks out onto the large crystal clear lake where you can see straight to the bottom. Since there are no motored boats, the lake and campground were very quiet and peaceful. There is also an extensive trail around the lake, which can be followed on foot or bike. Nearby are more hikes and lakes (Crescent Lake allows for motored boats). Salt Creek Falls is just down the highway and makes for an excellent day hike. Would definitely recommend North Waldo for a relaxing camping trip.

Waldo 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.

Easily one of the prettiest, and most beautiful camping spots I have ever stayed at. The host was amazing he had a awesome attitude, stopped in at our campsite to shoot the breeze. Overall just a fabtastic place to stay!

North Waldo is unfairly maligned - but I think it's at least as nice as nearby Islet. I strongly recommend the sites on the south loop nearest the lake - several of them are downhill from the road, and therefore quiet and woodsy and free of mosquitos (yay!). The bathrooms are newer here than at Islet and clean and functional. Water is cold and clear and perfect. Trail access is amazing.

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).