Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Dorena? Finding a place to camp in Oregon with your horse is easier than ever. Find Oregon equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
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
Located eleven miles west of Sisters, Oregon, off Highway 242, Whispering Pine Horse Camp provides early season access to trails and is perfect for horse lovers who are visiting nearby friends. This rustic nine site horse camp offers great riding opportunities and trail access to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
This campground offers many opportunities for horseback riding or hiking with the many trails nearby. The pine forest provides shade as well as the chance to go bird or nature watching.
Whispering Pine Horse Camp is nestled below a thick ponderosa pine forest mixed with birch in the wet areas. The pines provide nice shade and the chance to enjoy the quiet of nature.
The close proximity to the town of Sisters offers many additional amenities and attractions, such as well as the nearby Camp Sherman RV Park as well as the Windigo Trail and Sisters Wilderness Trails.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$25 - $27 / night
Located six miles northwest of Sisters, Oregon, off Highway 20, Graham Corral Horse Camp provides early season access to trails and is perfect for horse lovers who are visiting nearby friends.
This campground offers many opportunities for horseback riding or hiking on the many trails nearby. The pine forest provides shade as well as the chance to go bird or nature watching.
Graham Corral Horse Camp is nestled below a thick ponderosa pine forest mixed with birch in the wet areas. The pines provide nice shade and the chance to enjoy the quiet of nature.
The close proximity to the town of Sisters offers many additional amenities and attractions, as well as the nearby Windigo Trail and numerous trail riding opportunities.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation
$23 - $25 / 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.
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.
Horse Creek Group Campground is located on the banks of Horse Creek. The rushing water and tall Douglas fir trees offer a cool, shady spot to enjoy the outdoors. A picnic area offers a great spot for grilling and group gatherings.
Fishing in Horse Creek is an enjoyable pastime. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trailhead is nearby, offering fun-filled hiking and biking opportunities. The 26-mile trail boasts wonderful scenery along the river, and is an easy hike for all ages. There are also numerous developed boat launches that provide access to the McKenzie River.
The campground sits along Horse Creek among Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar. The creek flows into the McKenzie River, a 90-mile tributary that transports snowmelt from the Cascade Range to the Willamette Valley. Set along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, gorgeous, lush mountain landscapes are found in every direction.
Cougar Reservoir is about 10 miles southwest and boasts excellent boating opportunities.
$75 / night
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving. Link to Hult Pond EIS on EPlanning website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/99598/510
In Deschutes National Forest, Whitefish Horse Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Cascade region. A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground looks out onto the waters of Crescent Lake. With snow-capped peaks, high elevation lakes, scenic rivers, and several wilderness areas located nearby, this campground offers visitors the opportunity to experience both the serene and wild aspects of central Oregon.
A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors with access to a variety of trails. Lakes, lava flows, and forested areas provide the backdrop for many of these rides. Whitefish Creel Trail is popular with both hikers and horseback riders. This trail can be accessed from the west end of Crescent Lake and follows Whitefish Creek up through lodgepole pines to a beautiful view of Diamond Peak at Diamond View Lake. From there, the trail descends along Trapper Creek through Engelmann spruce and white fir to the west end of Odell Lake. Equestrians may want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of America's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. Portions of the trail traverse Diamond Peak at timberline. Wilderness passes are required for this trail.
Cresent Lake is nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches, and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails in the 2.5 million-acre Deschutes National Forest and adjacent Ochoco National Forest. Lava Lands Visitor Center in 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 may also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaves through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, highlighting the beauty of central 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.
$23 - $25 / night
Traveler
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!
Guide
Not near Eugene
Traveler
had to stop but I don't think and gi to see if I 5
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.
Legend
Being here in the summer means dead grass and heat. We used it as a base so didn't spend much time there. I've been thru in the winter and it's much prettier. Host is very nice and showers and bathrooms are clean. Highway noise, otherwise quiet. Convenient for exploring the area and visiting friends.
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.
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).
ScoutThe campground is right off a highly traveled hwy without and natural barrier to prevent road noise. The sites are pretty close to one another. Still a good place for the night.
GuideThe scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike.
LegendOne 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!
ScoutNo motorized boats. Dispersed camping. Excellent hidden creek water. Restroom open during camping season. Store one mile away. Suggest you bring what you need and use store if needed. Nature trails. Canoe. Kayak. Fish.
GuideNorth Waldo has great beaches. Some of the sites are huge. Many are lake front.
TravelerLarge lake that does not allow motorized boats, so great for SUP and kayaking. Research the campgrounds for sites because some are not very close to the lake. There are first come sites as well as reservation only sites. There are multiple day hikes to upper lakes and a 22 mile mountain bike trail around the lake. This is protected wilderness area, soon flush toilets and spigots with potable water. The mosquitoes can be epic there, so be aware!
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...
TravelerWaldo is a beautiful lake that does not allow motorized craft. The lake is great for paddling or sailing. The camp grounds are well placed for views and access to the lake.
ScoutNorth 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.
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.
ScoutEasily 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!
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.
Traveler
Horse Creek group camp is one of my favorite campsites ever. Besides being gorgeous, 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! The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the biffies aren't always pumped out often enough, and the water in the pump has a lot of rust in it. There is a big gravel area where you can gather for group campfire at night, and the sound of the creek is wonderful to sleep to. If you want even more privacy, you can lock the gate.
ScoutWaldo 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dorena, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dorena, OR is North Waldo Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dorena, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Dorena, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
