Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Fall Creek Lake is the way to go. Finding a place to camp in Oregon with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Fall Creek Lake campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
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
Cultus Lake is one of the few lakes along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway that allows high speed motorized water craft. Cultus Lake Campground offers opportunities for waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and jet skiing, as well as, access to trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Cultus Lake Campground offers opportunities for waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and jet skiing, as well as, access to trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Campers have the option to launch their boat from a walk-in boat launch located within the campground or the more developed boat launch located within the day use area.
Cultus Lake Campground is located on the shore of Cultus Lake just a few miles off the Cascade Lakes Highway. The campground offers visitors access to boating on Cultus Lake, hiking in the Three Sisters Wilderness and exploring the rich volcanic hisotry of Central Oregon's Cascades.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$32 - $34 / 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
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 location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
$5 / 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.
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
There are 3 campsites each with a double horse corral, picnic table, fire ring, and adequate camping space for two vehicles each. There is no drinking water, however water from the spring is available for stock use. There is a vault toilet. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
$16 / night
Quinn Meadow Horse Campground is situated along the Cascasde Lake Highway within Central Oregon's Cascade range.
Quinn Creek Trail, which begins in the campground, follows Quinn Creek past the north end of Hosmer Lake and ties into the Metolius-Windigo Trail. With only a short shuttle between Sparks and Devils Lake, a longer, 11-mile loop can be made by connecting the Katsuk Pond Trail from Devils Lake Trailhead to Quinn Creek, and then on to Sparks Lake via the Metolius-Windigo Horse Trail.The Metolius-Windigo Trail is a long-distance trail open to horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers. It can be accessed from several trailheads. At over 100 miles in length, this trail begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of Sisters and runs south to Windigo Pass near Crescent Lake. The trail was created in the 1980s, primarily to serve long-distance horseback riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Because of its lower elevation, this trail is snow-free longer than trails at higher elevations. It passes through a wide variety of scenic terrain and forest types.
Spring-fed Quinn Creek, which flows into Hosmer Lake, sits adjacent to the campground. Quinn Meadow spreads south from the campground. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyotes and bears. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.
Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain Range that 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.
$25 - $27 / 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
Ranger
Spent two nights here celebrating a friends birthday party. The weather was a little too cold/windy to enjoy the lake, but the campground is clean and well kept. Fellow campers were respectful and friendly. Cultus is always a great experience.
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).
Traveler
This campsite is amazing. We're pretty new to finding free and dispersed camping spots so it was a long shot to get here, but we lucked out and fell in love with this place.
Getting there is fairly easy. GPS for us didn't give us the right lake but we drove on until there was a sign for the campground. There's no chance of you missing it. The drive is also very beautiful.
The campground has a lot of spots. The first spot is the only one I'd considered "good" for an rv but I wouldn't bother trying. The first 5 or 6 spots and can pull your vehicle off the road and set up. There are a few hike in spots that we didn't check out but were well marked.
There are fire pits, picnic tables, bathrooms, and plenty of good spots to set up a hammock.
They also have a boat launch, but it didn't seem that great. I didn't see anyone use it to get boats or kayaks in the water-only people carrying their kayaks.
We loved it here and really lucked out on our spot.
GuideThe scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike.
TravelerReally relaxing place. Beautiful blue water, lots of shade & beach area to play.
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.
TravelerWe went Scott Lake in early October 2019 and had the chance to receive the first snowfall of the season. There are a few spots right along the lake that are pull in for vehicles (a few that you have to hike to the lake but not that far). Farther down the road are hike in spots that we will be going to with family next year. It was peaceful and quiet and we never heard a peep from any of the other campers. The camp sites were super clean and very well laid out. The lake was low so I had to dock my kayak where the channel was between the two main parts of the lake was and explored the rest on foot. My three dogs loved it there and loved swimming in the lake. It was an overall great experience and we will definitely be back again next summer!
TravelerSo when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.
Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)
Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.
Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.
Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched
Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.
Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens
GuideNorth Waldo has great beaches. Some of the sites are huge. Many are lake front.
GuideIf 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 call ahead the book up fast
TravelerVery nice cabins and well maintained restaurant. Also have boats and other fun water equipment to rent at a fair price. If you dont want to pitch the tent this is for you!
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
ScoutCamped here in mid October, not many people around but the view of the three sister mountains were phenomenal!!! Clean campground and nice camp sites
ScoutOur families have been coming here for 30 years! Delightful!
GuideThis campsite is the perfect place if you enjoy secluded tent camping in a primitive style but still want the comforts of a fire pit, picnic table and a toilet. The scenery is hard to match. Views of Three Sisters makes for the most breathtaking sunrise and hiking around the lake is beautiful. There is also hiking up to Tenas Lakes or Scott Mountain that makes for a good day trek. It was serene, quiet, picturesque, clean, and free! We paid $5 to park and the walk to our cite was not bad. Get there early to get the best spot; first come first serve.
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.
Horse camping near Fall Creek Lake in Oregon offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fall Creek Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fall Creek Lake is North Waldo Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fall Creek Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Fall Creek Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
