The Fall Creek area offers equestrian camping at elevations between 2,000 and 4,500 feet in the Willamette National Forest. Horse trails connect to multiple wilderness areas through dense Douglas fir forests. Weather patterns can shift quickly at higher elevations, with summer afternoons often reaching 80°F before cooling significantly overnight.
What to do
Lake exploration: Hult Pond Recreation Area provides opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing. "If you don't mind not having service this place is great to just get away from it all. Only a few good spots and they go fast so definitely get there early to get a good spot. Beautiful area and very peaceful," notes Dax S. from Hult Pond Recreation Area.
Mountain biking: Access trails directly from camp to explore forest routes that range from beginner to advanced. "There is a 22 mile mountain bike trail around the lake. This is protected wilderness area, soon flush toilets and spigots with potable water," mentions Jen H. from North Waldo Lake.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several lakes in the region prohibit motorized boats, creating ideal conditions for paddle sports. "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," shares Ariel C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian camps offer well-spaced sites to accommodate horses and gear. "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," explains Amber D. from Horse Creek Group Campground.
Seasonal planning: Fall visits can provide both advantages and challenges when staying at horse campgrounds near Fall Creek, Oregon. "We 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," reports Andrea R. from Scott Lake Campground.
Natural soundscapes: Campers frequently mention the calming effects of water features. "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," shares a visitor to Horse Creek Group Campground.
What you should know
No cell service: Many camping areas around Fall Creek have limited or no connectivity. "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there. There are some really cool spots that were taken. We ended up finding a decent spot," warns Grace A. about Hult Pond.
Bathroom facilities: Toilet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," notes a camper about Horse Creek Group Campground.
Road conditions: Access routes to equestrian areas may require careful navigation. "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 a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!" cautions Dillon & Soren A. from Upper Lake Creek - Hult Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations cause significant day-to-night temperature changes. "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. It gets VERY chilly at night," advises Kelsey M.
Research site access: Some family-friendly spots require short hikes to reach. "This 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," recommends Aaron P. about Scott Lake Campground.
Plan for mosquitoes: Insect activity varies by season and location. "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," advises Amber D.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some horse campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "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," reports John M. from Harralson Horse Campground.
Watch for turnaround areas: Forest roads may lack adequate space for maneuvering larger vehicles. "There are a few spots off the road here. One large open spot big enough for 2 vehicles and several pull offs. There is a little traffic on the road, mostly big trucks," notes Michelle R. about Hult Pond.
Bring supplies: Most equestrian camping areas have limited services. "There is no water available here. There are bathrooms available, but we didn't need to utilize them. No fires allowed. There are no trash cans or dumpsters... this is a pack in, pack out area," advises Connie H.
