Hult Pond Recreation Area provides dispersed camping opportunities for equestrians in the foothills west of Fern Ridge Lake. The gravel access road runs through working forest land at approximately 800 feet elevation, where summer temperatures average 70-80°F with cooler evenings around 50°F. The surrounding Coast Range terrain features gentle slopes with logging roads that serve as multi-use trails for riders.
What to do
Kayaking on still waters: The pond at Hult Pond Recreation Area prohibits motorized boats, creating calm waters for paddling. "The pond was great for kayaking and there is plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike," notes Nicki G., who visited during spring break.
Beach riding excursions: Horse owners camping near Florence can arrange beach rides within 35 miles of Fern Ridge Lake. At Baker Beach Campground, "While here I took advantage of the rental stable and got to ride on the beach; pretty cool experience!" writes Annie C.
Forest exploration: The dense woodland offers miles of trails for day hikes from camp. "Lots of great trails to hike," mentions Eric M. about Whispering Pine Horse Camp, highlighting the "smell of the trees in the summer" as his favorite feature.
What campers like
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies dramatically between horse camping areas near Fern Ridge Lake. "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," reports Grace A. about her stay at Hult Pond, while Horse Creek Campground offers "some cell reception for ATT and Verizon, but it's not very strong."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural spacing at Horse Creek Campground. "The sites are spread apart with lots of natural foliage between as a screen," writes Jill R. Similarly, North Idaho N. found that even though "most of the sites open up into a shared circular area, it still felt very private" at Baker Beach Campground.
Vault toilet quality: Basic facilities receive praise at several locations. Laura M. noted at Horse Creek that "there are vault toilets, but no other services," while erin C. was impressed that "the toilet room smelled better than any pit toilet I've ever been in."
What you should know
Early arrival crucial: Prime camping spots fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "We went on a Friday and there were a lot of people but the sites were spread out nicely," shares Sean P. about Hult Pond.
Pack out trash: These primitive areas lack garbage service. Connie H. warns about Hult Pond: "There are no trash cans or dumpsters... this is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!"
Water availability: Potable water is scarce at most horse campgrounds. Near Fawn Creek Campground, campers find "well-maintained facilities" according to James S., but at Hult Pond "there is no water available," notes Connie H.
Weather considerations: Spring camping can mean less crowding but colder conditions. "I went during my spring break and I was lucky that it was too cold for most people to camp there," reports Nicki G. about her peaceful experience at Hult Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal planning: Timing affects both comfort and crowd levels at horse campgrounds near Fern Ridge Lake. "Temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer" make the area "a beautiful destination year-round," notes James S. about camping near Fawn Creek.
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to toilet facilities. At Hult Pond, "There's one bathroom facility but it's towards the entrance and the beginning of sites at the pond so be prepared with a shovel and TP," advises Sean P.
Beach access challenges: Reaching ocean beaches from nearby horse camps requires crossing dunes. At Dry Lake Horse Camp, campers appreciate being "close to heceta light house, right before sea lion caves, and close to hikes and away from crowds," according to Ash C.
Tips from RVers
Tight turns: Access roads can challenge larger rigs. "We have a 38 foot RV. We got stuck in a ditch. RV almost tipped over trying to u-turn," warns Dillon & Soren A. about Hult Pond, advising "if you go down the main lower path you will find an area big enough to u-turn! Don't do it until then!"
Logging truck awareness: Working forests mean commercial traffic on access roads. Horse Creek Campground's road is "really narrow (only room for one vehicle in most parts) and there were some large pits we had to navigate around," according to Laura M.
Trailer-friendly sites: For those with horse trailers, space considerations differ from standard RVs. Ash C. notes that at Dry Lake Horse Camp, "The turn into this road from Highway is a sharp one and immediately uphill. Probably not for anyone towing large trailers but if you're skilled you can try it out."
