Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Foster Lake. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. Search horse campsites and discover top-rated spots, as reviewed by other campers.
The main campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground.
Campground Book sites at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance. Reservations are required for cabin stays.
48 electrical sites with water (18+ sites open year-round) 43 tent sites with water nearby (seasonal May–Oct.) 14 cabins (7 pet friendly, open year-round) Flush toilets and showers Universal Access: Campsites B2 and B4, four cabins, and campground restrooms/showers are accessible. Howard Creek Horse Camp (seasonal May–Oct) 5 primitive sites with horse stalls Group site for 24 people and 12 horses
People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and once you visit, you know why. Silver Falls State Park is the kind of standout scenic treasure that puts Oregon firmly onto the national—and international—stage.
Camping: The main Silver Falls campground has tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Bring your horse and stay in the horse campground. If you need an area for many people, the park also has group tent and RV camps, and the historic Youth Camp for up to 250 campers.
Waterfalls: Where else can you walk behind a waterfall? Check out the famous South Falls and see what a 177-foot curtain of water looks like from behind. It’s part of the Trail of Ten Falls, a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a dense forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon, and descends to a winding creek at the forest floor. This 7.2 mile loop is considered to be a moderate hike, with an overall elevation change of 800 feet. Several connecting trails with separate access points make shorter routes. For everyone’s safety— absolutely no pets allowed on the Canyon Trail. Pets on leash are allowed on all other trails.
Boots, bikes, paws, hooves: The park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding (see guided ride info below). Bears and cougars live in the more remote park areas.
Daytime activities: The South Falls Day-use area has spacious lawns, barbecue stands, picnic shelters, tables, a playground, horseshoe pits, an off lead area for dogs, and a charming creek. Ever since the opening day in 1933, visitors have been using these grounds for potlucks, family reunions and weddings.
The Silver Falls Lodge and Conference Center offers a variety of amenities. Relax and enjoy comfortable lodging within the wooded setting, or feast at the many catered specialty events. Enjoy a preordered meal at the historic dining hall or order a box lunch to take on a hike or to your campsite. They also specialize in hosting special events! Visit silverfallslodge.com or call 866-575-8875.
Guided horseback rides: Silver Falls Riding Stables at Howard Creek offers five horseback rides daily through Sept. 29. Advanced reservation recommended. Visit silverfallslodge.com for times and rates.
$28 / night
This campground provides 49 single campsites.__ There are both reservable and FCFS sites.__ The original campsites within Big Lake are in two loops, (sites #1-14 and #15-20) which have eight or so sites with frontage on the lake shore.__ In 1992 additional campsites were opened (sites #21-49) on a long straight stretch from the boat launch towards Big Lake West.__ These sites have larger and wider parking spurs, and most sites use stairs to access the table, fire rings and tent pad below the parking spur.__ Sites can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet in length, depending on site.__ Drinking water is provided by a water system, built in 1993, which serves the entire Big Lake complex by filtering water drawn from the lake and distributing it to the campgrounds.__ There are three single vault toilets, and two double vault toilets in the campground.__ The extra vehicle parking area consists of a boat launch, picnic area, and parking for approximately 15 vehicles and boat trailers.__ All of these day use facilities are located in the middle of the campground, between the original loops and the "expansion" campsites.______ Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground.____ Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.
Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.
The major activities in the Big Lake area revolve around motorized use.__ Boats frequent the lake and off highway vehicles (OHVs) us the adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area.__ Other attractions include Mt. Washington Wilderness and associated access trails, historic Santiam__Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout. Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.
$28 / 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
Note: Coordinates listed on The Dyrt are to the State Park. Please call the reservations desk for direct directions to campground. There are 6 campsites at Howard Creek Horse Camp, including one group site. All campsites are quite nice and feature plenty of shade and a fair amount of privacy. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, corrals and hitching rails, manure bins, spigots with potable water and porta potties. Up to 4 horses/pack animals and 8 people are allowed per site. The group site however can accommodate up to 12 horses and 24 people.
Howard Creek Horse Camp is open seasonally, May through September.
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
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
$6 / 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
Legend
What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it. You can just get lost in the beauty of it all. The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds. Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain.
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
Guide
The Views surpass anything negative I could say. The location is ideal, we escaped the summer heat, at our site it was about 15 degrees cooler than Sisters temps. The Host who was a Forest Service Employee was wonderful, sites are fairly close together, I would bring a large sheet potentially next time to keep from looking straight into neighbors camps. The bugs were bad in the evening at the water, but not terrible during the day. Bring lots of big spray. The lake is serene, even with boater activity there was plenty of room for my kids to very safely swim. They do not sell firewood at the campground so if you are visiting when fires are allowed bring your own wood. We will for sure return!
GuideThis was one of my favorite established campgrounds I stayed at on my roadtrip through Oregon. The big trees are perfect shade and beautiful. The roads are perfect for biking and there’s a bike trail in the campground that leads you straight to the park. Bathrooms and showers are clean and well taken care of. There is an incredible trash and recycling center at the front of the camper ground. Campsites can be decently close to one another, so not secluded but that wasn’t an issue for me. Obviously with family’s there’s going to be noise early in the morning and late at night so just be aware of that. But I didn’t mind, and wish I could have stayed here one more night. Something I was also pleasantly surprised by was how the trees blocked excessive heat. There was a heat wave going on during the time I was there but I didn’t have a problem at all here. It was such a relief.
GuideThe lake is beautiful, although unfortunately not too shaded during the day due to the wild fires. I only spent a night here and it did the job. Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous. This is also not a quite campground. Neighbors are close and you can hear the people on the lake, but that’s to be expected.
LegendGeneral: Two loops with a mix of electric and non-electric sites plus cabins.
Site Quality: All sites have paved, level camper pads, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Reasonable separation/privacy between sites, although you will see and hear your neighbors.
Bath/Shower House: Bathrooms have been updated since our last visit six years ago. Automatic flush toilets and sinks. Soap dispensers and air dryers. They were clean. Showers are individual stalls with a bench and hooks for toiletries. The only thing missing was a garbage receptacle and there were signs indicating you needed to take your garbage out. I can only guess that previous campers abused the bathroom garbage, thus taking away the convenience for everyone else!
Activities: Highlight for us is the Trail of Ten Falls which, as the name suggests, takes you past ten waterfalls. The entire trail is just over seven miles but there are shorter loop options. The best access is from the day-use area but you can get there from the campground to add mileage. Pets are not allowed on this trail. There are paved bike trails and other backcountry trails that allow dogs and horses.
Our first visit to this state park was in 1990, and we returned in 1997 and 2017. We have loved it every time, even when it rains, as it does almost every time we visit!
ScoutThis is a well-maintained, "polished" campground, perfect for first-time campers or if you're still needing some higher ammenities. They have the nicest camp bathrooms I have seen, and include showers with hot water. They have a self-service area for firewood, ice, and firestarters that you can pay for with card or cash (only up to $5 bills) and then grab what you need. The trash area has a large compactor with recycling and glass bins.
Overall, it's enjoyable and provides a very comfortable camping experience. This is also a very family-friendly campsite, but that meant hearing screaming children well into 10 at night and early in the morning with little time to enjoy to sounds of being out in nature. Children would be riding their bikes up and down the campsite loop yelling and playing, again fine for family-friendly camping but not ideal if you're not there for that.
We stayed at campsite 85 which had little privacy with the neighboring spot of 83. Would be a good spot for a family or group of friends to book out both spots for shared space. Not many trees in ideal spots if you're here during rainy season and need to tie up some shelter. There were ants all over the campsite but they didn't seem to be too much of an issue. A group of deer wandering down the camp road eating plants, seems undisturbed by the presence of humans. Also had a small skunk wander up to our trash bag and try to get in.
This campground is an easy walking distance down a trail to access the trailheads, park, and lodge area (less than a mile). Your camp parking pass also doubles as a day pass to part at any of the surrounding spots in the park if you prefer to drive there.
ScoutCame to Silver Creek Falls fir 3 day family union, from Montana. Never seen such a beautiful area. Planning on coming back for a visit to relation and would love to camp fir a few days would like fees, length of time for tent area, shower, bathroom?
ScoutI was planning to potentially camp here but it seems that facilities were damaged in the 2020 fires and they will not be re-established
https://www.reddit.com/r/oregon/comments/151kto5/shellburg\_falls\_santiam\_state\_forest\_oregon/
GuideThis campsite was spacious and a short 5-minute drive to the Trail of Ten Waterfalls hike. The park rangers are quite attentive and friendly. The bathrooms have outlets and are clean. They also have 3 showers, the shower head was interesting but gets the job done. Drivers must keep their cars on the driveways that are at each campsite but it was not an issue for us at all. Just a PSA. The only issue we encountered was raccoons. They didn't get into any of our stuff and were easily scared away, but even while talking by the fire at night, a couple of raccoons would join us. Harmless really. When we visited, there were a ton of families with children so it felt safe. We hiked the Trail of Ten Waterfalls but were told to do a loop for a bit of a shorter hike. (The full hike is about 8 miles, but the loop is about 6 miles where you get to see 7/10 waterfalls -- which are all so beautiful. We were told to do the hike in a clockwise direction. This allows hikers to go downstairs at the beginning of the trail instead of having to go up all of them towards the end of their long hike. I recommend stopping for a map of the trail to know which falls you are at. We enjoyed coffee, Italian soda, and huckleberry ice cream at the cafe next to the trailhead after our hike.
TravelerRv sites were quite private for a state park. Loved that the campground was within walking distance of the Falls. Clean bathrooms, easy to use firewood and ice purchase and super friendly camp hosts
GuideThis is a beautiful campground with nice, shaded campsites. I was planning to stay a few days and hike to the waterfalls, but with an AQI in the unhealthy range, I will be leaving tomorrow. I hope I can get back here some day.
GuideI was finally able to make it out to this spot. The sites were clean with plenty of restrooms and showers. There are a couple of loops with many sites. Reservations are recommended as the sites fill up fast. Keep an eye out for cancelations; that's how we managed to book our site. There is a nature loop in the campground and Ten Falls is down the street.
Scout
I lived in Oregon for a couple years as a kid and my family got big into backpacking. One of our family favorites was Pamelia Lake. The trail is gentle and the basin the lake is in has great mountain ranges surrounding. As an adult it was only right that this was my first place to solo. I spent a little over 3 days hiking around the area. This is a great place that has many trails of varying difficulties nearby.
Guide
Beautiful trees, clean bathrooms, solid paddocks, and great trail network. Even had Miss Rodeo Oregon staying there on a rare weekend off before the RoundUp.
We were in site 3 which is the least flat and difficult to access, but close to the water and our friends that had booked 2. To is next to the water and has easy access even with their 4 horse LQ and dually crew cab. 4 is nice and shady but a bit of a hill. If we came back, we’d pick 5 or 6 for shade trees, easy access, but 8 and 9 have morning sun which would be nice on cool mornings. One site, 10 I think, has metal panels for the paddock. Others are pretty solid wood paddocks but bring a chain just in case the one there is broken (or you have a 5 y.o. Gelding that will break it :)
ScoutGreat camping, lots of shade for tent campers. Flushing toilets, showers clean. Multiple camp host. Reserve a spot !
ScoutVery nice state park.
TravelerCame in to the campground and was able to find our campsite quickly. 5 minutes after we had parked, a very nice ranger stopped by and greeted us; asked us a couple of questions about our reservation, checked us in, and shared information about the campground. We purchased firewood using the automated pay machine. We visited the trail of ten falls starting at the South Falls Lodge, which is less than a 5 minute drive from the campus ground. Great visit, super quiet campground; lots of trees; make sure to reserve your site well in advance; this site is usually full. Water and power on our site. Clean bathrooms and showers.
GuideThe lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.
GuideWent in Winter and it was cold, wet and had surprise snow! Nice open spots, cute playground - showers and flush toilets. Dumps ration is a couple miles away. Great access to water falls.
GuideGreat park! Waterfalls were raging after all the storms!! Downside is that dogs are not allowed on the majority of the infamous Ten Falls loop.
Campsite had TONS of spots available when we were there (midweek during a storm) with no reservation needed.
Sites were good (only downside is very little privacy). Paid $19 for rent only site. Had electric/ water hook up sites too. Hot showers, clean bathrooms. Had picnic table & decent space. Had good cell service here but not in other parts of the park so download maps before you leave the campsite!
ScoutWe stayed in the B loop since A loop is closed for winter. Campsites are well spaced and large. Campsite is an easy walk or short 2 minute drive to the south falls.
GuideBig bang for the buck. Many trails, many waterfalls, well laid out so even though crowded you get to enjoy your space. Definite must see.
GuideVery clean campground with good separation between sites. Clean and functional bathrooms with free showers and hot water, though the bathrooms are not heated. (Close the doors people!)
It had recently rained a lot so there was some flooding, so those campsites were closed off.
No sewer hookups at the campsite. The free dump is by the Group Campground a couple of miles away. Otherwise there was 30&50 amp power along with water. Unique (to me) places to drain your dishwashing water, though these will not work for your RV grey water.
The rangers I talked to were friendly and professional.
There was AT&T cell service. Great hiking area. Not too many people, but it was mid November.
Firewood available for $5. Each RV was paved(!), had a table and fire ring. Tents anew allowed in the Rv spot in winter as the tents only area was close. Then area is full of tall trees overhead and fairly open underneath. RV area (loop B) has fewer trees and more brush between campsites. Best spots are on the outside of the ring, but inside the ring are closer to the bathrooms.
I’d happily stay here again!
TravelerEven though there were no signs about the specific campground, thankfully I bypassed the “closed”agent building and followed the signs to the campground. The host is very sweet and her voice calmed my nerves. The campground is well kept. You can purchase firewood from the host. The showers was ONG fantastic. The water got piping hot, just the way I like it! This is a busy area with many families. I had water and electrical hookups. I used my 110 volt cord. This is one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed.
ScoutWe stayed in Big Lake West last weekend. The site was huge extending all the way down to the lake but we discovered that all of the west sites are walk-in only so we parked our van on the side of the road in front of our campsite in the designated area. The vault toilets were relatively clean and there were ample water spigots and garbage cans.
The downside is that we had a constant stream of hikers, hunters, other campers, and their dogs wandering through our campsite all day on both of the days we had reserved the site. It seems that most people elect to forgo the day-use access to the lake and use the campsites instead.
We also had substantial fast-moving traffic (hunters, hikers and OHVs) who appeared to be exploring the area.
And lastly- the trash in our site was substantial. The sites are large and not heavily maintained, but it’s disappointing to see piles of cigarette butts, cans, plastic bottles, a camp rug, along with the normal micro-trash lying around.
If you are easy going and like to make new friends with the endless stream of people wandering through your site- this is a great location. If you are trying to disconnect and have a little space to call your own for the weekend, I would avoid or stick to the regular big lake sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Foster Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Foster Lake is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 72 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Foster Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Foster Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
