Equestrian camping near Foster, Oregon offers diverse trail systems and specialized accommodations for riders and their horses. The Cascades region maintains several dedicated horse camps within an hour's drive of Foster, situated in the western foothills of the Cascade Range at approximately 800 feet elevation. Winter temperatures average 35-45°F with summer highs reaching 75-85°F, creating variable trail conditions throughout the camping season.
What to do
Trail exploration with horses: Howard Creek Horse Camp at Silver Falls State Park provides access to extensive horse trails. "Stunning camping in a temperate rainforest. Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails," notes Jennifer H.
Waterfall viewing: From equestrian trails near Shellburg Falls Recreation Area, riders can access impressive cascades. Kelly G. explains, "Shellburgh Falls is tall with a huge basalt cave that you can walk behind the waterfall and down below to actually stand under the waterfall. Very pretty."
Summer trail riding: The forest trails near Whispering Pine Horse Camp offer scented summer rides through pine forests. "The scenery is amazing. The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part. Lots of great trails to hike," shares Eric M., highlighting sensory aspects of summer trail experiences.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Howard Creek Horse Camp accommodates equestrian needs with generous spacing. "Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer," confirms Jennifer H., addressing the importance of adequate space for horse trailers.
Group camping options: Horse Creek Group Campground provides facilities for larger equestrian groups. Amber D. notes, "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!"
Direct trail access: Equestrians appreciate campgrounds with immediate trail connections. Sherrie B. explains about Silver Falls, "Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike? There are miles of mountain bike trails. Have horses? They have trails too."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many horse camps have limited operational seasons. Scott Lake Campground closes during winter, as Mavrick S. explains: "McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)," limiting access to some equestrian areas.
Water sources: Water availability varies between horse camps. While Howard Creek provides water hookups, some locations require carrying water for horses. At Hult Pond Recreation Area, Connie H. cautions, "There is no water available here."
Wildfire impacts: Recent wildfires have affected some equestrian camping areas. Amit W. notes about Shellburg Falls, "It seems that facilities were damaged in the 2020 fires and they will not be re-established," demonstrating the importance of checking current conditions before planning horse camping trips.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-use trail systems: Silver Falls State Park offers activities for all family members beyond horseback riding. Sherrie B. reports, "First and foremost, it's all about the waterfalls - all 10 of them - linked by paved hiking trails. Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike? There are miles of mountain bike trails."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include amenities specifically for children. April F. mentions about Silver Falls, "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!"
Lake activities: Big Lake Campground provides water recreation options for families with horses. Becky K. shares, "Lake is great for kayaking, big enough to give you lots to paddle, but small enough to not be overwhelming. Beautiful view of the mountain (Mt. Washington I believe), and lots of birds and deer in the area."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: When bringing horse trailers with living quarters, prepare for variable campsite conditions. Becky K. advises about Big Lake, "A bit dusty, and no re hookups, but the lake and views make up for that. Pit toilets, and not all sites are leveled for every parking. Check site length to your needs and bring leveling blocks in case!"
Hookup availability: Howard Creek Horse Camp offers services uncommon at many horse camps. According to Jennifer H., sites include water and electric hookups, allowing equestrians with living quarter trailers to maintain comfort while camping with horses.
Road conditions: Access roads to some horse camps present challenges for larger rigs. For Hult Pond, Dillon & Soren A. warn, "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!"
