Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers equestrian camping facilities within the Blue Mountains at 4,000 feet elevation. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summer days, cool nights, and significant snowfall in winter months. The surrounding Wallowa-Whitman National Forest contains multiple horse-friendly camping options near Pendleton, Oregon, with established trails that connect to historic routes.
What to do
Explore historic caves: Hike the 2.5-mile round trip trail from Coalmine Hill to Gibson Caves for panoramic views. "There is a trail for either a long hike or a short one. With two littles, we did the short on which around trip was under 3 miles," notes Ashton B., who adds that "it looks like if we would have kept going there is definitely an uphill climb to continue the treck."
Attend ranger programs: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers educational activities about local ecology and history. Jenny M. describes, "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
Explore ATV trails: The trails around Spring Creek Campground accommodate multiple users. "It is a designated ATV aria with tons of trails used by hikers and horses," explains Rayne N., who notes "in the fall it is a favorite spot for hunters."
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Campers appreciate the natural setting at Cutsforth Park Campground. Hallie describes, "The roads are gravel and wind their way up a steep hill, but the sites provide decent privacy. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit... We loved the serenity of being away from town in the woods where all we could hear were the birds and the creek nearby."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around these horse campgrounds near Pendleton provide opportunities to observe local species. Mel B. reports seeing "Lots of elk and turkeys" when camping at dispersed sites in the national forest.
Seasonal variations: Winter visitors can find plowed access to some campgrounds. Jacob D. mentions Spring Creek Campground "is plowed in the winter. There wasn't much snow here on January 5-6th, 2025. It's direct access onto the road from the highway exit."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby Interstate 84. At Wallowa-Whitman NF 21, Roy S. notes that "Interstate traffic dominates the soundscape" while Erin H. acknowledges "you will hear road noise. I84 is just beyond the trees. I pretend it's waves, my husband uses ear plugs."
Limited amenities: Many sites offer basic facilities only. Denise D. describes Spring Creek Campground as having "4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Rayne N. reports that at Spring Creek Campground "cell service is serves is sporty from 3 bars to none," while Charles T. notes "Verizon was 2 bars, 4g but slow. Wifiranger with AT&T was very fast."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from highways: For families sensitive to noise, select campgrounds further from major roads. Kelly N. warns that at Emigrant Springs, tent camping can be challenging as it's "TOO close to the highway and too noisy even with ear plugs or music."
Look for educational opportunities: Oriental Campground offers unique environmental features despite its rustic appearance. Sonia B. describes it as having "Tons of shade" though notes "it looked really spooky to me! Trees were all creepy looking."
Be prepared for insects: Pack sufficient insect repellent for comfort. Ashton B. cautions that at Coalmine Hill, "Mosquitos can be murdereres so lots of bug spray!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: At Cutsforth Park Campground, Hallie notes the campground "has full and partial hookup sites" which provide different levels of amenities depending on your needs.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution. Jacob D. describes Spring Creek Campground's approach as "a rough road about 1.2 miles, that's bumpy and has lots of pot holes."
Space considerations: Spring Creek offers limited spots but works for moderate-sized RVs. Charles T. advises, "Great little campground far enough from the interstate to be peaceful. 4 spots available so it fills up fast... Overall a great campground if you can get a spot."
