Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Gates? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Oregon equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
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
Situated along the scenic Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park is only 45 minutes from Portland. This beautiful park provides a variety of outstanding recreational opportunities. You can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.
Seasonal Camping (Mid-March – Oct. 31)
44 electrical sites with water (one accessible). Nine tent sites with water nearby Hot showers and flush toilets Three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets and fire rings Three hiker/biker campsites with water, lockers, solar charging station and fire pit RV dump station Click here to see a campground map. Water Play
River lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks. For fishing enthusiasts, Estacada Lake offers a boat ramp and an ADA fishing dock, and the Clackamas River has steelhead and Chinook runs.
The Clackamas Fish Hatchery is located at McIver Park, and self-guided tours of the hatchery guide visitors through the life-cycle of Chinook salmon and steelhead.
SUP and Kayak Rentals Rentals and guided tours are offered by Clackamas River Outfitters at Estacada Lake through contract with Oregon State Parks. Information: 503-586-3241 or clackamasriveroutfitters.com
Land Play Prefer to stay dry? You can hike or ride your horse over miles of trails. (Bicycles are allowed only on paved trails and roads, for the safety of all.)
Milo also sports a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day-use Area. Discs are available at the park office to rent or buy.
$18 - $75 / 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
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.
$6 / night
Clackamas Lake Campground is a great camping destination, especially when nearby Timothy Lake sites are full. The lake is small and shallow. The facility is located in the Clackamas Lake Historic District in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to fishing, swimming and leisurely boating, as well as a number of trails and historic points along the way.
Clackamas Lake is a great place for fishing, swimming and non-motorized boating. Anglers can expect a catch of cutthroat, brook, rainbow or German brown trout. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area as well. Nearby Timothy Lake provides opportunities for picnicking and water-related recreation, including use of power boats. The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than a mile from the campground. It is a series of structures and cabins built to house Forest Service workers in the early 1900s. Rustic architecture and the historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area, draws thousands of tourists each year. It is a must-see while staying at the campground. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities. The 2.2-mile Miller Trail begins in the campground and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, which extends more than 2,650 miles, from Canada to Mexico. Additional trails, to scenic Little Crater Lake and to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, are also available in the area.
The campground is nestled in a heavily wooded forest of pine trees, with partial views of Oregon's highest peak. A lush, green understory provides some privacy between campsites. The campground is near the shores of 3-acre Clackamas Lake, and just three miles from larger Timothy Lake. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,400 feet.
The campground is less than 40 miles from Mt. Hood, where a historic lookout provides scenic views of the snow-capped mountain. Hiking and year-round skiing is available.
For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.
$25 - $27 / night
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
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.
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.
Scout
This was a quiet little campground. The sites were big and very clean. It is close to Timothy lake which is where we wanted to go kayaking at. Took us 10 minutes to get there. Loved camping there. There is no lake it’s more of a wetlands area.
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!
Traveler
Really nice and peaceful until it got late. Some group behind us blared heavy metal, yelled etc and decided 1am would be a great time to start. Ranger was really good at telling them to stfu. Water was accessible, nice fire pit. Look forward to doing some winter camping.
ScoutThe hosts for the month of September (Freddy & Kim) are obsessed with leaf blowers and driving around in loud, diesel off-road buggies when an electric golf cart is an option. The leaf blower stuff is just extreme though. I’ve had to ask them to stop (after literal hours of it mostly on and some off) both of the weeks I’ve camped here. You can’t think, read/write, nap, etc.
While I appreciate the fastidiousness of keeping a clean area, it completely ruins being in nature. Especially when you spend the money and time to be in it. There should be rules around noise for park hosts, as well…they were substantially more disruptive than all of the other campers, combined. Just zero consideration around people that spend time/money/gas to enjoy getting away from all of the city noises. Wish I could get my money back.
With that said, the actual park/forest/river are amazing. Just be prepared for it to be noisy while you try to enjoy it. Oh yeah, great restrooms and showers.
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.
Scout
Talked to the owner/operator who said he sold this property a year ago and that this campsite is no longer available.
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.
LegendAmazing spot— gorgeous, full of wildlife, and lots of wonderful trails close by. There’s a wildlife viewing area are close by. We saw so many elk, water birds, and at least 5 bald eagles (with a nest close by.)
Took a day to hang out in the surrounding woods in a hammock.
Amenities are pretty good—but no laundry and there’s a sump station.
No laundry. No WiFi and minimal cell service for both Verizon and ATT.
The surrounding area is beautiful, close to Portland and has many trails.
The spots are tiny and not easy to fit in we had a 25’ trailer and our truck struggled to not be on the road.
RangerGreat ranger super clean calm beautiful very well situated campgrounds and plenty of beautiful walks by the river, woods and lake…. very peaceful…
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 :)
LegendOregon State Parks are the best in the west. This is yet another with full hookups and great amenities and activities– all at a great price. This is a seasonal park that closes on 10/31. If you are looking for a nearby alternative during the fall and winter months, check out Champoeg State Park which is south of Portland. Good site spacing and privacy. Clean bathrooms with decent locations A rated. The dog run is fantastic.....almost two acres.
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.
TravelerAgain in the pouring rain we were received very nicely, although we had to fear that we would not be able to get a space due to an event. But 4 pitches with electricity and water for $35 were still available. If it hadn't rained, we would have walked through the beautiful, huge park.
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.
Horse camping in Oregon offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and well-equipped facilities, making it a favorite among equestrian enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gates, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gates, OR 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 Gates, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Gates, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
