Sam Brown Campground provides the only true horse-friendly camping in the Glendale area, making it the top choice for equestrian campgrounds near Glendale, OR. The horse camp offers primitive amenities for equestrians, with designated areas for horses adjacent to tent and RV sites. While the horse camp facilities have become somewhat run down over time, they remain functional for riders seeking an authentic outdoor experience. The campground connects directly to a network of riding trails, including access to Briggs Creek which flows year-round. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis with no trash service available. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. No drinking water is provided, and there are vault toilets but no showers.
Trail access is exceptional from Sam Brown, with riders praising the "amazing trails" that extend throughout the surrounding forest. The trails offer varied terrain suitable for riders of different experience levels. Horse owners should note there is no cell service at the campground, though a spot approximately 3 miles up the road provides connectivity for most carriers. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including water for themselves and their horses. The primitive nature of the facilities makes this best suited for experienced horse campers comfortable with self-sufficient backcountry camping. Many equestrians return annually to enjoy the peaceful setting and direct trail access. The campground's location provides a secluded experience without requiring extensive travel from nearby communities.
"It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise. But most in this area are. Sites are tight like most KOAs. We chose an end spot and did alright. Plus it was quiet part of year."
"Lots of fish swimming around and a little flock of ducks lol. Campground was clean and quiet. We were in #78."
"We were down in Southern Oregon for the Caves. We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive, It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves."
from $20 - $35 / night
"The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year. The horse camp is getting a little run down, but still nice. We go every year with our horses. Its primitive camping."
"Highway noise, otherwise quiet. Convenient for exploring the area and visiting friends."
"Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake. Toilets but no showers."
"There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake."
"The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. "
"A small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail."
"Off highway 62 take the Natural Bridge turn off and follow the road to the campground."
"My wife and I stopped here after visiting Crater Lake. This campground is right on the Rogue river and is absolutely gorgeous. The sites are well maintained, and there are toilets."
from $15 / night
GuideDecent county fairgrounds campground...kiosk check in..first come first served....some full hook up ..others water/electric with dump station......decent price....great for an overnight road warrior. I like municipal and county campgrounds....most are ideal for economical overnight hookups
ScoutBeen here many times. But after they say cleaned it up it's worse than ever. That it now has big road bumps and cut trees just stashed everywhere and looks messy as heck . The sites are still private and clean but looks ugly surrounding road .
TravelerHaven't been out to Lake Selmac in a few years...never been camping there until this past week. It was WONDERFUL! My friend and I always do car-camping on the weekdays...never on weekends. So, we basically had the campground to ourselves. The water was warm and clear!! Lots of fish swimming around and a little flock of ducks lol. Campground was clean and quiet. We were in #78. It was a smaller spot, but both are cars fit perfectly there and it was right on the water. Bathrooms were right across from the site so we didn't have to walk far. Very nice little "beach" areas with such easy access and close to the campsite. The walking/hiking trails were neat, but we didn't get to walk too far as there was a bear up ahead of us past the 2nd walking bridge, so we had to turn back. But it was close to check out time, so it was all good. Super nice camp host Robert was checking in on us and very informative. The resort is nearby and an easy walk if you want to go get snacks, ice cream, firewood or just some souvenirs. Highly recommend.
RangerNice river spot near crater lake! Lots of hiking trails and river access in this area
ScoutI wasn't expecting what I found. The campground was completely empty except for me. It was very dusty and not very appealing. Not to mention the bathroom's were near the boat launch and not in the campground. Not really walkable. Needless to say I left! Since I am a solo woman camper and not wanting to get murdered.
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LegendReally beautiful campground, we love it here. The hikes along the river here are amazing, and the campground is nice and peaceful. The cost per night is $15, which is nice and cheap. Zero cell reception in this area. The campground is first come first serve, and it’s self-pay. No host on site. Some pit toilets and trash bins here.
GuideMy family and I have been camping periodically the fairgrounds for a couple of years now.
The grounds used to be well maintained, dump station was free to registered guests, WiFi was decent enough for steaming shows, you were allowed 1 tow vehicle before they started charging, shower access from 8am to 8pm every day and if you needed to make a middle of the night trash run for whatever reason you could.
Now, you have to pay for the dump station no matter what, shower access is limited to if you can get the host to come and unlock them long enough for you to shower (which we have yet to be able to do the last couple times weve been to the park), you have to pay for ALL vehicles and if you have a 5th wheel or any other tow RV you have to keep the tow vehicle WITH the RV the entire stay (and yes you are now charged for the tow vehicle even with a towed RV), the wifi has massive amount of restrictions on it now to the point its basically useless even if you manage to connect to it, most designated fire pits are fire hazards with the amount of growth in them, and recently they have been shutting off the water without notice during high heat days to the point the sheriff's had to come out and talk to the host. Oh, and if you want to file a complaint to the managers in the office for the fairgrounds, it will only cause you issues because they ARE the hosts.
This decline only started when the office managers took over being the hosts. I have no idea why they did since the host before them was an amazing host (and is currently at another campground after they fired her) but they seriously need someone to take over hosting that will actually do the job.
GuideGreat spot for $15/night or $7.50 with interagency pass. Lots of space between campsites- we couldn’t see anyone else from ours. We stayed at site 4 and had plenty of space. The site backed up to the river which was great, but as others have mentioned, also backs up to a popular trail. Plenty of outhouses scattered throughout and trashcans dispersed throughout the campground, not many other amenities otherwise. Fire ring and picnic table and about 35minutes to Crater Lake National Park. Had a packrat in the truck bed overnight.
TravelerPerfect for a weeknight stop when on the road, bathrooms were clean enough. Quiet on a summer weeknight. Beautiful forest.
Sam Brown Campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in southwest Oregon, surrounded by mixed conifer forest and riparian areas along Briggs Creek. The Glendale area receives moderate rainfall with warm summer temperatures reaching the 90s and cool winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Horse camping options near Glendale include primitive facilities with direct trail access but require campers to bring their own water supplies.
Trail riding opportunities: Sam Brown Campground offers direct access to forest riding trails suitable for different skill levels. A reviewer notes, "The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year" according to Teresa F. from Sam Brown Campground. The surrounding area features both flat terrain and more challenging hill sections.
Fishing access: Natural Bridge Campground provides shoreline fishing along the Rogue River. "Located right next to a natural bridge, where the water goes under the floor in a lava tube," notes Dani F. from Natural Bridge Campground. The river access points are within walking distance of most campsites.
Lake activities: Lake Selmac offers water-based recreation close to Glendale. "Great spot for families. There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a 'peddle' boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake," shares Lyndsey from Lake Selmac Resort. Boat rentals are available during summer months.
Private waterside sites: Some camping areas feature secluded spots next to water. "Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake," reports Nicole O. at Lake Selmac Resort. These sites require a short walk from parking.
Quiet forest settings: Boundary Campground provides peaceful camping with limited sites. "The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. This campground wasn't busy when my family and I went which was really nice. It almost felt like we had the whole campground to ourselves," explains Julie P. from Boundary Campground. The campground contains approximately 8 sites.
Natural features: The region offers unique geological attractions. "The 'Natural Bridge' is a short walk away and is really cool. Lots of informative signs along the path to describe what you are seeing," shares Joe V. from Natural Bridge Campground. Many campgrounds include short hiking trails to scenic viewpoints.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most equestrian camping near Glendale, Oregon requires self-sufficiency. "It's primitive camping. No drinking water, showers, or cell service," notes Teresa F. about Sam Brown Campground. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted in most camping areas. Natural Bridge Campground reviewer Laura M. states, "There is also no cell service from ATT, Verizon and TMobile." Plan communications accordingly, though some locations have nearby spots for limited connectivity.
Seasonal considerations: Lake Selmac County Park operates year-round but conditions vary drastically by season. "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. theyre heated and cozy," explains Paul H. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Yurt options: Consider alternative accommodations during cooler months. "Weve probably camped here a half dozen times or so over the past couple years, including standard tent sites. the kids enjoy the fishing and i love the view across the lake. we will probably be back again later in the year when the weather turns back to cold and rainy," shares Paul H. about Lake Selmac County Park. Yurts require advance reservation.
Swimming locations: Lake Selmac provides family-friendly water activities. According to susanna R., "We spent a weekend at Lake Selmac camping in our RV with our four kiddos. The hosts were incredibly kind and helpful. The new Owners of the Marina were wonderful as well." The lake maintains consistent water levels year-round.
Trail difficulty levels: When horseback riding with children near Glendale, start with easier trails. Medford-Gold Hill KOA offers nearby accommodations with full amenities. Reviewer Scott K. notes, "Nice staff, nice bathrooms, clean park." Located approximately 30 miles from Sam Brown, it provides a more developed alternative for families seeking additional amenities.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted space for larger rigs. "Pull thru sites are short my 35 footer and car just fit. Multiple sites car were sticking in to the road making it a little close pulling out in the morning," warns Charles S. about Medford-Gold Hill KOA. Measure your combined vehicle length before reserving sites.
Hookup availability: When horse camping with an RV, verify what utilities are available. Most equestrian campgrounds near Glendale offer primitive sites without hookups. Lake Selmac Resort provides more options as described by susanna R.: "The campsites were all so beautiful with all the amenities one may want." Contact campgrounds directly to confirm current services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Glendale, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Glendale, OR is Medford-Gold Hill KOA with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Glendale, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Glendale, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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