Mount Hood National Forest offers several equestrian campgrounds near Government Camp, Oregon, situated at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet. The east side features drier conditions with more open campsites, while western horse camps provide shadier spots under dense forest canopy. Seasonal operations typically run from late May through mid-September, with weather conditions determining exact opening dates.
What to do
Trail access for riders: Riley Horse Campground connects to numerous riding trails including Romano Falls Trail with Mount Hood views. "The campground is close to many trails in the area, mainly Romano Falls Trail. There are views of Mt. Hood, peeking out through the trees here and there," notes Ashley B.
Creek exploration: Panther Creek Campground provides stream access perfect for cooling off. "There are multiple access points to the creek and the PCT is just outside the campground," reports Jeff K. The stones in the creek display "a rainbow of metamorphic rock" according to Lawrence F.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near equestrian campgrounds offer fishing. At Clackamas Lake Campground, campers should note: "Timothy Lake itself is spectacular. Particularly since motorized boats are not allowed and on a sunny day Mt Hood is reflected in the water," shares Vera S.
What campers like
Spacious horse sites: The size of equestrian sites stands out to campers. "The spot I had (Spot 4) was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre," comments Ashley B. about Riley Horse Campground. "There were no neighbors on one side of the spot and only the water spigot on the other."
Less crowded alternatives: Horse camps often have availability when other campgrounds fill up. "We stayed here after we couldn't find any open spots at the Timothy Lake campgrounds. It was a nice and quiet spot," reports Alan L. about Clackamas Lake Campground, which serves as overflow camping for nearby destinations.
Mature forest settings: Bonney Crossing Campground offers a tranquil stream-side experience. "Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch," writes Cheryl P. The campground features sites "parallel to a nice clean looking river," according to Greg L.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases during summer months. At Clackamas Lake Campground, Colby M. advises: "Seriously, bring bug spray and put it on the minute you get there." Another camper notes "Mosquitoes were pretty bad in early June, as might be expected."
Water access varies: Many campers misunderstand what "lake" means at certain sites. At Clackamas Lake, Thomas B. clarifies it's "more like marshland than a lake. The good news is that it's only a mile or so to from beautiful Timothy Lake." Another camper adds: "There is no more lake there it's just marsh out there."
Site selection strategy: Beacon Rock State Park offers varying site quality. Corinna B. notes, "Sites are first-come, first-served, and even on Memorial Day weekend there were several still available at 5pm on Sunday. Not sure if that was a fluke or we just got lucky."
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes: Multiple family-friendly trails exist near horse camps. "The hike to Timothy like is short and scenic," writes Vera S. about Clackamas Lake area. At Panther Creek, campers can access "lots of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding."
Swimming spots: Battle Ground Lake State Park offers water recreation for families. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," describes Ashley Y. The park includes "a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play facilities. At Battle Ground Lake, Richard B. mentions, "The kids playground was great for the grandkids." The campground combines recreation options with easy access, as "wherever you're heading (from the campsites down to the water, to the playground, to the food shack) you always have different trails."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Horse campgrounds accommodate trailers but have varying size restrictions. At Knebal Springs Campground, sites are positioned "right off the road" according to Bjorn S., making them accessible for vehicles pulling horse trailers but offering "relative lack of trees" and less privacy.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian sites near Government Camp lack full hookups. Riley Horse Campground offers water spigots throughout the campground but no electrical or sewer connections. One camper notes "the horse pens were huge and we used them to help hang our hammocks."
Level sites: Many equestrian campgrounds feature leveled parking areas for trailers. At Panther Creek, Jeff K. reports "nice big sites with a level tent pad," while at Beacon Rock, sites are described as "well made" though some are "split-level, in that you park up top and walk a few steps down to your camp site."
