Equestrian camping near Harper, Oregon offers riders access to the arid landscapes of eastern Oregon's high desert terrain. The area sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during peak camping season. Local campgrounds feature varying levels of equestrian accessibility with limited cell service throughout the region.
What to do
Explore hot springs access: Snively Hot Springs is located approximately 12 miles from Cow Hollow Park on the route toward Lake Owyhee. "From a stop on the Oregon Trail, to CCC camp, to Japanese Internment camp and now a privately run park...loads of history," notes reviewer MeLinda W. The hot springs offer a natural soaking opportunity with rocky canyon views along the Snake River.
Navigate properly to campsites: When traveling to Bully Creek Park, avoid certain access roads. "DO NOT take S. Road G! Go into Vale and take Graham to Bully Creek, it's paved all the way. The other road is 8 miles of rough dirt road through a cattle farm," warns Cecilia M. This navigation tip helps horse trailers avoid difficult terrain.
Night sky observation: The remote location offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. One camper at Bully Creek Park reported "Amazing star gazing at night" from the hilltop location with open meadow fields providing unobstructed views of the night sky.
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse containment: The campgrounds offer room for portable corrals and tethering. At Bully Creek Park, Frank H. notes "Spacious camp sites with water. Clean bath house with great shower & hot water. Picnic table & fire circle. Isolated on hill top with grass spaces for tent & open meadow fields."
Rural farmland atmosphere: The agricultural setting creates a comfortable environment for equestrians and their horses. At Cow Hollow Park, campers appreciate the pastoral setting. "You both see and smell cows, owls, doves and magpies," reports MeLinda W., adding that despite being "not pretty," the grounds make up for it with extensive grassy areas.
Affordable overnight options: The campgrounds maintain reasonable rates for budget-conscious equestrians. Cow Hollow Park offers particularly economical stays, with one reviewer noting "Cost is $5...whether you use water & electricity hookups or just park. There are bathrooms with shower!" The value proposition includes access to extensive grassy areas suitable for horses.
What you should know
Water safety concerns: Visitors to Bully Creek Park should bring their own drinking water for both humans and horses. "A big thing to make note of is that they do have water, but it is a very high concentration of arsenic in it, which they don't tell you about when you make a reservation or on any signage other than the bathroom door," warns Liesje B. This presents special concerns for RVers filling tanks.
Seasonal availability limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted operating seasons. One visitor to Cow Hollow Park noted "The hosts were kind enough to let me stay the evening anyway because it's so far off the beaten path and I'm self-contained in my car with no need for amenities. But their season doesn't officially start until April."
Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom and shower facilities can be inconsistent. One recent reviewer described Cow Hollow's facilities: "The first stall door does not latch closed, the second stall doors but you have to kind of mess with it a little bit. Then you have the shower stall. It's not very wide at all. Pretty dark so it could use better lighting."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cow Hollow Park offers extensive recreational facilities beyond camping. "Cow Hollow Park is like staying in a big school playground. There is playground equipment, a baseball field, a basketball court/tennis court, and a horseshoe pit," describes Jill T. These amenities provide activities for children while parents tend to horses.
Shade considerations: Summer heat requires planning for adequate shade. "My big complaints were the campsite didn't have any shade, and when I spoke to the reservation person, she promised me during two different phone calls that I would have shade, and there was none to be had at my site," reports one Bully Creek camper.
Local wildlife encounters: Children can observe local birds and agricultural animals. Cow Hollow Park offers opportunities to see "cows, owls, doves and magpies" according to reviewers, creating educational opportunities about rural environments.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cow Hollow Park offers various hookup options at different price points. One RVer detailed: "The fee was $20 for electric only 6 sites, $25 for electric and water 2 sites, $30 for full hook up of which there were 2 sites." This tiered pricing allows horse owners to select appropriate services based on their trailer requirements.
Heat management strategies: Summer temperatures require planning for horse comfort and RV cooling. One RVer at Cow Hollow noted "I'm traveling with two big dogs who hate the heat, it's been over a 100° for about a week around the region and this place made it bearable. It's really a pretty park, dated, but these trees are massive."
Self-contained advantages: The remote location makes self-sufficiency important. A reviewer observed about Cow Hollow Park: "As an overnight it was sufficient for our needs since we are self-contained." Horse owners should prepare accordingly with adequate supplies and containment systems.
