14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp offers a seasonal camping experience for equestrians, operating from May 15 to September 30. The dedicated horse camping area includes sites specifically designed for campers traveling with horses, though no permanent corrals are provided. Campers must bring their own containment systems. Electric hookups, water, and sewer connections are available at each site. The campsites accommodate both tent camping and small RVs with ample space for horse trailers. The park remains calm and uncrowded even during peak season, providing a peaceful environment for riders and their horses.
Located along the Willamette River, the park features an extensive network of riding trails that wind through diverse landscapes including woodlands, open meadows, and riverside terrain. Riders can explore miles of maintained bridle paths suitable for various skill levels. The trails occasionally experience seasonal flooding, particularly during winter months, making spring and summer the optimal times for horse camping. Riders should be aware that mosquitoes can be prevalent near water areas during dusk hours. The park features Oregon's largest Black Cottonwood tree, which serves as a notable landmark for trail riders. Most camping areas remain a comfortable distance from main highways, offering a quiet setting where traffic noise is minimal. The park's spacious layout accommodates group equestrian camping, with multiple sites able to be reserved together for riding clubs or family gatherings.
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain."
from $28 - $92 / night
Check Availability"So much better than those CGs next to highways and RRs"
"Dump station nearby. We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig. This worked out fine."
"Like most Oregon coast campgrounds, the summer months are very busy."
"4 1/2 stars for this sprawling, accessible campground, easy to find and close to so many things Shangra-La-ish about Newport and the Oregon Coast."
from $32 - $130 / night
Check Availability"Only sites for camping with horses."
from $22 - $76 / night
Check Availability"Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails. Close to the ten waterfall trail on the day use area."
"First and foremost, it's all about the waterfalls - all 10 of them - linked by paved hiking trails. Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike?"
from $29 - $87 / night
Check Availability"There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."
"The sites are sling the right side of the of the road, the road that leads along the left (west side) of the lake. There are several sites, we stayed in H2, which is painted on the road."
"Shellburgh Falls is tall with a huge basalt cave that you can walk behind the waterfall and down below to actually stand under the waterfall. Very pretty. No one was camping when I was there."
"Sites are drive in and walk in depending on your preference. Showed up late and had to leave early, didn’t get a chance to explore much but it looked prety nice."
"Bathrooms were close to sites and decent. The site was pretty quiet. There are ATV trails nearby so lots of dirt bikers in the camp."
from $15 - $20 / night
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TravelerIf you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts.
GuideTHE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain. Saw all but the northern most two falls while hiking the trails. So many more to hike! Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground. RV dump at the horse camp turnoff. I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time! We rate this one an 8.
TravelerStunning camping in a temperate rainforest. Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails. Close to the ten waterfall trail on the day use area.
GuideThis is one of my favorite places to go in Oregon (there are many). The park has about 120 sites, it is ready for RV, Tents, Horses, Boats about anything you could want.
Dogs are welcome, however, some trails (like the Ten Falls) are not allowed. Please pick up after your pet and keep them on a leash!
If you get a chance, do the Trail of Ten Falls, it is a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a densely forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon and descends to a winding creek on the forest floor.
GuideI stayed a night because I needed a last minute getaway and they had site. Like most Oregon coast campgrounds, the summer months are very busy. The nature walk around the campground was nice and the trees in the park are beautiful and add to the totally "Oregon" experience of this campground. The access to the beach is easy to get to. Great park!
RangerThis beautiful location is about 30 minutes from any town and is my go to when I need a good hike in the Rim Trail or just a nice nature walk around the 10 Dalls Trail.
In recent years it has become very popular and the main falls area is over run with tourists at most points during the year.
Not the place to go if you are seeking to not see anyone, but once you pass the main falls loop near the lodge the heard things out the further you trek.
Most hiking trails are mild to moderate. Seeking more of a challenge? If you venture out to the rim trail or the K214 trail heads, then you will rarely see anyone; though be aware of cougars and I'd advise a bear bell. I've seen many tracks over the years up there ranging from Cubs to a large cat tracking a horse. Meow! You may meet horse riders on these trails as well.
All and all a beautiful local treasure that is a large enough park to hold many thousands of people and still feel like you are out in the woods enjoying nature.
Camp sites are available across the main road from the park. The main park area is for day use only.
TravelerThis State Park has a hiker/biker area due to it's location on the Willamette Valley Bikeway. There is no potable water, so you must plan to pack enough water for the night and the next morning or filter Willamette River water.
There is also a campground for horseback riders specifically for those who want to ride their horses in the park.
The area is pretty with lots of trails and paved paths. There are opportunities for fishing also.
Legend4 1/2 stars for this sprawling, accessible campground, easy to find and close to so many things Shangra-La-ish about Newport and the Oregon Coast. There's a bit of a family vibe, a noisier community thing sometimes…. Keep in mind that there are over 250 campsites, sites for hikers, 3 count 'em 3 group sites, a yurt shire near the water, a playground and amphitheater…something for everyone within and without. The beach here is large, so you can join the crowd or get away from it all. Just south you've got incredible Newport with the aquarium, Yaquina Bay, the Sylvia Beach Hotel with each room themed after an author and always open for tours, the Cooper Ridge Nature Trail (pictured) and so much more. It's right off Hwy 101, but the ocean waves and large campground size make up for the highway noise. This will definitely stay in our open-all-year bank of goodies.
RangerJones Creek Campground
This one is down the road from Elk Creek, you can camp one night in each if you want to make a weekend of it. Good buffer of trees between the campgrounds, longer driveways.
Definitely check out the Tillamook Forest Centery, you can even hike over from the campground.
Water on site, trash, friendly camp hosts.
The river is where it’s at, folks are swimming, tubing and fishing dawn to dusk. Folks jumping off the bridge and having picnics. Sites are drive in and walk in depending on your preference. Showed up late and had to leave early, didn’t get a chance to explore much but it looked prety nice.
Equestrian camping options near Independence, Oregon include several state parks within a 45-minute drive. The Willamette Valley region sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, creating comfortable conditions for both riders and horses during the main camping season.
Trail riding at Silver Falls State Park: This park offers extensive hiking and riding trails. "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," says Jeff K. of Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Waterfall viewing: Most parks offer waterfall access with varying difficulty levels. "The hike was amazing and beautiful though most of the trails are closed to dogs," notes Krystle K. about Silver Falls.
River swimming: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" mentions April F. about Silver Falls.
Fishing opportunities: Stock up on gear before arriving. "This site is soooo beautiful! stayed here a couple times and always enjoyed it. Has an area to go fishing but I never caught anything," shares Brandi L. about Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp.
Mountain biking: Some parks have dedicated trails for cyclists. "There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event," explains Fidel S. about Willamette Mission.
Spacious campsites: Many horse camps offer extra room for trailers. "Huge gravel lot with RV hookups, no sewer connection but there is an on-site dump station so that's covered," reports Casey P. about Polk County Fairgrounds.
Proximity to Salem: Easy access to supplies when needed. "We stayed here for seven nights and we do it again! We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig," explains Theresa R. about Polk County Fairgrounds.
Natural surroundings: Wooded sites provide shade and privacy. "This campground reminded me of a fairy tale. Once you drive inside it is very plush and green. Perfect little getaway to the Oregon coast," describes Leigh-Anne H. about Beverly Beach State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report bird sightings. "We seen stellar jays and a woodpecker. Bathrooms and showers were clean," notes Debbie I. about Beverly Beach.
Seasonal access: Some trails close during wet months. "This park floods every winter. I advise planning your trip for the spring or summer knowing that there is a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool," advises Kelly N. about Willamette Mission.
Mosquito preparation: Bring repellent during summer months. "Mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk because of the water," warns Kelly N.
Limited cell service: Some areas have no coverage. "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," notes Grace A. about Hult Pond.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book quickly. "The staff is very friendly. Nothing fancy here but the price is very affordable," says Lynette W. about Polk County Fairgrounds.
Water safety: Monitor conditions before swimming. "So many more to hike! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," cautions Melissa L. about Silver Falls.
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas. "I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time!" recommends Melissa L.
Educational programs: Look for parks with nature activities. "Nice educational programs for kids. Firewood conveniently available," reports Kristen W. about Beverly Beach.
Beach accessibility: Coastal options provide sand play. "A nice place to camp sites are good size semi private. Easy access to the nature trails and to the beach," says Debbie I.
Fossil hunting: Certain beaches offer geological discoveries. "FOSSILS! Literally everywhere on this beach. Nearly every rock and cliff face is littered with marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected," explains Erik C. about Beverly Beach.
Fairground convenience: Consider county fairgrounds for basic amenities. "Stayed 3 nights. Worked out great for our purpose of just visiting family in Dallas. $25 per night a good nightly rate," shares David M. about Polk County Fairgrounds.
Site selection for privacy: Some parks offer more secluded options. "This campground is very well maintained, and thought out! Great showers, close to the beach and such a cute little store!!" notes Hana M. about Howard Creek Horse Camp.
Weather considerations: Be prepared for rain, especially in spring. "Stunning camping in a temperate rainforest. Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer," shares Jennifer H. about Howard Creek Horse Camp.
Dump station locations: Not all sites have full hookups. "Electricity 30 amp and water at the post. Dump station nearby," notes Theresa R. about Polk County Fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Independence, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Independence, OR is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 78 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Independence, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Independence, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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