Best Equestrian Camping near Island City, OR

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers several horse-friendly camping options near Island City, Oregon. North Fork John Day Campground features four dedicated equestrian sites with ample space for horse trailers and direct access to the North Fork John Day trail system. The campground provides vault toilets and drinking water during the operating season from Memorial Day through October. Spring Creek Campground accommodates horses throughout its six main sites and surrounding dispersed camping areas. The surrounding area contains numerous trails used by hikers and horses, with plenty of shade options ranging from completely shaded to full sun locations that can accommodate any size RV.

Trail access from these campgrounds connects riders to extensive networks in the Blue Mountains. The Lostine River corridor, including Walla Walla Forest Camp, provides additional horse camping opportunities with access to mountain trails. Horse traffic is common on trails throughout the region, particularly on routes leading to Eagle Cap Wilderness destinations like Mirror Lake. The roads to some horse camps, such as Irondyke Forest Camp, can be narrow and rough but remain accessible for horse trailers. During peak seasons, especially holiday weekends, horse camping areas fill quickly, with most sites between Lostine and Irondyke taken by early evening on Fridays. Cell service throughout the region ranges from three bars to none, making advance planning essential.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Island City, Oregon (13)

    1. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site."

    "Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."

    2. Spring Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    "in the surrounding aria   there are plenty of dispersed campsites that can hold any size RV  Around the form almost completely  shaded to full sun."

    "It’s direct access onto the road from the highway exit. It’s a rough road about 1.2 miles, that’s bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2”."

    3. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $22 - $74 / night

    "It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails."

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    4. Walla Walla Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor, we decided just to drive until we found a spot we liked. We landed at Walla Walla Forest Camp and claimed site 4."

    5. West Eagle Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Union, OR
    33 miles
    Website

    "It would make a good base camp for visiting Echo and Traverse Lakes.  Camps are spaced around one paved loop up the hill in the trees above the meadow. "

    "Just drive down the road and explore the many turnoffs to find one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to leave time for a day hike up to Echo Lake!"

    6. Irondyke Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    $10 / night

    "The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road."

    "Densely wooded, next to a great running river. I think there are 6 sites. Fire rings. One vault toilet that was pretty darn full this year, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5."

    7. North Fork John Day

    3 Reviews
    Sumpter, OR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 427-3231

    $8 - $25 / night

    "There are 4 equestrian sites.  There was a camp host during our stay but he was only there one of the 3 nights we stayed.  "

    "After a long day of driving we came up on this campground and got lucky finding two spaces available during hunting season!

    Level  pull through site, clean pit toilet."

    9. Two Color Guard Station

    1 Review
    Halfway, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    $100 / night

    "It’s near the end of 18 miles of unpaved mountain road and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery along the way."

    10. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites

    1 Review
    Wallowa Whitman National Forest, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Island City, OR

2 Photos of 13 Island City Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Island City, OR

62 Reviews of 13 Island City Campgrounds


  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites

    Beautiful but very popular

    These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

    This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

    We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

    If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2020

    North Fork John Day

    Secluded and peaceful

    This is a FCFS, primitive campground with nice spacious sites and some with river views. There are 4 equestrian sites.  There was a camp host during our stay but he was only there one of the 3 nights we stayed.  The North Fork John Day trail departs from the campground and it is possible to make a loop using the Crane Creek trail if the river crossing is possible.

  • Aspen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Uneventful night

    Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site. Good level ground and easy to get back on the road in the morning. Would recommend.

  • Rayne N.
    Jan. 18, 2021

    Spring Creek Campground

    spring creek campgrond and dispersed camping

    There is  a small campground with 6 sites mostly good for campers or tent in  a grove of trees with a vaulted  outhouse.  in the surrounding aria   there are plenty of dispersed campsites that can hold any size RV  Around the form almost completely  shaded to full sun. It is a designated ATV aria with tons of trails used by hikers and horses in the fall it is a favorite spot for hunters   

    cell service is serves is sporty from 3 bars to  none

  • Kolette S.
    May. 20, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Emigrant Springs - Love it!

    My husband and I love this campground. It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails. There is room for both tent and RV camping. We have only ever gone tent camping, and the size of the campgrounds for us has been great. There is room to set up hammocks and chairs.

    The only unfortunate aspect about this campground is that it is somewhat close to the highway. After the first weekend we spent there, we got somewhat used to the sound - it can sometimes be soothing. It's also a good idea to bring something to provide added shade to either the tenting area or sitting area as it gets quite sunny in the morning.

  • M
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Irondyke Forest Camp

    Good camping site, popular spot

    We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Taylor Green Pond

    Taylor Green Pond Boondocking

    Nice little pond off 77 Rd an hour or so East of Highway 203 in Eastern Oregon.

  • JulieJay M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Oregon state park

    Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places.

  • Jennie R.
    May. 30, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Thimbleberries and plenty of room

    We stopped for a night in a rustic camping cabin at Emigrant Springs in July of 2015. It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers. There seemed to be good space and shade around the sites offering some privacy. Great spot! Take the time to stop in Meacham on the West side of I-84 tomstop at The Oregon Trail Cafe - literally the ONLY store in this teeny town. Wonderful hospitality, the local ‘scoop’ and great breakfast.


Guide to Island City

Oregon offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to both equestrian needs and outdoor adventures.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At North Fork John Day, visitors can enjoy scenic trails that are perfect for horseback riding along the river, providing a peaceful escape into nature.
  • The Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed area offers numerous trails for horseback riding, allowing riders to explore the beautiful wilderness and spot local wildlife.
  • West Eagle Meadow Campground serves as a great base for accessing nearby hiking trails, making it ideal for those who want to combine riding with hiking adventures.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like water access

  • Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area features water hookups and is pet-friendly, making it a convenient stop for equestrian campers traveling with their horses.
  • At Walla Walla Forest Camp, campers can find picnic tables and access to the river, perfect for cooling off after a day of riding.
  • Lostine River provides essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for horse campers.

Equestrian campgrounds include spacious sites

  • Spring Creek Campground offers spacious sites suitable for tents and RVs, making it a flexible option for equestrian groups.
  • Two Color Guard Station features large grounds that can accommodate multiple tents, providing ample space for horse camping setups.
  • Shady Campground has a few primitive sites that are quiet and secluded, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying horseback riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Island City, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Island City, OR is Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Island City, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Island City, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.