Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Joseph is the way to go. It's easy to find Joseph equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. With our help, you'll find the best Oregon equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
The Walla Walla Forest Camp is one of several small campgrounds located along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River. Tucked alongside the river in a cool fir and pine tree forest, the campground is popular during the summer for local and regional campers visiting the Lostine Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness.
The Irondyke Forest Camp is a small rustic facility along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River. Situated near the river in the cool pine and fir trees, the site is popular for summer and fall campers enjoying Hells Canyon or adjacent Eagle Cap Wilderness.
$10 / night
The West Eagle Meadows Trailhead is one of the__'late season' trailheads__to open in the early summer due to the area's heavy snow accumulation and high elevation. Located near West Eagle Creek and meadow, this site is__frequented by hikers and equestrians alike who want to enjoy a day or extended trip into the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. The combination trailhead and equestrian camp__offers parking facilities for both stock and non-stock users, and has hitching rails, a loading ramp and feed bunks.The West Eagle trail provides access to Echo, Traverse, Diamond and Tombstone lakes as well as a beautiful trip along the Minam River. You can also access many other destinations in the wilderness from this trail. Fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities abound as you travel through diverse landscapes of meadows, lakes, and mountains.Adjacent to the trailhead is the West Eagle Meadows Campground__with tent and walk-in campsites and a picnic area.A printable map and additional information about the area.
Shady Campground is a small rustic campground located along the Wild and Scenic Lostine River. Nestled in a 'shady' cool fir and pine tree forest, the campground is popular during the summer for local and regional campers visiting the Lostine Canyon and Eagle Cap Wilderness. This campground is adjacent to the Maxwell Trailhead which climbs into the wilderness.
The Civilian Conservation Corps originally constructed the Two Color Guard Station in the 1930s for use as crew quarters and bunkhouse. The original building was removed in 1976. The current guard station was built in 1959. Two Color Guard Station is open June through October. Guests can drive to it except after significant snowfall, when it's only accessible by snowmobile. Guests staying in the later part of the season are encouraged to bring extra supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The cabin is near the Main Eagle Trailhead, which is southern portal into the Eagle Cap Wilderness (2 miles away). This trail is open to hikers and horseback riders. Forest Road 7755 is one of the designated roads on the snowmobile route south of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and it can be used for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Two Color Guard Station is the end of the groomed trail. Other open and closed forest roads are available for winter time exploring, but snowmobiles are prohibited within the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in Eagle Creek, just 150 feet from the cabin's front door.
Outside the cabin, the crystal clear waters of the Wild and Scenic Eagle Creek work their way through the mountains to the valley floor in a series of small waterfalls and whitewater rapids. The landscape features subalpine firs and white bark pine as well as meadows that burst with colorful wildflowers. Guests will find blue-green pools and dramatic rock formations scattered along the creek's path. Two Color Guard Station is just a short distance away from the Eagle Cap Wilderness. This wilderness is characterized by high alpine lakes and meadows, bare granite peaks and ridges, and U-shaped glaciated valleys.
Within 10 miles there are opportunities for berry picking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and hunting.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 523-6391.
$100 / night
The Windy Saddle Trailhead is the main access point into the Hells Canyon Wilderness from Idaho. Located on the saddle going to Seven Devils basin or up to Heaven's Gate Lookout the area offers a great view of the Seven Devil mountain range and Hells Canyon area. This site provides access to Seven Devils Trail #124 and Sheep Creek Trail #53 which enter Hells Canyon Wilderness. Windy Saddle Horse Camp
The Lostine River is located in northeast Oregon on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Originating from Minam Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, the river flows through a glaciated, U-shaped valley and is surrounded by mountain meadows and high mountain peaks. The upper five miles of the designated segment, within the wilderness, are classified as wild, and the lower 11 miles are classified as recreational. The river's outstandingly remarkable values include recreation, scenery, fisheries, wildlife and vegetation/botany. Visitors can access the river in a variety of ways. The Two Pan Trailhead and provides the best hike along the upper section in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Forest Service roads provide access to most segments below the wilderness boundary. Camping along the river is available at seven developed campgrounds and several dispersed campsites. Most of the day-use trailheads and campgrounds in the corridor are fee sites with on-site payment facilities. The river corridor supports a diversity of wildlife habitats and species, including Rocky Mountain elk, deer, black bear, wolf, mountain lion, beaver, otter, mink and other small mammals. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, indigenous to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, have been reintroduced in the Hurricane Creek-Lostine River drainage. Peregrine falcons, bald eagles and a large variety of other birds inhabit the area. The river supports spring and fall Snake River Chinook salmon (listed as threatened under ESA), steelhead and bull trout. The unique area is home to numerous proposed, endangered, threatened and sensitive species of plants. These include 11 species of moonwart and the Northern twayblade. The rarity of finding so many moonwarts in one locality provides the opportunity for scientific research and a delight for botanists.
$10 / night
The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) straddles both sides of the Snake River in Oregon and Idaho. This Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - Idaho section includes all developed recreation sites and trails that are all located away from the Wild and Scenic Snake River in the Idaho uplands. All other upland sites and all trails in the Hells Canyon NRA - Snake River, or Hells Canyon NRA - Oregonare found in those recreation area sections. Popular recreation areas include the Hells Canyon Wilderness (Seven Devil mountain range), Black Lake, Heavens Gate Lookout, Windy Saddle, and Seven Devils recreation area. Local Idaho communities that have a variety of services (i.e. fuel, lodging, stores and/or restaurants) are Riggins, Grangeville, Whitebird, Council, and Cambridge. These communities are within one hour of this area.
Ranger
This is one of about 6 or so campgrounds up the Lostine River Road. Been at this campground twice in the last three years—August 2021 and August 2024. 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.
Guide
I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.
This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*
*One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.
The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.
Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.
Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.
Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.
This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.
I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.
Guide
Nice little pond off 77 Rd an hour or so East of Highway 203 in Eastern Oregon.
Traveler
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. Our spot was tucked back a little way, which we liked. But was furthest from the water and swampy, which we didn’t like. The other two spots are closer to the water, so you don’t have to contend so much with misquitos.
There are places to dip your feet, but the water at this location is too fast and cold to swim in. Otherwise, this site had all we needed: solitude, water, vaulted toilet and some beautiful forest walk-abouts.
Just bring bug spray and check for ticks!
Guide
This is a quiet little campground. 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. There is one vault toilet and no water, electricity, or sewer connections. There is plenty of deadwood nearby for gather for your campfire.
TravelerWe 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!
Traveler
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.
Traveler
As stated in description it's rustic. Not much to it but it did offer a sheltered place to build a fire/get warm and weather a bad storm. In the summer, the long rough road into it is not for everyone. Scenery is good and very quiet. If you want remote with the bare basics, this is the place.
GuideLate spring was a perfect time to spend a couple days in the mountain wilderness. Wildflowers we’re in bloom and temperatures were moderate during the day and a little cold at night. There is one clean vault toilet for the area, close enough to the campsites. Campsites are essentially a driveway with a picnic table, and suitable for small trailers or tents. Great hiking to the lush, broad meadows, which are fed by a creek cascading from the higher elevations. We let our dogs have the run of the place off leash. Getting there is a bit of a chore: about 20 miles of dirt track, but we’ll worth the effort.
Guide
This place is quiet, comfortable, and secluded. It’s near the end of 18 miles of unpaved mountain road and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery along the way. The bunkhouse is beginning to show its age but it accommodates a large group and the enclosed porch on the back of the building is a treat. The grounds are enormous and close to Eagle Creek. Plenty of room and flat ground for several tent. Vault toilet only, but it’s clean. Bring your own water.
TravelerThis area offers incredible dispersed camping opportunities alongside West Eagle Creek south of the West Eagle Meadows trailhead on NF-77 (aka Eagle Creek Rd). 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!
TravelerJust 4 sites, 2 with great river access. We loved the view and how big and private our site was.
TravelerCamp is decent with a few spots for smaller RV or campers - pit toilet - trees surround - high clearance vehicle recommended - steep in places
You can explore a few miles on the roads by UTV or by pickup while exploring the Salmon River drainage or the Snake River drainage. Traveling to Pittsburgh Landing and Kirkwood from here is considered a short day ride.
Steep terrain surrounds the area
Unit 18
A lot of cattle ranching in the summer and mostly hunters In the fall.
Forest service maps are recommended for travel since a lot just circle back to start, mostly on road, little access for off road travel.
Guide
Arrived late on a Saturday night originally intending to camp at the 7 devils campground but there were no available sites so decided to go back to windy saddle. We were the only campers at windy saddle and were able to get a perfect site at the head of the trail over looking hell’s canyon and Heaven’s gate. Had an absolutely gorgeous view of the devils peaks easy access to trails, devils lake, Heaven’s gate trail. One of the best camping trips I have ever had. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities which was ok for our stay. I am definitely going to be coming back to camp at windy saddle again.
Traveler17 mile drive from roadway. Not recommended for any type of trailer; road can be difficult and is pinched in portions to single lane (substantial change in altitude from valley floor). Great hiking, fire lookout manned during portions of the year, vaulted toilets, check with ranger station on road condition before mid June.
GuideUp off the river, up the Lostine Canyon. Quite a hike to the river was the downside. Quiet- only 2 campsites. Primitive. Pic Nic table.
Oregon offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it an ideal destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With numerous campgrounds catering to equestrian needs, adventurers can explore the great outdoors alongside their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Joseph, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Joseph, OR is Walla Walla Forest Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Joseph, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Joseph, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
