Equestrian camping near Lebanon, Oregon offers diverse riding environments through forested terrain with moderate elevation gains. The region sits at the edge of the Willamette Valley, where rolling hills transition into denser forest lands with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Winter conditions can make many horse trails muddy and slippery, with several areas closing seasonally due to safety concerns.
What to do
Trail riding at different skill levels: Silver Falls State Park provides riding trails with varied terrain. As Richard H. notes, "Awesome campground. Well maintained. Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps."
Kayaking on calm waters: Upper Lake Creek - Hult Reservoir restricts motorized boats, creating a peaceful paddling environment. "No motorized boats. Dispersed camping. Excellent hidden creek water... Nature trails. Canoe. Kayak. Fish," explains David B.
Waterfall viewing: Santiam State Forest Shellburg Falls Recreation Area offers short hikes to impressive waterfalls. "Remote and quiet campground. Only .5 mile hike to the falls. 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," reports Kelly G.
Mountain biking on designated trails: Beyond equestrian paths, Silver Falls State Park maintains separate mountain biking trails. Sherrie B. describes, "Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike? There are miles of mountain bike trails."
What campers like
Spacious horse-friendly sites: Howard Creek Horse Camp provides ample room for horse trailers and equipment. Jennifer H. says, "Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer."
Off-grid experiences: Hult Pond offers a true disconnect from technology. Nicki G. notes, "I went during my spring break and I was lucky that it was too cold for most people to camp there. It was beautiful and quiet (other than the 9pm daily goose choir)."
Clean facilities: Many horse camps maintain high standards for their facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level," says Richard H. about Silver Falls State Park.
Nature immersion: The surrounding forests create habitat for diverse wildlife viewing. Aaron states about Hult Pond, "Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore."
What you should know
Seasonal closures impact accessibility: Several equestrian camping areas close during winter or suffer damage from natural events. Regarding Shellburg Falls Recreation Area, Amit W. advises, "Campsites are closed due to 2020 fires and they will not be re-established."
No cell service in remote areas: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. Grace A. warns about Hult Pond, "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there... I'd plan accordingly."
Weather preparedness essential: The region experiences significant seasonal variations affecting trail conditions. "It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," recommends Melissa L.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Some sites lack waste facilities. Connie H. cautions at Hult Pond, "There are no trash cans or dumpsters... this is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" shares April F. about Silver Falls State Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature interpretive elements. Kelly N. mentions about Willamette Mission State Park, "A lot of work has been done to keep this site up for public education and trails - we take elementary students to this site every spring to have a field science day."
Safety considerations: Monitor wildlife and insects, especially near water. "Mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk because of the water," warns Kelly N.
Varied activities for different interests: Multiple recreation options keep all family members engaged. Fidel S. states, "There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event."
Tips from RVers
Fairgrounds alternative: When horse camps fill up, consider Polk County Fairgrounds. Theresa R. explains, "Electricity 30 amp and water at the post. Dump station nearby. We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig."
Leveling requirements: Some horse camp sites require preparation. "Roads and campsites are paved and level," notes Richard H., which is important for larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between locations. Casey P. describes Polk County Fairgrounds as having "Huge gravel lot with RV hookups, no sewer connection but there is an on-site dump station."
Length restrictions: Some forest roads limit larger RVs. At Hult Pond, one camper experienced difficulties: "We have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn... if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!"
