Horse campgrounds near Madras, Oregon provide designated spots for equestrians to camp with their horses in the high desert at around 2,300 feet elevation. Located in Jefferson County, this region has hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most equestrian facilities operate seasonally from May through October due to weather conditions.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: At Sheep Springs Horse Camp near Sisters, riders can access forest trails directly from the campground. "Beautiful trees, clean bathrooms, solid paddocks, and great trail network," reports one visitor who encountered "Miss Rodeo Oregon staying there on a rare weekend off before the RoundUp."
Fish from shorelines: Prineville Reservoir offers accessible fishing opportunities for campers. "Nice place to launch a boat and fish or tube. Has an amazingly helpful fish cleaning space! Can even catch fish off the bay," mentions a camper at Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Winter recreation: While most horse camps close seasonally, some camping areas transform for winter sports. Big Lake Campground becomes a winter destination requiring "snowshoes, skis, or a snowmobile to get there in the Winter," according to one camper.
What campers like
Diverse camping terrain: Big Lake offers varied camping environments within a single area. "We headed out from Portland late Friday, not really knowing what to expect. The campground was clean and easy to find, obviously a hit for OHV. We went on a hike just a few yards from the campsite, and put our kayaks in the lake after."
Mountain views: Many campsites provide scenic mountain backdrops. "The views of Mt. Washington over the lake are truly stunning," reports a Big Lake visitor, though they note "most of the forest in view is burnt" and "mosquitoes can be vicious in the summer."
Fairground convenience: Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park provides overnight options during events. "Bike touring thru and they have some shade for your tent, grass, nice showers, about all u need passing thru. It's at the fairgrounds. Tent spot $15 and just set up wherever in the grass, nice grass."
What you should know
Water availability: Many dispersed sites lack water access. At Reynolds Pond Recreation Site, one camper notes: "No amenities - You carry it in, You carry it out" while another mentions being able to "jump in the irrigation stream to cool off because the pond, even though good sized, looked a bit pondish."
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary seasonally and by location. A camper at Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping reports: "When it became 'no fires allowed' a ranger went to every camp site with people and asked if he could leave the information papers about what would be allowed vs not allowed during the 'no burn' time."
Permit requirements: Some backcountry areas require advance permits. For Pamelia Lake, a camper explains: "permits are awarded via lottery. We were lucky enough to snag a permit the week before and we were very glad we did since we were asked to show proof of our permit twice during the 4 days we were staying there."
Tips for camping with families
Pond fishing for kids: Reynolds Pond offers easy fishing access for families. "An oasis. We stopped to check this place out and ended up staying. A steady stream of locals came and went, running the dogs, fishing, playing guitar, even flying model pontoon planes, but it was quiet after dark."
Educational programs: Some parks offer structured learning activities. At Prineville Reservoir State Park, a camper mentions "The educational programs are outstanding! The amenities are well cared for and the surroundings are incredible!"
Family-friendly amenities: Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort offers additional recreational options. "Nice spaces with pavement and full hookups. Catch and release fishing at the on-site pond for trout the size of steelhead. Each space has a nice green lawn and fire ring. Facilities also include a store, pool, and hot tub."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: At Sheep Springs Horse Camp, site selection matters for large rigs. "We were in site 3 which is the least flat and difficult to access, but close to the water and our friends that had booked 2. To is next to the water and has easy access even with their 4 horse LQ and dually crew cab."
Hookup availability: Jefferson County Fairgrounds offers essential RV amenities. "Nice clean place to park RV or camper. Has all the amenities," notes one RVer, while another mentions "Camp host was nice, easy access to sites. Showers/bathrooms clean but dated."
Level sites: Finding flat parking is important for RVs. At Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort, a camper reports "Very happy with this RV spot. Nice staff, clean, flat pull through spacious spots. Great amenities, with wonderful bathroom/shower facilities."
