Best Equestrian Camping near Manzanita, OR

Clatsop State Forest Northrup Creek Horse Campground provides camping facilities designed for equestrians located about 45 miles northwest of Manzanita. The campground operates seasonally from May to November with primitive sites suitable for tents and RVs. Riders report seeing horses on the beach during their visits, creating a unique coastal riding experience. The campsites accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space, though specific horse corrals are not mentioned in the available facilities. The campground features standard amenities including fire rings and access to trails within Clatsop State Forest. Water hookups are available for campers and their horses, an important consideration for multi-day equestrian camping trips.

L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, located inland from Manzanita, offers additional horse camping options with more developed facilities. Tillamook State Forest Stagecoach Horse Camp provides primitive equestrian camping year-round with direct access to forest riding trails. Trail riders can explore networks connecting multiple camping areas throughout the region's state forests. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with summer and early fall typically offering the best riding weather and ground conditions. Horse owners should bring their own feed and water buckets as amenities vary between locations. Most equestrian campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months when coastal camping is most popular. The combination of forest trails and potential beach access makes the Manzanita region appealing for riders seeking varied terrain and scenic coastal views.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Manzanita, Oregon (18)

    1. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    89 Reviews
    Manzanita, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (503) 812-0650

    $25 - $69 / night

    "Minutes from Manzanita and just down the coast from Cannon Beach."

    "We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience

    • Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"

    2. Fort Stevens State Park Campground

    156 Reviews
    Hammond, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 861-3170

    $11 - $115 / night

    "Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."

    "Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."

    3. Nehalem Bay Trailer Park

    2 Reviews
    Manzanita, OR
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (503) 368-6670

    "Location of resort is not where app indicates. The site is off North Fork as you come into Nehalem. We stayed two nights in the overflow and it was lovely."

    4. Jones Creek

    10 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 - $20 / night

    "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."

    "However, we continued up the road which wound its way around a mountain and found a lovely spot away from the busy campground below. So peaceful and relaxing. Dirt bike paths around too."

    5. Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    39 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $24 - $39 / night

    "Top reasons I love this campground:

    • So easy to get to from anywhere in northwestern Oregon; especially the Portland area 
    • Open year-round 
    • 18-hole disc golf course 
    • Great hiking and"

    "The upper area encircles a large open are perfect for games and running around. There is a nice disk golf course and a lot of large paths for waking and biking."

    6. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    7. Clatsop State Forest Northrup Creek Horse Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 325-5451

    $20 / night

    "This is a wonderful campground far enough off the beaten path and being listed has a horse camp most likely keeps the crowds down. "

    "While primarily a horse-friendly campsite, there are few RV/tent sites, but definitely not friendly for larger RVs."

    8. Edward Creek Learner's Loop

    1 Review
    Tillamook, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    10. Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    7 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $33 - $39 / night

    "One of our favorite Oregon SPs. In the middle of a mountainous forest with lots of hiking, paved path & mtb biking, disc golf, horse trails and more."

    "Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Manzanita, OR

336 Reviews of 18 Manzanita Campgrounds


  • d
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    never disappoints

    Bigger campground off a fabulous beach prime for kite flying and beaching. Minutes from Manzanita and just down the coast from Cannon Beach.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 17, 2019

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    SPECTACULAR wildlife all around

    [ PROS ]

    • We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights. Man, it was so amazing. It was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.

    • A family of deer visited us every single morning/night during our stay. We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience

    • Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park is nestled in lots of beautiful, lush greenery. There are lots of birds, plants, and other wildlife to observe. We loved hearing coyotes yapping in evenings from the campground.

    • It's very peaceful and serene here. It's right by the beach and an easy walk to the coast. We also got to visit Manzanita for a little day trip and had lunch out there. Such a cute little coastal town worth checking out.

    • Free hot showers and really nice restrooms. I'm starting to realize that Oregon State Parks are SOOO much superior to California State Parks. The amenities at all the Oregon campgrounds I've visited are wonderful. We definitely got spoiled by camping in Oregon that it will be hard going back home to California

    • Very close to stores, restaurants, and gas stations if you need to pick up supplies.

    [ CONS ]

    • While it was a beautiful campground, the sites are rather small and close together. We obviously didn't experience this campground when it's crowded, but I can imagine how packed it would feel.
  • Tanya B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2021

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    Camp with Horses!

    We've stayed at Nehalem Bay State Park several times and always enjoy it.  In the past we have camped in our tent and we've also stayed in one of their cozy yurts.  This time was a first for us because we stayed in one of their primitive horse camp sites in our van, and had the opportunity to ride horses on the beach!  The campground has a ton of amenities and is located adjacent to the beach, bay and just minutes to Manzanita or Nehalem. Planning to return again soon!

  • James M.
    Jun. 29, 2015

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    An RV park with great yurts

    Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts. A great place to tuck in on the Oregon Coast with good walks, and a short walk up to Manzanita for good bars and shops. We went in early Spring and had a lovely time. Check it out!

  • Rich M.
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    Large beach campground

    Nehalem State Park is located just south of Cannon Beach in the town of Manzanita. There beach lends some spectacular views of the coast. The beach is accessable from several short trails.

    The campground has 265 campsites all of them include electrical and water hookups. There are also 18 yurts some with wheelchair ramps. There are also a number of walk-in and horse campsites. Each loop has a centralized bathroom/shower facility with hot water.

    The only place to put garbage is located at the entrance of each loop which can be far hike. Campsites are a bit close together with no real privacy. Due to the location of the playground and bathrooms we had a steady stream of people cutting through ours and other neighbors campsites.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Hares Canyon Horse Camp — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Equestrians Only

    Hares Canyon Horse Camp is one of three campgrounds in Stub Stewart State Park and unlike other horse camps which often allow the overflow of tenters and rv'ers without horses, this horse camp is equestrian only.

    The Campground is set up in one loop and offers both single and double sites, ADA facilities, showers, toilets, and trash. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a corral. There is a double corral on the double sites.

    You must clean up after your own horse. Manure bin as well as shovels/brooms are provided onsite.

    In mid May, the sites were very wide open.

  • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2022

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    Peaceful and lovely in December!

    Great beach state park! Short walk over the dune. Not terrible , but gets your blood pumping. The view of the ocean, the endless beach and the grass-covered dunes are worth the walk! We had the D loop almost to ourselves. I can imagine it feels pretty crowded in summer. The sites’ proximity to each other sees pretty standard for state parks. There is an illusion of privacy with the abundance of trees but no foliage on the trunks. We were next to our friends but didn’t feel crowded or imposed upon. The outside of the loop had angled back in sites. The inside were straight back in and shorter. Some sites are longer than others. Saw a large class A and 5th wheel comfortably backed in. We are about 48 ft with trailer and pick up and fit fine. Close to Manzanita, walking trails in the park and so many hikes nearby. Went to Short Sand Beach yesterday and it was beautiful. Granted having sunny weather helps!

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2021

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    Love those hiker-biker sites

    Stayed here twice on the same bicycle trip. Once on the way up the coast, and again on the way back down. It's not super-separated from the rest of the campground, but it's a huge area with lots of picnic tables and fire pits. Short walk to the ocean from here. Also, Manzanita is a short bike ride away. Decent Oregon beach town.


Guide to Manzanita

Clatsop State Forest Northrup Creek Horse Campground sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the coastal mountains about 45 miles northwest of Manzanita. The campground opens seasonally from May to November when forest roads are most accessible. Sites accommodate both tent campers and small to medium-sized RVs, with separate areas designated for equestrian users and standard campers.

What to do

Forest exploration on horseback: Trails at Clatsop State Forest Northrup Creek Horse Campground connect riders to miles of logging roads and forest paths. "We plan on taking a trip up with our horses and riding the trails. I definitely plan on returning to this Campground," notes Kelcie T. The campground serves as an excellent staging area with ample parking for horse trailers.

Beach riding opportunities: Horse enthusiasts can trailer to nearby coastal access points for beach riding. At Nehalem Bay State Park Campground, "Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," reports Jamie B. The park allows beach horse rentals through local outfitters for visitors without their own mounts.

Crabbing and fishing: Area waterways offer excellent fishing opportunities. "We went crabbing just a ways away from the state park, and it was a beautiful day and a lot of fun," writes Aaron R. about Nehalem Bay. Many local bait shops rent crabbing equipment by the day for visitors who don't bring their own gear.

What campers like

Clean, well-maintained facilities: Horse campgrounds near Manzanita, Oregon consistently receive praise for their upkeep. "This campground was so beautiful and clean! All of the campsites are nestled among big fir trees. The campsites have picnic tables and fire pits," writes Kelcie T. about Northrup Creek Horse Camp.

Secluded forest settings: Many equestrian sites offer more privacy than standard campgrounds. "We had the campground to our self midweek. This is a wonderful campground far enough off the beaten path and being listed as a horse camp most likely keeps the crowds down," notes Dexter I. about Tillamook State Forest Stagecoach Horse Camp.

Non-equestrian accommodations: Even at horse-focused campgrounds, standard camping is available. "While this is a horse campground, only 8 of the sites are for horse campers, a small tent/RV camping loop of 3 sites is also available," explains Dexter I. This makes these locations suitable for mixed groups of riders and non-riders.

What you should know

Primitive facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic amenities only. At Jones Creek, "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," notes Stephanie Z.

Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall can bring significant rainfall. "It rained the whole 5 days we stayed here. Never the less the campground was very clean," reports Robert D. about camping at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park.

Reservation requirements: Most horse camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis except during peak summer season. "The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big," explains Katie C. about Jones Creek, which is typical for many forest service horse camps in the region.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly trails: Many equestrian areas also feature hiking paths suitable for children. "Nice hiking trail starts at the tent camping area, 'Big Tree Trail' will take you past some monster sized trees," mentions Dexter I. about Northrup Creek Horse Camp. These trails typically range from 1-3 miles in length.

Splash areas for hot days: Forest streams provide natural cooling opportunities. "Big Tree Trail for hikers was well maintained and we took the opportunity to splash around in the creek," writes Jesse H. about visiting North Fork Trask.

Noise considerations: Some horse campgrounds are quieter than standard sites. "This is a wonderful campground far enough off the beaten path and being listed has a horse camp most likely keeps the crowds down," notes Dexter I. This can be important for families with younger children who need consistent sleep schedules.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most horse campgrounds have limited RV accommodations. "While primarily a horse-friendly campsite, there are few RV/tent sites, but definitely not friendly for larger RVs," warns Daniel S. about Northrup Creek. Sites rarely exceed 35 feet in length and typically lack full hookups.

Limited hookups: Water is available at some sites but electrical connections are rare. "Each campsite has a picnic table and metal fire ring. Nice flat ground for your tent with plenty of shade from the large trees. Campground has a hand pump for water," explains Dexter I. RVers should arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries.

Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can be challenging. "The road is in great condition and is passable with a 2WD without any issue. There is a sign saying there are logging trucks using the road," notes SpentBrassOffroad B. Most horse campgrounds require navigating unpaved forest roads for at least the final few miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Manzanita, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Manzanita, OR is Nehalem Bay State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 89 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Manzanita, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.