Knebal Springs Campground provides an equestrian-focused experience in Mount Hood National Forest, situated approximately 30 miles northwest of Maupin. The campground sits at 4,300 feet elevation and experiences warm summer days with cool nights, even during peak season. Campers find a semi-primitive setting with vault toilets and horse corrals, but no potable water or electrical hookups.
What to do
Trail riding near Badger Creek: Access multiple interconnected trails from Bonney Crossing Campground, which offers direct access to the Badger Creek Trail. "The campsite is clean with no over growth. Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch," notes camper Cheryl P.
Fishing opportunities: The Tygh Valley area offers seasonal fishing in streams and nearby lakes. "Camp between a creek and a hill. Hear and see the water from half the sites," reports Kevin L. about Bonney Crossing's waterside camping spots.
Day trips to Timothy Lake: From Clackamas Lake Campground, hikers can reach Timothy Lake via the Pacific Crest Trail. "We hiked 2 miles on the PCT to Timothy lake which was great!" says camper Mica Z. For ambitious hikers, "If you are extra adventurous and in shape you can walk from the campground, around Timothy Lake and back, be warned this is just over 18 miles."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Horse campgrounds near Maupin, Oregon frequently offer larger-than-average campsites. At Riley Horse Campground, "Spot 4 was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre. There were no neighbors on one side of the spot and only the water spigot on the other," according to Ashley B.
Plentiful firewood: Many forest campgrounds in the area provide natural materials for campfires. "There was lots of dead, dried out wood laying all around the site that after a couple hours of collecting I had plenty to keep a fire all weekend, and still left a pile of wood when I left," reports a camper at Riley Horse Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: Even during summer weekends, these campgrounds rarely reach capacity. "This is a great option as each site is different and pretty spacious," notes Bjorn S. about Knebal Springs Campground. Another camper adds it's a "Nice quiet campground. Would stay again."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds in the Mount Hood National Forest operate as primitive or semi-primitive sites. "Campground is primitive so you must bring your own potable water. Site does have an accessible pit toilet," explains Scott B. about Bonney Crossing.
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic in early summer. At Clackamas Lake, one camper warns, "Seriously, bring bug spray and put it on the minute you get there." Another notes, "Mosquitoes were pretty bad in early June, as might be expected."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating rough forest roads. "The road down is a little sketchy but as long as you go slow it's well worth it," advises a Bonney Crossing reviewer about the approach route.
Tips for camping with families
Easy stream access: Children often enjoy water features at campgrounds. At Hunt Park, "Beautiful areas to explore close by" provide entertainment for families, according to Dennis P. The fairground setting offers more amenities than forest sites.
Pack extra water: With limited facilities at most campgrounds, families should bring adequate water supplies. "Vault toilets only. Mosquito repellent strongly advised," recommends Vera S. about summer camping conditions at Clackamas Lake Campground.
Consider off-peak timing: For a more private experience with children, several reviewers recommend shoulder season visits. "We stayed in the off-season, so that is probably why it was empty. I would expect this campsite to be packed during the summer," notes Greg L. about Bonney Crossing.
Tips from RVers
Fairground alternatives: For RVers seeking full hookups, Jefferson County Fairgrounds provides options closer to town services. "Nice clean place to park RV or camper. Has all the amenities," reports Sarah W. The site features water, electric, sewer connections, and shower facilities.
Size limitations: Forest service equestrian campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs but may challenge larger rigs. "Camp host were cool" at Clackamas Lake, but sites vary in accessibility for different vehicle sizes.
Self-contained setups recommended: Most horse campgrounds near Maupin lack water hookups. "This is a county fair grounds with lots of RV space for all sizes. Self register at the gate and find your spot. Nice rest room and showers," notes David B. about Hunt Park, which provides more amenities than forest sites.
Traveler
