Willow Prairie Horsecamp provides dedicated stalls for horses within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, located 42 miles northeast of Medford at 4,800 feet elevation. This specialized equestrian camping destination remains snow-covered through mid-May in typical years, with summer daytime temperatures ranging from 70-85°F. Trail access directly from campsites eliminates the need to trailer horses between rides.
What to do
Trail riding with direct access: At Willow Prairie Horsecamp, riders connect immediately to forest trail networks without trailering. The campground serves as a hub for exploring mountain terrain on horseback with minimal preparation time.
Lake activities nearby: Hyatt Lake Recreation Area offers water-based recreation 32 miles from Medford. "Campground is quiet and very clean. Had no trouble getting in. Would be cautious bringing a huge rig up here as the roads are windy and sites are on the smaller side," notes Jules S. The recreation area closes during winter months and reopens in May.
Natural feature exploration: Natural Bridge Campground provides access to unique geological formations within walking distance. "The Natural Bridge is a short walk away and is really cool. Lots of informative signs along the path to describe what you are seeing," reports Joe V. This site fills quickly during summer weekends.
What campers like
Proximity to Crater Lake: Natural Bridge Campground sits 35 minutes from the national park entrance. "This campground is right on the Rogue river and is absolutely gorgeous. The sites are well maintained, and there are toilets," according to Joe V.
Peaceful settings: Many equestrian campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowded areas. "We had the place to ourselves for a week at end September/beginning of October which was great. We enjoyed the shaded campsites with a tent and the rest of our party parked their RV with ease," reports D D. about Lily Glen Horse Camp.
Star viewing opportunities: Lake areas provide clear night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. "The night sky was gorgeous," notes D D. about Lily Glen Horse Camp. Most horse campgrounds near Medford have minimal light pollution due to their remote locations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While some equestrian sites require advance booking, others operate first-come. "A fun little campground that is located right off Dead Indian memorial road. There are a few wooden stalls for horses and campgrounds are first come first served," explains Kassidy D. about Lily Glen Horse Camp.
Limited services: Most horse campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "There are pit toilets, garbage cans and well with a hand pump," notes D D. about Lily Glen Horse Camp. Bring all necessary supplies as stores may be 30+ minutes away.
Seasonal road conditions: Winter closures affect most high-elevation horse camps from November through April. "Closed for the 2023 season for upgrades," reported Mcevan S. about Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Call ranger districts for current road status before traveling.
Tips for camping with families
Lake options for kids: Lake Selmac County Park provides family-friendly water activities. "We love coming to lake selmac to use the yurts for winter camping. They're heated and cozy. The kids enjoy the fishing and I love the view across the lake," explains Paul H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many equestrian campsites offer natural settings for spotting animals. "Dusk coaxed several deer out to the water, lots of birds throughout the day, and the sound of frogs at night," Craig M. observed at Hyatt Lake.
Educational hiking trails: Natural Bridge features interpretive signage appropriate for school-aged children. "There is a loop hike which takes you to the Natural Bridge area which is really cool," notes Laura M. Most trails near horse campgrounds have moderate difficulty ratings.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Most horse campgrounds accommodate moderate-sized RVs but have limitations. "Would be cautious bringing a huge rig up here as the roads are windy and sites are on the smaller side," advises Jules S. about Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. Standard equestrian sites typically accommodate rigs under 35 feet.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at primitive horse camps. "There are a few wooden stalls for horses," notes Kassidy D. about Lily Glen Horse Camp, but parking areas may require leveling blocks.
Winter alternatives: Lake Selmac Resort provides year-round RV options when higher elevation horse camps close. "We spent a weekend at Lake Selmac camping in our RV with our four kiddos. The hosts were incredibly kind and helpful," reports Susanna R.
