Sam Brown Campground offers primitive horse camping near Merlin, Oregon with direct access to horse trails along Briggs Creek, making it one of the most practical equestrian campgrounds in the area for riders hauling trailers. The campground features a dedicated equestrian area, though reviews note it has become somewhat rundown in recent years. The trails remain excellent for riders seeking forest exploration. No drinking water is available at this primitive site, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies for themselves and their horses. The camping area accommodates both tents and RVs, allowing horse owners to set up near their trailers.
Trail riding opportunities extend throughout the surrounding national forest land, with numerous paths accessible directly from the campground. Briggs Creek runs year-round, providing a natural water source for horses after consulting with camp hosts about appropriate watering locations. Cell service is extremely limited, available only at specific spots approximately 3 miles up the road from the campground. The pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy applies to all waste, including horse manure, as there is no trash service available. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions, including vault toilets but no showers or hookups of any kind. The peaceful setting and beautiful forest views compensate for the basic facilities.
"Lots of fish swimming around and a little flock of ducks lol. Campground was clean and quiet. We were in #78."
"We were down in Southern Oregon for the Caves. We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive, It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves."
from $20 - $35 / night
"It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise. But most in this area are. Sites are tight like most KOAs. We chose an end spot and did alright. Plus it was quiet part of year."
"Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake. Toilets but no showers."
"There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake."
"The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year. The horse camp is getting a little run down, but still nice. We go every year with our horses. Its primitive camping."
"The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. "
"A small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail."
"Highway noise, otherwise quiet. Convenient for exploring the area and visiting friends."
GuideDecent county fairgrounds campground...kiosk check in..first come first served....some full hook up ..others water/electric with dump station......decent price....great for an overnight road warrior. I like municipal and county campgrounds....most are ideal for economical overnight hookups
TravelerHaven't been out to Lake Selmac in a few years...never been camping there until this past week. It was WONDERFUL! My friend and I always do car-camping on the weekdays...never on weekends. So, we basically had the campground to ourselves. The water was warm and clear!! Lots of fish swimming around and a little flock of ducks lol. Campground was clean and quiet. We were in #78. It was a smaller spot, but both are cars fit perfectly there and it was right on the water. Bathrooms were right across from the site so we didn't have to walk far. Very nice little "beach" areas with such easy access and close to the campsite. The walking/hiking trails were neat, but we didn't get to walk too far as there was a bear up ahead of us past the 2nd walking bridge, so we had to turn back. But it was close to check out time, so it was all good. Super nice camp host Robert was checking in on us and very informative. The resort is nearby and an easy walk if you want to go get snacks, ice cream, firewood or just some souvenirs. Highly recommend.
ScoutI wasn't expecting what I found. The campground was completely empty except for me. It was very dusty and not very appealing. Not to mention the bathroom's were near the boat launch and not in the campground. Not really walkable. Needless to say I left! Since I am a solo woman camper and not wanting to get murdered.
.
GuideMy family and I have been camping periodically the fairgrounds for a couple of years now.
The grounds used to be well maintained, dump station was free to registered guests, WiFi was decent enough for steaming shows, you were allowed 1 tow vehicle before they started charging, shower access from 8am to 8pm every day and if you needed to make a middle of the night trash run for whatever reason you could.
Now, you have to pay for the dump station no matter what, shower access is limited to if you can get the host to come and unlock them long enough for you to shower (which we have yet to be able to do the last couple times weve been to the park), you have to pay for ALL vehicles and if you have a 5th wheel or any other tow RV you have to keep the tow vehicle WITH the RV the entire stay (and yes you are now charged for the tow vehicle even with a towed RV), the wifi has massive amount of restrictions on it now to the point its basically useless even if you manage to connect to it, most designated fire pits are fire hazards with the amount of growth in them, and recently they have been shutting off the water without notice during high heat days to the point the sheriff's had to come out and talk to the host. Oh, and if you want to file a complaint to the managers in the office for the fairgrounds, it will only cause you issues because they ARE the hosts.
This decline only started when the office managers took over being the hosts. I have no idea why they did since the host before them was an amazing host (and is currently at another campground after they fired her) but they seriously need someone to take over hosting that will actually do the job.
TravelerPerfect for a weeknight stop when on the road, bathrooms were clean enough. Quiet on a summer weeknight. Beautiful forest.
LegendNo it is not perfect. It is close to Hwy 5 so a lot of road noise. But most in this area are. Sites are tight like most KOAs. We chose an end spot and did alright. Plus it was quiet part of year. Many year around residents but was not cluttered. Also sort of kept the short term rentals separate. Nice country location. Good green space to walk dogs. Did not get harassed for walking dogs off leash. We r responsible pet owners. Great laundry room. A little expensive for laundry. Pool table and Pac-Man was used by families. Very clean facilities and flexible manager on when we chose to leave.
ScoutA small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail.
ScoutGreat spot for families. There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a "peddle" boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake.
LegendBeing here in the summer means dead grass and heat. We used it as a base so didn't spend much time there. I've been thru in the winter and it's much prettier. Host is very nice and showers and bathrooms are clean. Highway noise, otherwise quiet. Convenient for exploring the area and visiting friends.
Sam Brown Campground offers equestrian camping facilities in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Merlin, Oregon. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, this rustic site experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild, wet winters. The surrounding forest terrain features mixed conifer and hardwood trees providing dappled shade for campsites, with direct access to multiple horse trails throughout the Briggs Creek watershed.
Trail riding outside the campground: Explore the extensive network of trails beyond the immediate Briggs Creek area. According to Teresa at Sam Brown Campground, "The trails are amazing. Briggs creek runs all year." The surrounding national forest offers miles of scenic riding through diverse terrain.
Fishing in nearby waters: Take advantage of fishing opportunities in the area's creeks and lakes. At Lake Selmac County Park, Kevin R. notes, "We stayed in the Heron loop which was the smallest and most primitive. It was wonderful and we had the whole south of the lake to ourselves." The park provides good fishing access in a quieter setting.
Hiking Bear Creek Trail: Access hiking trails suitable for day trips from your horse camp base. A visitor to Boundary Campground shares, "There is a great hike that is nearby called Bear Creek Trail. This trail does run along the river, which makes it great for fishing." While not directly at Sam Brown, this trail represents similar opportunities available throughout the region.
Peace and quiet: Many horse campers appreciate the secluded nature of primitive camping in this area. One Lake Selmac visitor, Jennifer M., found it "Perfect for a weeknight stop when on the road... Quiet on a summer weeknight. Beautiful forest." This tranquility extends to most equestrian sites in the region.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests around Merlin provide excellent chances to observe native wildlife. Liesa B. from Lake Selmac County Park mentions, "Peaceful. Love watching the water birds. Lots of trees. Even nice in the winter." Bird watching is particularly good near water sources.
Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious equestrian campers appreciate the reasonable fees at primitive sites. Regarding nearby options, Julie P. notes, "It is pretty cheap to stay here as well- only $5 per night. We had a Northwest Forest Pass and were able to use that instead of paying the $5 fee." Similar pricing structures apply at many forest service equestrian sites.
Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging at most equestrian sites near Merlin. Teresa F. confirms that at Sam Brown, there's "No drinking water, showers, or cell service. There is a spot about 3 miles up the road where most can get service." Plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency contact plans.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect trail and camping conditions dramatically throughout the year. At Medford-Gold Hill KOA, Mary F. observed, "Many year around residents but was not cluttered. Also sort of kept the short term rentals separate. Nice country location. Good green space to walk dogs." While this refers to an RV park, similar seasonal patterns affect all local campgrounds.
Water management: Water availability varies significantly by location and season. Kevin R. notes about Lake Selmac, "Firewood here is not bundled and since it was off season we got a huge amount for $5. The hosts were terrific." Always confirm current water conditions for both human and horse consumption before arrival.
Safety precautions: Ensure family members understand wildlife safety protocols. One camper at Lake Selmac Resort shared, "Great spot for families. There are plenty of things to do from fishing, swimming, and even renting a 'peddle' boat for a leg workout while taking your trip around the lake." Always supervise children near water sources.
Activity planning: Structure your equestrian camping trip with alternative activities for non-riders. Susanna R. at Lake Selmac Resort found, "Boat rentals are cheap and very easy to access. I highly recommend this place!" Consider splitting the group for different activities when horse riding isn't for everyone.
Campground selection: Choose your equestrian campsite based on available facilities for children. Megan A. observed at one nearby campground, "Small play area for kids... clean bathrooms though, nice pool." Research which horse camps offer additional amenities appropriate for children of different ages.
Site selection for horse trailers: Position your rig strategically when camping with horses. Charles S. from Medford-Gold Hill KOA advises, "Pull thru sites are short my 35 footer and car just fit. Multiple sites car were sticking in to the road making it a little close pulling out in the morning." Always confirm space for both living quarters and horse trailer before booking.
Facility planning: Research campgrounds with appropriate equestrian facilities in advance. Nicole O. found at Lake Selmac Resort, "Some sites here are very private feeling because you park the car up top and walk down (not far at all) to the tent that sits close to the lake." Look for similar setups that allow comfortable arrangements for both horses and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Merlin, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Merlin, OR is Lake Selmac County Park with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Merlin, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Merlin, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
