Knebal Springs Campground provides dedicated equestrian facilities in the Mount Hood National Forest at 3,600 feet elevation. Located in an area where western forests transition to eastern Oregon's drier climate, the campground sits among tall pines with relatively open spacing between sites. This primitive campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis without drinking water available, making it important for visitors to bring their own supply.
What to do
Trail riding expeditions: Multiple trail networks near Bonney Crossing Campground accommodate riders of various skill levels. "Badger Creek trail, a versatile, climate-variety hike that sports a good stopping point at Pine Creek about 6 miles in, then to Badger Lake another 6 miles beyond that," notes Bjorn S., describing terrain options for multi-day explorations.
Creek exploration: The streams and waterways provide cooling relief during warmer months. Scott B. mentions that at Bonney Crossing, "Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it," making this a refreshing activity during summer riding breaks.
Scenic viewpoint drives: Forest service roads lead to panoramic vistas overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. When staying at Hunt Park, Dennis P. recommends: "Beautiful areas to explore close by. Saw our first lawnmower races in Wamic, so fun!" These roads often connect to trail systems suitable for day rides.
What campers like
Spacious corral setups: Horse campgrounds near Moro, Oregon provide ample room for trailers and associated equipment. While Knebal Springs offers dedicated corrals, other sites accommodate different needs. Ashley B. notes about Brooks Memorial, "There were a bunch of trails that ran throughout the park that provided a nice alternative to get to the other side of the park."
Peaceful atmosphere: Crow Butte Park sits alongside the Columbia River, offering unique terrain. "The grounds were clean and green. The water was super calm, so kayaking was very enjoyable," reports Denise B., highlighting activities available when not riding.
Diverse terrain access: The eastern Mount Hood National Forest provides varied riding environments. Greg L. appreciates that at Bonney Crossing, "The campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river," creating comfortable basecamp options for exploring multiple trail systems.
What you should know
Water requirements: No potable water exists at several equestrian campgrounds in the region. Scott B. confirms this at Bonney Crossing: "Campground is 'primitive' so you must bring your own potable water." Plan to haul sufficient water for both humans and horses.
Seasonal considerations: Many horse campgrounds near Moro operate seasonally. According to Susan L. at Brooks Memorial State Park, "Friendly host 'Dutch' and a few walk about simple hiking paths. Bathrooms and showers very nice (coin op on the showers)," though facilities vary significantly between campgrounds.
Weather preparation: Strong winds can affect camping conditions. Patrick M. reports at Crow Butte Park that "the campground can be windy, although the higher numbered sites, roughly 32-50 (toward the butte, away from the mainland) tend to be calmer," suggesting strategic site selection helps mitigate weather challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna includes various creatures campers should prepare for. Taleah U. warns about Crow Butte Park: "There are really cute baby frogs hopping all around in the mornings though which was very cute. Just watch your step," indicating the importance of teaching children about local wildlife.
Campsite selection: Choose sites strategically based on facilities needed. At Hunt Park, David B. appreciates that it "borders a large cattle ranch so you may hear cattle mooing but that's about it. Very peaceful!" Sites further from main roads often provide quieter experiences.
Activity planning: Incorporate non-riding activities into your stay. Cheryl P. recommends Bonney Crossing: "The campsite is clean with no over growth. Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch," suggesting mixed activities keep children engaged throughout the visit.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited RV accommodations. According to Bjorn S., sites at Knebal Springs "are right off the road and the relative lack of trees takes away some privacy. Still, the trees are tall and you get more sunlight," which can benefit solar-dependent rigs.
Hookup availability: Most horse-focused campgrounds offer minimal or no hookups. Derek R. notes at Crow Butte Park, "Camping here is nice on the Columbia River Washington side. Little breezy at times. $40.00 a night for RV $30.00 for veterans $20.00 for tents," highlighting the cost differential for various accommodation types.
Site sizing: RVers with horse trailers require careful planning. Ben B. found at Crow Butte Park, "Site was easy to back into. Clean and level. Lots of shade and grass," though experiences vary significantly between equestrian campgrounds in the region.
Legend
