Equestrian camping near Mt. Hood National Forest offers riders access to an extensive trail network across diverse terrain. Located in Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range, the forest spans over one million acres with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 11,235 feet at the summit of Mt. Hood. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-90°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, creating comfortable conditions for both horses and riders.
What to do
Trail riding near Timothy Lake: Riders staying at Clackamas Lake Campground can access numerous trails surrounding Timothy Lake. "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. The trail around Timothy Lake is not strenuous, and offers amazing views of Mt Hood," notes Ashley B.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Set up base camp at Panther Creek Campground for direct access to the PCT. "The PCT is just outside the campground" and provides "a beautiful view of Mt. Hood just a couple of miles up the trail," according to Lawrence F. This makes it ideal for day rides with varying distances.
Badger Creek exploration: The eastern portion of Mt. Hood National Forest offers different terrain and vegetation. "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," explains Bjorn S. from Bonney Crossing Campground.
What campers like
Spacious horse facilities: Silver Falls State Park Campground offers "LOTS of nice, wide horse trails for horse riding enthusiasts" according to Melissa L. The well-maintained trails provide ample space for riders and horses to navigate comfortably.
Creek access for horses: When temperatures rise, cool off at Panther Creek where "there are several places to access the creek and play in the cold, shallow water. The stones in the stream are a rainbow of metamorphic rock," mentions Lawrence F. This provides a refreshing stop for horses during summer rides.
Variety of terrain: Equestrian riders appreciate the diverse landscape surrounding Clackamas Lake. "The good news is that it's only a mile or so to from beautiful Timothy Lake, where it's hard to get a site in the summer," explains Thomas B., highlighting the proximity to additional riding opportunities beyond the immediate campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: During dry periods, water sources may be limited. At Beacon Rock State Park Campground, campers note that you should "bring bug spray and put it on the minute you get there" as summer mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive near water sources.
Early reservation recommended: Popular horse camps fill quickly in peak season. Melissa N. from Clackamas Lake Campground shares: "My family and my best friend and her family took her two horses for a week long camping trip!" Plan ahead for extended stays, especially for group camping with multiple horses.
Trail conditions change seasonally: Early or late season camping requires preparation. At Bonney Crossing, Bjorn S. notes that for backpacking, "it was quite nice to hike in a bit, prop up a small tent and just blend into the forest as night floated down to meet us." Similar preparation applies for horse camping as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Tips for camping with families
Combined horse/play activities: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers activities beyond riding. Melissa L. explains: "We all made s'mores and sang campfire songs together in the evening after our day of hiking to the horse camp and up to the bat haven (a nice long nature walk for the kids)."
Swimming opportunities: During hot summer days, seek out campgrounds with water access. "This park would have been even better later in the year (we went in May), as it sits along the Clackamas river, and is the river is easily accessible for rafting, tubing, swimming, or fishing," advises Melissa L.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. "Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it," says Scott B. about Bonney Crossing, where the shallow water creates safe play areas while adults manage horse-related activities.
Tips from RVers
Manageable access roads: For those hauling horse trailers, road conditions matter. At Oxbow Regional Park, campers note that the park is "down a steep hill (important if you're biking)" according to Ben W., which applies equally to vehicles with trailers. Plan your route carefully.
Site selection for trailers: Choose sites with adequate space for rigs and horses. At Riley Horse Campground, "the spots are large, far apart from the other sites, and very quiet." Ashley B. adds that her spot "was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre."
Utilities and hookups: Most horse camps have limited facilities. "The primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping" but expect basic amenities. If you need hookups, research alternatives like Beacon Rock where "there are 5 sites with hook ups. Sites 1-3 are very close together with 4 & 5 slightly more spread out," according to Becky S.
