Best Equestrian Camping near Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland

Easy access and larger camp spots. We were there during a few events hosted by the Sisters Rodeo and got to listen to the events.

A lot of horse trailers come into the dispersed camping area to park and ride their horses, and I've seen a lot of larger bog rig horse trailers parked at the camp sites near the front. Every single one that came in was respectful and kind. A couple of the trainers even allowed my oldest onto their horses with permission after she asked.

There were a couple of long-time stay campers that kept to themselves. We didn't have any issues with leaving our campsite unattended, even with our cook stove, propane, and ground solar equipment out in the open.

Great for solar. Just if you don't have it set on top, you will have to move it throughout the day.

Verizon cell service is completely fine. No wifi, of course, but if you use a mobile hotspot like we do, you shouldn't have any issues.

We camped at 3 different spots. The first one was right as you pulled in, directly behind the rodeo gates. Large spot, 2 fire pits. Perfect for a group. The second was farther back. Only spent 1 night there cause there was a fire ant colony and we have kids. That just seemed like a bad idea for us. Spot itself was great, though. Another perfect spot for a group, minus the fire ants. The third spit was closer to the entrance, about half way in-between the other 2 we stayed at. This one had some broken glass that was buried as well as what looked like a diabetic syringe, also buried in the dirt. This was the only camp site that had any type of garbage at it. Every other one was cleaned from what we glanced at.

Rangers come through every few days to make sure everything is safe and taken care of. When it became "no fires allowed" a ranger went to every camp site with people and asked if he could leave the information papers about what would be allowed vs not allowed during the "no burn" time. He was very respectful and kept his distance. I was by myself with my 3 young kids when he stopped by, and he stayed at least 5 feet away from all of us unless I gave the okay to come closer. The Rangers also placed "no fire" flags at each of the empty campsites in the firepits in case someone came in afterward.

Overall, it was very peaceful and a great place to stay if you plan on going to the rodeo or an event held at Sisters Rodeo but are strapped on funds.

And of course, like all dispersed campsites, it's a "pack in pack out". No water, power, sewage, bathrooms, showers, or anything else available. You bring it in, and you take it out.

This is another Oregon state park gem... best to visit offseason if you are not a boater, jet skier or love motor noise.  I go every spring and get a spot overlooking the lake/reservoir.  Ice and firewood available. Hot showers and nice bathrooms.  This time of year I sleep in my car and so having full bathroom facilities is nice.  A great horned owl visited the tree next to my site at 1:00 am and hooted away.  Very nice.  This is also a dark sky park and if the moon is not bright the stars are amazing.  There is a hike you can take along the shore of the reservoir - 4 miles out and back.  Great geology as well.

While other cabins overlook the reservoir, the dog friendly one is perched uphill by the park entrance. There is still a view from the front porch of the reservoir, and the side window looks out on the hillside where the deer amble on down to the water from. The medium sized campground spills down the hill to the reason everyone goes there, the reservoir. The campground was nearly empty after spring break, yet had many day visitors to the boat ramp and fishing platform. The wind made fishing from the dock cold and uncomfortable, moving to the shore right beside it fixed that issue. The vault toilets in the fishing and boating areas were large and spotlessly clean.