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Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp provides the only dedicated equestrian camping near Salem, Oregon. The campground features several sites specifically designed for camping with horses. Trailer parking is available adjacent to each site, allowing convenient access for loading and unloading horses. The park requires campers to bring their own portable corrals or use highlines for containing horses overnight. Only sites for camping with horses are available at this location. Vault toilets serve the horse camp area, but potable water is limited so campers should plan accordingly. Many riders find the park flooded during winter months, making spring and summer the optimal seasons for horse camping visits.
The trail system at Willamette Mission offers multiple riding options through diverse terrain. Riders can access several miles of trails that wind through forests and along the Willamette River. The park features a mix of shaded woodland paths and open meadows, providing varied scenery for trail rides. Horse owners should note that some trails may have seasonal restrictions due to flooding or maintenance. The large Black Cottonwood tree within the park boundaries serves as a notable landmark and destination point for many riders. Mosquitoes can be problematic at dusk during summer months due to the park's proximity to water, so appropriate fly spray for horses is recommended. Trail conditions remain well-maintained throughout the riding season, with the hills providing good muscle-building exercise for horses.
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain."
from $28 - $92 / night
Check Availability"So much better than those CGs next to highways and RRs"
"Dump station nearby. We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig. This worked out fine."
"Only sites for camping with horses."
from $20 - $74 / night
Check Availability"Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails. Close to the ten waterfall trail on the day use area."
"First and foremost, it's all about the waterfalls - all 10 of them - linked by paved hiking trails. Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike?"
from $29 - $87 / night
Check Availability"It has wonderful hiking trails. There is swimming available in the warmer months in the Clackamas River. Horse trails for equestrians and fishing!"
"A short hike will take you right to the river and there’s plenty of nice trail to explore. If stepping around occasional horse poop isn’t your thing, maybe skip the hike though."
from $8 - $126 / night
Check Availability"Shellburgh Falls is tall with a huge basalt cave that you can walk behind the waterfall and down below to actually stand under the waterfall. Very pretty. No one was camping when I was there."
"Arrived here late for a single night stay on the way to the Oregon Coast. This is a very convenient stopover for those needing a place to stay near Portland."
"Jantzen Beach RV Park feels like a real-world stop straight out of a Subway Surfers World Tour—a lively, convenient, and colorful place where travelers pause, recharge, and enjoy the surroundings before"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were close to sites and decent. The site was pretty quiet. There are ATV trails nearby so lots of dirt bikers in the camp."
"However, we continued up the road which wound its way around a mountain and found a lovely spot away from the busy campground below. So peaceful and relaxing. Dirt bike paths around too."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability
TravelerIf you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts.
ScoutGreat place to camp. It has wonderful hiking trails. There is swimming available in the warmer months in the Clackamas River. Horse trails for equestrians and fishing!
GuideTHE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain. Saw all but the northern most two falls while hiking the trails. So many more to hike! Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground. RV dump at the horse camp turnoff. I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time! We rate this one an 8.
TravelerSite was nice and private, staff was very friendly, and the grounds were pretty clean! A short hike will take you right to the river and there’s plenty of nice trail to explore. If stepping around occasional horse poop isn’t your thing, maybe skip the hike though. Plenty of horses and dogs around.
LegendA large state park located near Estacada on the banks of the Clackamas River, Milo McIver is a well-loved Oregon state park. Because it's close to Portland, it is very busy. The main campsite area is set for tents as well as RVs with electric and water hookups available. Campsites are kind of close together but well appointed with bathrooms/showers available. There is a small tent-only area also available but the sites are kind of cramped and they all spin off a common parking area with little privacy.
The park overall has lots of different open spaces for hiking, interpretive programs, disc golf, fishing, areas for horse riding, and a great overlook on the Clackamas River.
TravelerStunning camping in a temperate rainforest. Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails. Close to the ten waterfall trail on the day use area.
GuideThis is one of my favorite places to go in Oregon (there are many). The park has about 120 sites, it is ready for RV, Tents, Horses, Boats about anything you could want.
Dogs are welcome, however, some trails (like the Ten Falls) are not allowed. Please pick up after your pet and keep them on a leash!
If you get a chance, do the Trail of Ten Falls, it is a spectacular, nationally recognized hiking trail that weaves through a densely forested landscape. The trail passes a series of breathtaking waterfalls along a rocky canyon and descends to a winding creek on the forest floor.
GuideTwo parties (all family) stayed the night Friday night. Additional family visited Saturday night (and were able to easily get into the campgrounds to park in our sites). LOTS of nice, wide horse trails for horse riding enthusiasts. 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). 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. We rate this one an 8.2.
RangerThis beautiful location is about 30 minutes from any town and is my go to when I need a good hike in the Rim Trail or just a nice nature walk around the 10 Dalls Trail.
In recent years it has become very popular and the main falls area is over run with tourists at most points during the year.
Not the place to go if you are seeking to not see anyone, but once you pass the main falls loop near the lodge the heard things out the further you trek.
Most hiking trails are mild to moderate. Seeking more of a challenge? If you venture out to the rim trail or the K214 trail heads, then you will rarely see anyone; though be aware of cougars and I'd advise a bear bell. I've seen many tracks over the years up there ranging from Cubs to a large cat tracking a horse. Meow! You may meet horse riders on these trails as well.
All and all a beautiful local treasure that is a large enough park to hold many thousands of people and still feel like you are out in the woods enjoying nature.
Camp sites are available across the main road from the park. The main park area is for day use only.
Willamette Valley offers diverse horse camping options within a short drive from Salem. The area's temperate climate allows for seasonal trail riding on varied terrain, with most equestrian facilities open from spring through fall. Camping elevations in the region typically range from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level, with river valley bottomlands providing access to both wooded areas and open grasslands.
Trail riding on varied terrain: Silver Falls State Park offers extensive equestrian trails that wind through the park's dense forests. Jennifer H. notes, "Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer. Walking, bike, and horse trails."
Explore riverfront areas: Willamette Mission State Park features scenic trails along the Willamette River. Fidel S. shares, "There is lots to outdoor activities at Willamette mission state park. there is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event."
Visit historic landmarks: The largest Black Cottonwood tree in Oregon stands within Willamette Mission State Park boundaries. According to Brandi L., "This site is soooo beautiful! stayed here a couple times and always enjoyed it. Has an area to go fishing but I never caught anything."
Secluded campsites: Howard Creek Horse Camp at Silver Falls State Park provides private sites with good spacing. Jennifer H. comments, "Sites are big and private. Very quite and tons of near empty trails even with a full campground on a weekend in the summer."
Family-friendly amenities: Silver Falls State Park Campground offers dedicated equestrian facilities with convenient access to multiple recreation options. Jeff K. shares, "The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds. Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain."
Evening entertainment: Horse campers often gather around campfires after rides. Sprunki R. mentions, "I had a great weekend at Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp! The campsites are horse friendly and the trails are absolutely gorgeous- it felt like being out in the wild."
Seasonal flooding affects access: Winter months often render trails impassable at lower elevations. Jefferson S. notes, "This State Park has a hiker/biker area due to it's location on the Willamette Valley Bikeway. There is no potable water, so you must plan to pack enough water for the night."
Insect preparation necessary: Milo McIver State Park Campground can have mosquito activity during summer months. Lindsey T. shares, "I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites. The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers)."
Water supplies limited: Many equestrian camps require bringing your own water for horses. Jessica M. confirms about Willamette Mission, "Only sites for camping with horses."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. Richard H. from Silver Falls says, "Campsites are spaced well apart with lots of room in each site. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean."
Horse-friendly playgrounds: Polk County Fairgrounds offers affordable camping with room for both horses and children. Casey P. notes, "Huge gravel lot with RV hookups, no sewer connection but there is an on-site dump station so that's covered."
Educational opportunities: Silver Falls features interpretive programs during summer months. Melissa L. shares, "THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain."
Multi-generational activities: Parks often have both challenging and easy trail options. Sherrie B. observes about Howard Creek, "First and foremost, it's all about the waterfalls - all 10 of them - linked by paved hiking trails. Not a fan of sharing the trail with hikers when on your bike? There are miles of mountain bike trails. Have horses? They have trails too."
Designated horse trailer parking: Several equestrian campgrounds offer pull-through sites. Theresa R. states about Polk County Fairgrounds, "Electricity 30 amp and water at the post. Dump station nearby. We were visiting relatives in this area, so really only need a safe place to park the rig."
Level pads available: Jones Creek offers larger sites accommodating horse trailers with living quarters. Katie C. mentions, "We love staying in the campground! There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
Hookup considerations: Some equestrian camps offer limited electrical service. Lynette W. says about Polk County, "The staff is very friendly. Nothing fancy here but the price is very affordable."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salem, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salem, OR is Silver Falls State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 78 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Salem, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Salem, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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