Cape Blanco State Park offers designated equestrian facilities 9 miles from Port Orford and 28 miles from Bandon on Oregon's southern coast. The area experiences consistent coastal winds, with Sitka spruce trees throughout the campground providing natural windbreaks. Horse camps in the region maintain separate facilities from regular camping areas, allowing riders to keep their animals close while accessing beaches and forest trails.
What to do
Beach rides with ocean views: Cape Blanco State Park Campground provides access to coastal riding trails where equestrians can follow the Coastal Trail through wooded areas to scenic ocean viewpoints. "The Coastal Trail runs through camp and you can follow it North for a half mile through the trees while listening to the ocean waves. You'll pop out into a meadow of wild flowers and tall grasses overlooking the ocean and out towards the Cape Blanco lighthouse," notes Ryan W.
Historic site visits: The campground offers nearby attractions including 19th century structures. "We visited the historic Hughes house that is on the park grounds. It was built in 1898 and they have tours. The lighthouse is the oldest on the Oregon coast and you can get a tour of it," shares Tim W., highlighting the cultural landmarks within riding distance of the equestrian camp.
Forest trail riding: Boundary Campground in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest provides alternatives for riders seeking quieter forest trails. "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. They also have trails that you can ride your horses. We actually saw a few people doing this when we were on our morning hike," explains Julie P.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bullards Beach State Park Campground offers secluded camping spaces that provide buffer zones between neighbors. "Great camping location with lots of private spots with lots of trees and greenery," writes Jennifer C., noting the natural separation between sites that creates a more peaceful experience.
Protected camping areas: The tree cover at Cape Blanco creates comfortable camping despite coastal weather conditions. "The camp area is in the middle of large trees so the wind doesn't really hit you," explains Tim W., describing how the natural vegetation shields camping areas from the constant coastal breezes.
Dedicated horse facilities: Wild Mare Horse Campground provides specialized equestrian accommodations. "This a more peaceful spot, without immediate engine noise but with plenty of room for human and horse at each site. It's a nice size to get to know a few neighbors - but not too many," explains Bjorn S., describing the cul-de-sac layout that creates community while maintaining adequate space.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Coastal winds affect all equestrian sites near Sixes. "It is very windy here, but the plants surrounding the sites keep out most of the coastal wind and also provide plenty of privacy from other sites. Be prepared for cold weather and misty air," advises Haley C. about Cape Blanco.
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have temporary restrictions on services. "The dump station is closed because it's broken and they've been trying to secure funding to replace it. You will need to plan on using the dump station at the state park north or south of this park," notes Mea H. about Cape Blanco.
Campground busyness varies: Sam Brown Campground offers a less crowded alternative for riders seeking solitude. "The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It almost felt like we had the whole campground to ourselves. There really isn't many campsites- I believe there are only 8," shares Julie P.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access logistics: Plan for walking distances to reach shore areas. "You can walk to the lighthouse and the beach from the campground," Mea H. shares about Cape Blanco, though families should note the trek involves some distance, especially when bringing children and horses.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bullards Beach State Park Campground offers additional wildlife sightings beyond typical coastal fauna. "The campground itself was quiet and populated with wild turkeys," notes The School for Y., mentioning an interesting feature for children to observe.
Trail difficulty assessment: When planning rides with younger family members, consider terrain challenges. "The ride into Cape Blanco is also beautiful with a river winding it's way out to the sea... As a hiker/biker you'll be traveling up a large hill to get up to the top. Don't let the elevation scare you off. It isn't as hard as you think with plenty of pull-offs and views to distract you," Ryan W. explains.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Bullards Beach, RVers recommend specific loops for better camping experiences. "Stayed 5 nights site A-40 a very nice spot for our 26ft Class C motor home we fit a-ok an had 30am and 15am at the post... A loop is the best loop of A-B-C loops for privacy," advises Robert O.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds, requiring planning for those needing connections. "Cell signal on Verizon was really low speed and mostly useable. But ATT was good with 5-7Mbs without using our outside antenna and cell booster, 10-20mbs when using it," shares Robert O. about service at Bullards Beach.
Site dimensions matter: Cape Blanco accommodates larger rigs with adequate infrastructure. "The sites have full hookups, fire pits, tables, and very long paved drives," notes Haley C., emphasizing the spaciousness that makes the park suitable for riders bringing horse trailers and RVs.
