Silver Falls State Park offers multiple equestrian camping options near Stayton, Oregon. Howard Creek Horse Camp within the park provides dedicated trails for riders with drinking water, electric hookups, and full facilities including showers and toilets. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with horse-friendly amenities. Silver Falls' equestrian trails receive excellent reviews from riders, with some noting the area's diverse terrain and good footing. Bees and biting insects can be problematic in late August, so extra fly spray is recommended when camping with horses.
The trail system connects directly to the campground, allowing easy access for riders without trailering. Some hills provide excellent conditioning work for horses and riders. Water crossings and varied terrain make this a popular destination for equestrians throughout the riding season. While the main Trail of Ten Falls prohibits horses, numerous other trails throughout the park permit equestrian use. Santiam State Forest's horse camp, though temporarily closed, typically offers an alternative option when available with toilet facilities and reservable sites. The combined trail systems provide enough riding for multiple days of exploration with horses comfortably stabled at the campgrounds.
$22 - $64 / night
"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."
$22 - $61 / night
"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?"
"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."
$20 / night
"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."
"Only sites for camping with horses."
"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."
$8 - $78 / night
"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."
$20 / night
$6 / night
"I lived in Oregon for a couple years as a kid and my family got big into backpacking. One of our family favorites was Pamelia Lake."
"We decided to hike to Pamelia lake as a labor day backpacking trip, and this trip did not disappoint! One of our friends was a beginner, so we decided to tailor the trip to his experience."
$25 - $27 / night
"Lots of great trails to hike."
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.
ScoutI 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. After riding all day, my friends and I played Sprunki Retake, a super fun musical game that added a little spice to the evening around the campfire. If you love horses and the outdoors, this is a must-visit!
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.
Silver Falls State Park and nearby Santiam State Forest provide multiple equestrian camping options near Stayton, Oregon. The region features wooded trails with elevation changes between 1,000-2,600 feet, creating varied terrain for horse riders across multiple trail systems. Winter camping isn't recommended due to muddy conditions, though summer and fall offer the best footing for horses on these forested paths.
Trail exploration from campsite: Howard Creek Horse Camp offers direct trail access without needing to trailer your horses. "There are miles of mountain bike trails. Have horses? They have trails too," notes Sherrie B. about Howard Creek Horse Camp.
Waterfall viewing: When not riding, campers can visit the park's famous waterfalls. "What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it. You can just get lost in the beauty of it all," shares Jeff K. about Silver Falls State Park.
Disc golf between rides: Take a break from horseback riding and try the disc golf courses at Milo McIver State Park. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress," explains Steve C.
Spacious sites: The camping areas provide room for horse trailers and gear. "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," says Jennifer H.
Multiple day excursions: The extensive trail systems let riders explore for several days. "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," writes Sprunki R. about Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp.
Family-friendly environment: Many equestrian camping areas welcome families. "We love hiking the trails and our kids love the playground and river swimming!" reports April F., highlighting options for when the family needs a break from riding.
Seasonal considerations: Some areas close during winter or have limited access after weather events. "This park floods every winter. I advise planning your trip for the spring or summer knowing that there is a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool," advises Kelly N. about Willamette Mission State Park.
Permit requirements: Some areas like Pamelia Lake require advance permits. "One big thing to note about this campsite is that permits are awarded via lottery. We were lucky enough to snag a permit the week before and we were very glad we did since we were asked to show proof of our permit twice," explains Audrey M. about Pamelia Lake.
Bug protection: In addition to normal camping supplies, bring extra insect repellent. "Mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk because of the water," notes Kelly N., which applies to many of the equestrian camping options near Stayton.
Choose accessible trails: Look for shorter routes suitable for young riders. "This is a very family friendly camp ground, so watch out for all the RVs and kids on bikes. But once you are out on the trail it gets peaceful and picturesque," advises Andrea M.
Plan alternative activities: When kids need a break from riding, have other options. "We stayed here just to wake up and hike the 9 miles and see the 10 waterfalls," says Vanesa W. about Silver Falls State Park Campground.
Find playgrounds nearby: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground," mentions Melissa L. about Silver Falls.
Check hookup availability: Not all horse camps offer full hookups. "Electricity 30 amp and water at the post. Dump station nearby," reports Theresa R. about Polk County Fairgrounds, an alternative option when state park campgrounds fill up.
Reserve early for summer weekends: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly. "Super clean and close but giving you the feeling of being out deep in the woods. The only bummer is in my app. It said camp fires allowed. And they ARE NOT allowed at this time," advises S. Renae M.
Site selection matters: Choose spots with adequate trailer parking. "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!" recommends Melissa L. when planning your equestrian camping trip near Stayton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stayton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stayton, 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 Stayton, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Stayton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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