North Fork John Day Campground includes four equestrian sites where horse owners can camp with their animals. Located along the river, these spacious sites accommodate riders looking to explore the surrounding wilderness. The campground provides access to the North Fork John Day trail system, with possible loop options using the Crane Creek trail when river crossing conditions permit. Vault toilets are available, and the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with primitive amenities. The level pull-through sites make trailer access manageable, and the nearby river provides water for horses after a day on the trails. Steep drop-offs near the creek exist at some sites, requiring careful management of horses.
Slide Creek Campground provides additional equestrian camping options near Prairie City. Slide Horse area has dedicated spaces for horses just a short distance from Strawberry Campground. The creek running through the area supplies water for animals and cooling off after rides. From these campgrounds, riders can access extensive trail networks in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, including routes to Strawberry Lake featuring mountain views and waterfall access. Roads to these equestrian areas may become rough and challenging during wet conditions, with sections requiring high-clearance vehicles. West Eagle Meadow Campground offers another horse-friendly option with access to Echo Lake trails. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from late spring through fall.
"There are 4 equestrian sites. There was a camp host during our stay but he was only there one of the 3 nights we stayed. "
"After a long day of driving we came up on this campground and got lucky finding two spaces available during hunting season! Level pull through site, clean pit toilet."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $8 - $25 / night
"in the surrounding aria there are plenty of dispersed campsites that can hold any size RV Around the form almost completely shaded to full sun."
"It’s direct access onto the road from the highway exit. It’s a rough road about 1.2 miles, that’s bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2”."
"Easy turn around. creek is clear and very cold. There are picnic tables."
"Off the beaten path, but we'll worth it! Dropped 20 degrees from the hot valley floor. Around 8 spots, first come, but a few other spots on the way up, for dispersed."
"Nice sites with lots of separation and easy access to a trailhead. Multiple vault toilets available as well as water taps that I don’t think are potable but good enough to rinse dishes."
"Light sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site."
"Primitive dispersed campsites with rock fire rings right off the highway. Down side is it's a little too noisy for my taste."
"After a full day, driving, we were having trouble finding a place to stay near John Day, Oregon. All of the very few campgrounds available we’re already full."
"Stream running next to the sites. Close to town. It is next to the fairgrounds, but very quit when no events. Good place to spend the night while traveling through"
from $45 / night
"Slide horse has areas for your horses. It's gorgeous and the creek is just a few feet to go get water for animals and your fire pits and to put your feet in. Looking forward to coming back soon!"
"It would make a good base camp for visiting Echo and Traverse Lakes. Camps are spaced around one paved loop up the hill in the trees above the meadow. "
"Just drive down the road and explore the many turnoffs to find one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to leave time for a day hike up to Echo Lake!"
ScoutRolled in here about 5pm on a Monday night, found a nice flat site to park our van. 3/5 sites available, appears to be lots of dispersed camping nearby too. Nice pit toilet, no water. fire ring with grate and picnic table w ea site. Spring creek dried up.
TravelerI have been at Grant County for work and so appreciate the way it is clean and quiet. Around the corner is a large playground for children. The river walk is my favorite.
ScoutQuiet area close to I-84. Makes for a good overnight stop on the way to bigger destinations.
ScoutQuickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.
Traveler4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. We are the only ones here so far-Sunday eve in August
TravelerLight sleepers would have a hard time here due to highway noise but overall good rest stop. My dog wouldn’t stop trying to eat all the horse poop around the camp site. Good level ground and easy to get back on the road in the morning. Would recommend.
GuideCamped atop the ridge, off the first road on the west side. Interstate traffic dominates the soundscape, but the scenery is expansive.
There’s several sites along the road, some with DIY fire pits. Given the off-road ruts, this isn’t a prime wet ground camp area.
GuideNice little park with full hookups! Very clean and Green
GuideComfortable park near the river in John Day for and overnight stop over.
Equestrian camping around Sumpter, Oregon provides opportunities for riders at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in the Blue Mountains. The region receives significant snowfall, limiting horse camping seasons typically to late May through October depending on elevation. Most trail systems follow creek drainages with moderate gradients suitable for various riding experience levels.
Trail riding to mountain lakes: From Strawberry Campground, riders access trails into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. "Great place for hiking, including a closer one to strawberry lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want," notes Ash C., highlighting multiple riding destinations in a single trip.
Creek riding routes: Multiple trails parallel cold mountain streams. "Beautiful creek running through the campsite and great large pine trees," reports Joel M. about Strawberry Campground, providing natural water sources for horses during summer rides when creeks remain flowing.
Wildlife viewing from horseback: The meadow systems throughout the region offer wildlife observation opportunities. At West Eagle Meadow Campground, Jim B. reports "Wildflowers were in bloom and temperatures were moderate during the day and a little cold at night," making spring rides particularly scenic for spotting elk and deer.
Direct water access: Riders appreciate streams for watering horses after trail rides. At Slide Creek Campground, Erin N. notes "The creek is just a few feet to go get water for animals and your fire pits and to put your feet in," providing convenient water access without hauling.
Loop trail options: When conditions permit, connecting trails create riding loops. Teri A. from North Fork John Day Campground explains "The North Fork John Day trail departs from the campground and it is possible to make a loop using the Crane Creek trail if the river crossing is possible," allowing varied terrain on single-day rides.
Natural separation between sites: The layout at many equestrian areas provides good spacing for horses. "Nice sites with lots of separation and easy access to a trailhead," describes Andrew S. about Strawberry Campground, preventing conflicts between unfamiliar horses at neighboring campsites.
Road conditions challenge trailers: Access roads deteriorate quickly in wet weather. Mary G. cautions about Strawberry Campground: "The road was slick. The ruts and holes in the road began to increase... I just didn't trust my Mazda 3 to make it without bottoming out or getting a flat tire," highlighting the need for appropriate towing vehicles.
Limited potable water: Most horse campgrounds lack drinking water systems. At Spring Creek Campground, Charles T. notes "Vault toilet was very clean. Verizon was 2 bars, 4g but slow," - typical amenities for the region's horse camps that require bringing your own drinking water.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create rapid weather changes. "We got caught in rain, sleet, snow, and graupel all in one day," reports Andrew S. about Strawberry Campground, underscoring the need for appropriate gear even during summer months.
Safe creek access for children: When choosing sites, consider water proximity. Heather B. cautions at Strawberry Campground: "There's a steep drop off next to some sites that goes right into the creek. Keep an eye on kiddos or pick a site farther away from the creek if you're worried about that," highlighting safety considerations around fast-flowing streams.
Bring entertainment options: Horse camps have limited facilities for children. Heather B. advised: "I had my 9 year old nephew with me for this trip and was thankful I brought our bikes and games. Since the campground wasn't busy, there weren't other kiddos for him to play with."
Wildlife education opportunities: North Fork John Day Campground provides nature learning experiences. Kelly H. describes "Enjoyed a walk down to the river. Peaceful overnight!" - activities that complement riding days for children needing diversions while adults manage horses.
Trailer parking configurations: Equestrian sites accommodate various trailer styles. Kelly H. reports about North Fork John Day Campground: "Level pull through site, clean pit toilet," which allows easier maneuvering for those less experienced with horse trailers.
Limited turnaround space: Some campgrounds restrict larger rigs. Erin H. explains when exploring Spring Creek Campground: "Not for bigger rigs. 4 spots fairly close together... Loop in is tight, and while we are only 34' long, we're 13.8 on truck and had to do some creative maneuvering to get ourselves back out."
Cell service variability: Communication availability changes with terrain. "Scouting out makes all the difference," Erin H. advises, noting "Cell signal comes in stronger on this ridge, but still a little fickle without a booster," important for those needing to stay connected while horse camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sumpter, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sumpter, OR is North Fork John Day with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sumpter, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Sumpter, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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