Wild Mare Horse Campground provides designated camping areas for equestrians approximately 32 miles west of Sutherlin, Oregon. The campground sits within the Oregon Dunes ecosystem at about 75 feet elevation, where coastal forest meets sand dunes. Summer temperatures average 65-75°F with frequent morning fog that burns off by midday, while winter brings cooler 45-55°F temperatures and significant rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding access: Wild Mare Horse Campground connects directly to Oregon Dunes trail systems where riders can experience diverse terrain. According to visitor Bjorn S., "It's a nice size to get to know a few neighbors - but not too many. I didn't have a horse to hop on, but I did notice a great mix of scenery to explore."
Dunes exploration: Douglas County Fairgrounds RV Park serves as a convenient base camp for day trips to nearby dune areas. One camper noted, "We used it as a base so didn't spend much time there. Convenient for exploring the area and visiting friends."
Forested hiking: The area surrounding equestrian campgrounds near Sutherlin features dense forest trails with moderate elevation changes. A visitor to Fawn Creek area described it as "surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The campground offers a quiet retreat with well-maintained facilities, making it a great spot for nature lovers."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse-friendly campgrounds provide adequate spacing between sites for equine comfort. Bjorn S. mentions that Wild Mare has "plenty of room for human and horse at each site."
Natural setting: Near Fawn Creek Campground offers a more secluded camping experience in a forested environment. Visitor James S. describes it as "a refreshing experience, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills" that provides "a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure."
Year-round accessibility: The moderate climate allows for camping throughout different seasons. A Fawn Creek visitor noted, "With temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, it's a beautiful destination year-round."
What you should know
Changing campground dynamics: Recent visitors report that non-equestrian campers have altered the atmosphere at Wild Mare. Shannon C. states, "This is a horse camp, for people who have horses, NOT a car camp. It's not fair that car campers are taking reservation spots away from horse campers."
Noise considerations: Wild Mare Horse Campground can experience noise from nearby ATV trails and highway traffic. Laurie S. reports, "Atv Across hwy so loud you could hear all night" and mentions "Fire work going off all through the weekend and gun shots."
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds near Sutherlin provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, but lack hookups or shower facilities. At one nearby campground, a visitor mentioned "showers and bathrooms are clean" but noted the area has "Highway noise, otherwise quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: Some equestrian campgrounds have reported safety concerns. Laurie S. cautions, "Not a safe place for anyone!!!!" after experiencing fireworks and gunshots during her stay at Wild Mare.
Entertainment options: When camping with children in the Sutherlin area, bring along activities for downtime. James S. suggests, "For families with kids, keeping them entertained is easy whether it's exploring the outdoors or enjoying Toca Boca games, a fun and creative way for kids to play and imagine."
Weather preparation: Douglas County Fairgrounds experiences seasonal variations that affect camping conditions. One visitor noted, "Being here in the summer means dead grass and heat... I've been thru in the winter and it's much prettier."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for rigs: While several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles, space limitations exist. The fairgrounds park offers big-rig friendly spaces but Dawn observed, "The sites are pretty close to one another. Still a good place for the night."
Utilities availability: RVers should note varied water and electrical access at different campgrounds. A recent visitor to Douglas County Fairgrounds reported, "Now, you have to pay for the dump station no matter what... you have to pay for ALL vehicles and if you have a 5th wheel or any other tow RV you have to keep the tow vehicle WITH the RV the entire stay."
Off-season advantages: Visiting horse campgrounds near Sutherlin during shoulder seasons may provide better experiences. One camper at Near Fawn Creek Campground described it as "very nice and secluded" during an off-peak visit.
