The Tygh Valley area lies on the eastern slopes of Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, where forest transitions to drier high desert landscapes. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snowfall. This transition zone creates diverse terrain for equestrians, with trails navigating both densely forested areas and open sage landscapes.
What to do
Trail riding at Bonney Crossing: Located along Badger Creek, this primitive campground provides direct trail access for horseback riders. "I absolutely love this place. The campsite is clean with no over growth. Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch," shares Cheryl P. about Bonney Crossing Campground.
Horseback riding with mountain views: From Knebal Springs Campground, riders can access popular trail networks suitable for various skill levels. "This is a great option as each site is different and pretty spacious. Too bad they're right off the road and the relative lack of trees takes away some privacy," notes Bjorn S. The campground's location provides riders access to dirt roads leading to scenic viewpoints.
Exploring Clackamas Lake wetlands: Though not a traditional lake, this marshy area offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities for equestrians. A visitor to Clackamas Lake Campground shares: "We stayed here after we couldn't find any open spots at Timothy Lake campgrounds. It was a nice and quiet spot. Good access to Clackamas Lake (more of a shallow pond, really)."
What campers like
Badger Creek Trail system: This versatile network extends from Bonney Crossing into the eastern boundary of Mt. Hood National Forest. "Great camp area. Hear and see the water from half the sites," reports Kevin L. about camping at Bonney Crossing.
Shaded campsites with natural surroundings: Riley Horse Campground features large, secluded sites set within a forested environment. Ashley B. from Riley Horse Campground notes: "This is hands down one of my favorite campgrounds, because the spots are large, far apart from the other sites, and very quiet. The spot I had (Spot 4) was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre."
Spacious equestrian facilities: Sites at horse-specific campgrounds typically include room for trailers and corrals. "The horse pens were huge and we used them to help hang our hammocks. There is a bunch hiking trails nearby including Ramona falls up the road," explains Gretch H. about Riley Horse Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal bug issues: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. At Clackamas Lake Campground, Colby M. warns: "So many bugs! Seriously, bring bug spray and put it on the minute you get there."
Limited water access: Many equestrian campgrounds in the area have basic facilities without direct water hookups at sites. David B. from Hunt Park mentions: "This is a county fair grounds with lots of RV space for all sizes. Self register at the gate and find your spot. Nice rest room and showers."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. A Bonney Crossing visitor cautions: "The road down is a little sketchy but as long as you go slow it's well worth it."
Trail availability: Seasonal closures may affect trail access. A camper at Riley Horse Campground shares: "A few more trees have been knocked down due to winter storms, but this is still a great campground."
Tips for camping with families
Dead wood collection opportunities: Riley Horse Campground offers plentiful natural wood for campfires. "There was lots of dead, dried out wood laying all around the site that after a couple hours of collecting I had plenty to keep a fire all weekend, and still left a pile of wood when I left," notes Ashley B.
Spacious sites for group activities: Families benefit from the large sites at equestrian campgrounds. At Beacon Rock State Park Campground, Crystal C. found: "The sites were large enough to comfortably park my small car and have plenty of room to spread out."
Educational nature opportunities: Children can explore wetland ecosystems at Clackamas Lake. Thomas B. observed: "It's near Clackamas Lake which is more like marshland than a lake. The good news is that it's only a mile or so to from beautiful Timothy Lake, where it's hard to get a site in the summer."
Outdoor facilities: Many campgrounds include picnic areas and fire rings. Kenny from Beacon Rock reports: "Most of the lots are quite private, with a shared trail system in the middle to the restrooms and community spigot."
Tips from RVers
Fairground camping option: For RVers seeking full hookups near Tygh Valley, the Jefferson County Fairgrounds provides essential amenities. A reviewer at Jefferson County Fairgrounds RV Park notes: "Nice clean place to park RV or camper. Has all the amenities."
Limited RV access at forest sites: Most equestrian campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. Brian C. from Beacon Rock cautions: "Best for tents only or a smaller trailer. Some sites are definitely better than others."
Self-registration procedures: Most campgrounds in the area use self-registration systems. Dennis P. shares about Hunt Park: "We camped here with our UMCI Motorcycle Group, and had a great time. Good power sites, even though we were in our Motorcycle tent trailer."
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing horses, arrive early to secure appropriate sites. Melissa N. recalls her experience at Clackamas Lake: "My family and my best friend and her family took her two horses for a week long camping trip! It was so much fun."
