Best Equestrian Camping near Umatilla National Forest

Umatilla National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Umatilla National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Umatilla National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Umatilla National Forest (13)

    1. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    26 Reviews
    Meacham, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 983-2277

    $22 - $74 / night

    "It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails."

    "Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places."

    2. Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 962-8500

    "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."

    3. Spring Creek Campground

    9 Reviews
    La Grande, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 963-7186

    "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”."

    4. Walla Walla Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    "There are several campsites along the Lostine corridor, we decided just to drive until we found a spot we liked. We landed at Walla Walla Forest Camp and claimed site 4."

    5. Godman Guard Station

    3 Reviews
    Dixie, WA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 843-1891

    $60 / night

    "I didn’t know we had a good campground near us. The cabin is pretty cheap and was able to fit my entire family including uncles and aunts and grandparents etc."

    "I'm not sure what the other reviewer is talking about regarding a lake, as this ridge is at 6000' above sea level and there's no lake there."

    6. Irondyke Forest Camp

    2 Reviews
    Joseph, OR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 523-6391

    $10 / night

    "The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road."

    "Densely wooded, next to a great running river. I think there are 6 sites. Fire rings. One vault toilet that was pretty darn full this year, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5."

    8. West Eagle Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Union, OR
    46 miles
    Website

    "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!"

    9. North Fork John Day

    3 Reviews
    Sumpter, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 427-3231

    $8 - $25 / night

    "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."

    10. Panjab Campground

    2 Reviews
    Dayton, WA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 278-3716

    $8 / night

    "First come first serve, there is a nice little river that runs near the campground as well."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Umatilla National Forest

2 Photos of 13 Umatilla National Forest Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Umatilla National Forest

65 Reviews of 13 Umatilla National Forest Campgrounds


  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Mirror Lake BackCountry Sites

    Beautiful but very popular

    These coordinates are one of the first sites on the right, when arriving from Two Pan Trailhead, but there are dozens around the lake if you follow the trail.

    This was my second time backpacking in the Wallowas, and my first time at Mirror Lake. The lake is big with lots of dispersed sites, but when we arrived on Friday evening we felt lucky to find a place. (Some folks resorted to camping on vegetation areas—please don't do this!) The lake was so full and the sound carried over the water so much that you could hear conversations. Luckily it seemed to clear out by Saturday morning, for whatever reason.

    We clocked the hike in from Two Pan Trailhead at 7.3 miles. The incline is mostly gradual with a nice break of mostly flat trail in a beautiful valley meadow area. Lots of horse traffic on this trail, so watch your step! The lake is super clear, and worth a swim. The trail to summit Eagle Cap is close by and a great day-hike for amazing views.

    If you're looking for a secluded place in the Wallowas, I would head elsewhere. If you want an easy backpack in, and don't mind being around lots of other people, Mirror Lake is a great choice.

  • T
    Aug. 5, 2020

    North Fork John Day

    Secluded and peaceful

    This is a FCFS, primitive campground with nice spacious sites and some with river views. 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.  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.

  • Aspen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed

    Uneventful night

    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. Good level ground and easy to get back on the road in the morning. Would recommend.

  • Rayne N.
    Jan. 18, 2021

    Spring Creek Campground

    spring creek campgrond and dispersed camping

    There is  a small campground with 6 sites mostly good for campers or tent in  a grove of trees with a vaulted  outhouse.  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 is a designated ATV aria with tons of trails used by hikers and horses in the fall it is a favorite spot for hunters   

    cell service is serves is sporty from 3 bars to  none

  • Kolette S.
    May. 20, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Emigrant Springs - Love it!

    My husband and I love this campground. It's close to the mountains without being too far away - about an hour and a half from us living in Tri-cities. There are showers and water spickets, room for horses, and great hiking trails. There is room for both tent and RV camping. We have only ever gone tent camping, and the size of the campgrounds for us has been great. There is room to set up hammocks and chairs.

    The only unfortunate aspect about this campground is that it is somewhat close to the highway. After the first weekend we spent there, we got somewhat used to the sound - it can sometimes be soothing. It's also a good idea to bring something to provide added shade to either the tenting area or sitting area as it gets quite sunny in the morning.

  • M
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Irondyke Forest Camp

    Good camping site, popular spot

    We were able to find an available spot on Labor Day weekend 2021. Most campsites between the town of Lostine and Irondyke campground were taken by 7pm on Friday. The access road was narrow and in pretty rough shape, lots of horse trailers hauling livestock up and down the road. The road remained busy until late at night and during the weekend with other campers and day hikers… we stayed in a tent camp site that allowed horses, so it was ample with a clearing that provided sunny areas. Picnic table and rock fire pit were available at the site. A toilet is Located on the opposite side of road and shares with other 4 or 5 sites. If you want a quiet, peaceful camping spot, this is not for you!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Taylor Green Pond

    Taylor Green Pond Boondocking

    Nice little pond off 77 Rd an hour or so East of Highway 203 in Eastern Oregon.

  • JulieJay M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Oregon state park

    Oregon always has beautiful state parks. This one is no different. It is close to Hwy 84, so there is road noise. The campsites don't seem to be as on top of each other as some places.

  • Jennie R.
    May. 30, 2018

    Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area

    Thimbleberries and plenty of room

    We stopped for a night in a rustic camping cabin at Emigrant Springs in July of 2015. It was a welcome dose of green after a long day of brown along the interstate through Idaho and western Oregon. The cabin was rustic, the shower house was in good repair with nice hot showers. There seemed to be good space and shade around the sites offering some privacy. Great spot! Take the time to stop in Meacham on the West side of I-84 tomstop at The Oregon Trail Cafe - literally the ONLY store in this teeny town. Wonderful hospitality, the local ‘scoop’ and great breakfast.


Guide to Umatilla National Forest

Horse camping near Umatilla National Forest in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse camping, you'll find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

  • North Fork John Day features spacious sites with river views and is equipped with drinking water and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for horse campers.
  • Wallowa-Whitman NF 21 - Dispersed offers a free camping experience with plenty of space for horses, though it lacks amenities like water and toilets.
  • Panjab Campground is a great option with picnic tables and a nearby river, providing a scenic backdrop for your horse camping adventure.

Tips for equestrian camping near Umatilla National Forest in Oregon

  • When visiting Spring Creek Campground, be prepared for limited amenities, as it does not offer drinking water or electric hookups, but it is a peaceful spot for horse camping.
  • Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area allows pets and has features like picnic tables and firewood, making it a convenient choice for horse campers looking for a well-maintained site.
  • For a more rustic experience, consider Two Color Guard Station, which is secluded and offers a clean vault toilet, perfect for those seeking tranquility in nature.

Campers appreciate these features for horses

  • Walla Walla Forest Camp provides a serene environment with limited sites, ensuring a quieter experience for both you and your horse.
  • At West Eagle Meadow Campground, campers enjoy the spacious campsites surrounded by trees, ideal for keeping horses comfortable and shaded.
  • Lostine River offers a picturesque setting with amenities like picnic tables and toilets, making it a well-rounded choice for horse camping enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Umatilla National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Umatilla National Forest is Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area with a 3.5-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Umatilla National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Umatilla National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.