Looking for the best horse camping near Umpqua National Forest? It's easy to find Umpqua National Forest campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. These scenic and easy-to-reach Oregon campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Meandering along most of the east shore of the mile-high Diamond Lake, this large campground boasts spectacular views of both Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen, and offers visitors abundant recreational opportunities.
At an elevation of 5,183 feet, Diamond Lake provides outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of recreational opportunities year-round. The area offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters, and anglers casting a lines from boat or shoreline. Rainbow trout thrive in the lake, as it is stocked annually with 300,000 fingerlings. Bicyclists will enjoy riding on the 11-miles of paved trail around the lake, while hikers can head out for the day on one of many trails leaving from the area. Interpretive programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the campground amphitheater.
Explosive geologic events have shaped the distinctive landscape on the 984,602-acre Umpqua National Forest, and the area provides spectacular scenery as well as an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, are available to visitors. Several designated wilderness areas provide opportunities undisturbed solitude. Encompassing 19,100 acres, Boulder Creek Wilderness is an incredible landscape, with dense old growth forests and steep terrain that tower above Boulder Creek. The most popular area in Boulder Creek is Pine Bench. This flat area overlooking Boulder Creek is home to a grove of old growth Ponderosa pines. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife common to the area. From eagles and owls, to salamanders and salmon, these species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Access to Diamond Lake is within walking distance, and boat ramps and fish cleaning stations are accessible to visitors. A nearby resort offers bicycle, boat and horse rentals as well as lodging, restaurants, a grocery store, laundry facilities and fuel. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are within 10 miles of the campground. Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park, the only national park in Oregon! The amazing Crater Lake area offers a glimpse into the volcanic history of the area. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.
$16 - $27 / night
Natural Bridge Campground stretches along the scenic Upper Rogue River, with majestic conifers creating pleasantly shaded sites and privacy between campsites. The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Rogue Gorge are popular sites nearby. Additionally, the entrance to Crater Lake National Park is 11 miles away, making this campground a popular place for those venturing into the Park for day trips.
$15 / night
Many people enjoy the solitude of camping away from developed campgrounds. Many people prefer to drive out on a Forest Service road and pitch their tent near a stream or at a spot with a nice view. Call any of our ranger stations for recommendations about where to camp.
Be aware that some areas may be closed to dispersed camping and that campfires may be prohibited in the summer, so call a ranger station ahead of time to ask. Generally, you cannot camp within a mile of developed recreation areas such as trailheads or picnic areas. Also, you cannot camp on the Forest for longer than 14 days at a time or more than 28 days in a year.
There are usually no facilities or services available to dispersed campers, such as trash removal or toilets. Please practice Leave No Trace by using existing sites when possible, packing out your trash, camping 100 feet from water, and digging a 6-8 inch hole for human waste.
Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 20 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and North Waldo is also a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon, Wahanna and Torrey Lakes. There is a 1-mile Shoreline Trail between North Waldo Campground and Islet Campground which provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.
Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day.
$27 - $56 / night
Sites are located near Imnaha Creek. Activities and points of interest include structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s, hiking trails and Imnaha Springs. Facilities 5 campsites Drinking water Vault toilet No garbage disposal - Please pack it out
This campground and trailhead is located along the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River. Visitors will experience the river's rushing waters as they pass through lush high Cascade meadows. Spring arrives late in the high country and it is welcomed here with an explosion of colors. Purples, reds, yellows, greens, and white are arranged in a riotous bouquet. This site is designed to accommodate pack and saddle use as well as standard camping.
The campground serves as a base camp for many trailheads that are local favorites for horse riding. Please be courteous and only reserve equestrian site(s) if you bring a horse. Campers in equestrian site(s) without pack or riding horses may be turned away or directed to another campground.
Umpqua National Forest visitors are often taken aback by unique and surprising landscapes shaped by explosive geologic events. The 984,602-acre forest provides spectacular scenery and an abundance of natural and cultural resources. The translation of the word, "Umpqua," meaning "thundering waters," defines the area. High mountain lakes, heart-stopping rapids, peaceful ponds and thundering waterfalls, including the 272-foot Watson Falls on the North Umpqua Highway, offer visitors a renewed sense of spirit. Diverse ecosystems support a wide range of habitat for wildlife. From eagles and owls to salamanders and salmon, these species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests to live.
This site provides access to Porcupine Connect Trail 1412A , which connects to the North Umpqua Trail 1414 and Windigo Pass Trail 1412 . The North Umpqua Trail heads southeast to enter Mount Thielsen Wilderness where it connects with the Tolo Creek Trail #1466 , Lucile Lake Trail #1459 , Maidu Lake Loop Trail, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 . In addition, Lemolo Lake and Resort are just a short drive away.
$10 / night
Although located away from the lake, this small horse camp offers a quiet camping opportunity for equestrians away from the busy North Waldo and Islet Campgrounds. Ride opportunities include: * The Harralson Trail (#4364), which connects the camp with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (#2000) * The Jim Weaver Loop (Waldo Lake Trail #3590), which connects with trails in the Waldo Lake and Three Sisters Wildernesses. Note that there no equestrian improvements (corrals and hitching posts), as well as no water on site, so plan your visit accordingly. Picnic tables and fire rings are available. Drinking water can be obtained at North Waldo Campground and horses can be watered near the campground off of the Waldo Lake Trail (#3590). Please note that stock is not allowed in any of the Waldo Lake developed camps. Harralson is a good staging area for those wanting to explore the trails in or around the Three Sisters and Waldo Lake Wilderness areas. The trail around Waldo Lake is another nice ride, but be aware that stock is not allowed in any of the Waldo Lake campgrounds.
In Deschutes National Forest, Whitefish Horse Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities in the Cascade region. A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground looks out onto the waters of Crescent Lake. With snow-capped peaks, high elevation lakes, scenic rivers, and several wilderness areas located nearby, this campground offers visitors the opportunity to experience both the serene and wild aspects of central Oregon.
A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors with access to a variety of trails. Lakes, lava flows, and forested areas provide the backdrop for many of these rides. Whitefish Creel Trail is popular with both hikers and horseback riders. This trail can be accessed from the west end of Crescent Lake and follows Whitefish Creek up through lodgepole pines to a beautiful view of Diamond Peak at Diamond View Lake. From there, the trail descends along Trapper Creek through Engelmann spruce and white fir to the west end of Odell Lake. Equestrians may want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of America's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. Portions of the trail traverse Diamond Peak at timberline. Wilderness passes are required for this trail.
Cresent Lake is nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches, and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote, and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails in the 2.5 million-acre Deschutes National Forest and adjacent Ochoco National Forest. Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors may also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaves through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, highlighting the beauty of central Oregon.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$23 - $29 / night
Guide
We stayed one night on August 17 through August 18, 2019, in campsite A5, the overnight cost was$24, there was no electrical or water service). The site was level, only needed 2 inch lift to level left side. The campground is at an elevation of 5180 ft.
Access to the campground was right off hwy 138, which is a few miles from the north entrance to Crater Lake. Our 28 ft travel trailer easily fit with room to spare in our site. Once we enter the campground, the asphalt pavement surrounds the campsites as we drove directly to our campsite, each campsite pad also asphalt. Weather was sunny upper 80's, the nights low 40's.
This is a very quite campground, there was no noise from main road entering the campground. Activities we enjoyed at the campground to keep busy was hiking and moutain biking. The restroom was a couple spaced down from our campsite. The free showers were also easy to find and had great water pressure. The lake is very nice, smooth water and a few mosquitos, but not that bad.
My wife and I enjoyed the campground, we will stay again next time we travel to Crater Lake, Oregon.
GuideThis is a very large campground with over 200 sites. I stayed overnight, July 3, 2023. I was a walk in . The ranger office was closed when I arrived and they did not have a list of available sites posted. I found a site, K11, without any reserved tag and spent a wonderful night. There was a very strong onshore breeze from the lake that kept the mosquitoes grounded and I didn't really need repellant.
The campground is two halves. In the upper half, the campsites are higher, above the lake. To the south or east, the sites are closer to the lake. Water was only available (non threaded faucets) outside the flush latrines, which were not very well kept (mostly due to the dead bugs). There is not electricity and I was only able to get 2 bars on Verizon. I could get a text through, but rarely a photo.
I have camped throughout Oregon and what impressed me as different were the large number of tent campers. More than half were tent camping, though the site would fit small to medium size rigs. I only saw one Class A and few trailers. Noisy neighbors can be a problem, as the sites though not exactly next to each other, are still close. The roads and parking for sites are paved, but some have very steep driveways. Be careful in your site selection if you have a long trailer or RV.
There are some nearby stores and gas station if you need, but very little else. A very beautiful spot with lots to do and see nearby.
Legend
My car and I climbed over 5,000 ft from the Oregon coast to get to Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The drive along was well worth it. There are three campgrounds at Waldo Lake and North Waldo is the largest. I didn't have a reservation and attempted to find a site in the smaller two campgrounds first but neither of them had space available. Of the almost 100 sites at North Waldo I'd estimate that about a dozen were unclaimed the second weekend of September.
The campground was definitely crowded. There were many large groups with people of all ages. There was noise until about 11pm. Be warned that it gets VERY chilly at night. There are pit toilets but when I was there the majority were closed for maintenance and had been replaced by portable toilets. There are also water spigots and each site has a sump for dish water. The majority of the sites are removed from the water and only a select few are near the lake. They all have trees between the site and the water. The campgrounds also all have boat ramps and swimming areas. In addition to the trails throughout the national forest, there is also a trail that runs around the lake and through the campgrounds.
The sunsets are not to be missed! I spent all of my phone battery taking pictures of the sunset and didn't get any of the campground...
Guide
We picked this dispersed camping near Lemolo Lake since it was an open area that we could run our Starlink. There was also some cell service. Lemolo lake also has several Campgrounds to choose from if you want to pay. In the area we visited Lemolo Falls and Warm Spring Falls. We weren't disappointed. The area does have mosquitoes to contend with. Where we camped there was a picnic table and rock fire ring. Be mindful of the no fire season.
Ranger
ScoutThis campground is absolutely the best! Close to Crater lake and so much more. Get a site next to the water and life is grand, minus the mosquitoes. Those jerks are super bad. Fourth of July they have fireworks over the lake and skiers ski down the mountain with flares in their hands to start the show. Book as soon as possible on January first 12:01 am to get anything good for a whole year out.
ScoutThis is a great place to camp. I've been there twice. My first time it couldn't have been better. Great sites, a gorgeous view of Mt. Bailey, and clean bathrooms and showers. The second time however, the bugs decided to come out and between the gnats and the mosquitos, being outside the tent was not much fun. I'll definitely be back, but will be armed with much more bug spray next time.
GuideGreat location for seeing Crater Lake, campsite was right next to the water on Diamond Lake which, was beautiful. General store is just up the road for any provisions that are needed. Lots of activities on the lake, fishing, kayaking, canoeing. Amenities were clean and well taken care of. Would definitely go back!
ScoutJust visited last weekend. People were great, quiet time was respected. Clean - nice showers and bathrooms! Loved the location, well marked on roads so easy to get to even in the dark. Lake was super pretty. Cold at night so bring your layers. The only thing that was disappointing was that they didn't have an option to recycle so we had to bring home all of our garbage which is not idea. Other than that, I HIGHLY recommend it!
TravelerYou can book this campground ahead of time with recreation.gov. I wanted to book at Crater Lake, but because the national park only has 2 campgrounds inside the park, I ended up booking at Diamond Lake, which was only 20 minutes away!
Loved our campsite. We booked site H021, which was close to restrooms, a water spiget, and a short walk to the water. The amenities were clean! The only problem we had were bees at our site when cooking, but besides that I'd come back!
GuideOur first dry camping trip! We got water and sewer dump a couple of miles south of the turnoff from I-5 @ the Fairgrounds for $5. Space #9 was a bit short for the 27' trailer and FJ Cruiser, so we'd do a longer spot next time, but definitely on the river side...LOVED being right next to the river, and able to walk right to it from our campsite, plus hear it all night/day. Chloe (our yellow lab) was in doggie heaven! Disc golf kinda stunk because the course was being revised, and signs weren't updated yet. RV sites were in the process of being put in (this was in summer of 2015), but they were away from the river. We rate it an 8.
GuideI spent 5 days tent camping here in a trailer spot. It was never crowded and extremely enjoyable. They do have a lodge and a place you can rent boats. If you pick a fight right along the water you very likely to see Eagles and other Wildlife early in the morning. I highly recommend Diamond Lake!
ScoutWe loved this spot. The sites are clean as are the bathrooms and showered. We liked how spread out the sites were from each other. Most of the sites are pretty close to the lake but you have to book early to get a site right on the water. There is a general store close by where you can get most anything you might forget and you can rent bikes, boats,canoes, kayaks or paddle boards. It was great having access to so many trails close to the campground and we went on several of them. The only draw back for us was the mosquitos. I highly recommend camping here just be prepared for the mosquitoes.
TravelerThe campsite was great, the views of the lake were stunning, minutes from crater lake NP. Be prepared to fend off mosquitoes if you're going in the summer! The showers and bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
Guidewe love this spot. we've camped here a few times on the way to crater lake and/or california. the lake is sweet and there's a lodge/store for perusing. the sites are nice and the campground is situated in a beautiful area so you can explore on foot. there are water craft rentals if you're into that. if you go early june it's likely you'll run into midge fly time. i think it's a one week infestation if i remember correctly. they don't bite but are a huge nuisance. i mean you will lose your mind trying to deal with them. we still find carcasses in our gear from time to time. during the summer smokey the bear comes around to teach the kids about fire danger. it's cute.
ps. photos are on my camera so i'll be back with some of those :)
GuideI liked diamond lake because it was close to crater lake. We saw the stars at night, the Milky Way was amazing!! The next day we saw it during the day and it was also really cool seeing the blue water. Diamond lake was nice cause there is a big lake that you can go boating and fishing on; they have a really nice place to cut up ur fish. They also had a great please to swim and eat, and down the road there was a pizza place called south side pizza. All and all it was a very nice set up and a very nice place to stay with showers and bathrooms.
We stayed in loop H. I would stay in loop A or B because you are right next to the lake and the boat ramp. The site does fill up fast, so I would reserve a site.
ScoutWell developed campground with just the right amenities. The hot shower water pressure was pretty amazing
GuideSeriously beautiful! We were in a tent, and I would recommend a trailer/camper if you have a waterfront spot like this one, as it gets very windy on this side of the lake in the afternoons, and extremely cold at night, even in the middle of summer.
This place has everything you could need. It's a 5 minute drive to the visitors center at majestic Crater Lake. Want to hike up to a mountain peak? The trailheads to both Mt Thielsen and Mt Bailey begin here. There is an 11-mile loop around Diamond Lake perfect for hiking or biking. The campground has a lodge/resort with a restaurant and a (lake) swimming area, water sports and amusements, and boats etc to rent for fun on the water. They also have a restaurant/store/laundromat at the other end of the campground. The only thing I'd add is a few small playgrounds scattered around.
Definitely a destination campground, not one to just pass through.
ScoutWe stayed at this campground over Memorial Day weekend in a C loop single site, and there was no disappointment! The mosquitos were fairly tame, the water was pure and clean, other campers kept quiet and to themselves, and the facilities were above our expectations for a state-run campground. No shortage of large, flat spaces of soft ground in campsites all ready for tents. Only a two minute drive from the resort and store!
GuideI come to this campground every fathers day with my family since I was little. Even though you don't get cell service throughout most the lake, except on the lake, it always is a great place to unplug. Great views and fishing is amazing!
Guideits crazy how pretty the view is.. we had a campsite on the lake it was by far one of the biggest campsite we saw. but its very windy spot.. the bathrooms are a good walk away. and the showers are in a different area, they are nice and hott. umm u cant buy firewood there u have to go up to the resort and its $6 a bundle. u can also rent boats.
GuideThere are so many sites here, that you could almost get lost. We almost gave up finding the camp host it was so big. We found a site along the lake, looking at the mountain. You could tell the people prior to us were slobs. There was garbage all over and they had their own bathroom spot in the woods adjacent to the site even though the bathroom was a short walk. There were a lot of black flying bugs around which swarmed our site and made doing anything nearly impossible.
GuideI was on a solo road trip this last week and was searching for campsites near Crater Lake and I stumbled upon Diamond Lake. I really like how they have two loops dedicated to first come first serve, thats pretty cool. I got a spot right along the water, bugs weren't bad, and the sunset was amazing that night. The camp staff are super inviting and are pretty awesome! I had an amazing night at the campsite.
The surrounding area is great for recreation, bring your bike and cycle the loop that goes around the entire lake. You get mountain views the entire time. There are loads of hiking, ask the camp staff for trail maps. There is apparently great fishing but I didn't have fishing license.
RangerDiamond Lake, true to it's name, hugs the water with incredible, clear mountain views. There is a lovely lodge that's been part of the resort since it was founded almost a hundred years ago. There is a full service restaurant with breakfast lunch and dinner. Be sure to ask your server if the game meat burgers are in-- whether it's buffalo, boar, or elk depends on the season.
There is also an adorable bar upstairs with fun vintage styling and aquarium. They offer a full selection of craft beer and liquor and a big fire place that they light up in the fall and winter. That's in addition to another small downstairs bar where you can get a different selection of beer and beverages, overlooking a lawn with Adirondack chairs. You can enjoy your drink or a snack while gazing at the lake and the snow-capped peaks in front of you.
Kayak and other boat rentals are available, and the kids will love the bumper car boats near the dock. There is a well stocked general store. All of this is convenient to the cabins and motel-style rooms, which are quite popular. Tent and RV sites are available, too. There are also guided events for the whole family. Lots to do, plenty of creature comforts, and gorgeous views. Plus you are super close to Crater Lake and Umpqua Hotsprings.
TravelerWhat more can you ask for.m? Clear waters, spectacular Mountain Views. Swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, the possibilities are endless. Fill the tank, and hit the road
GuideTons of bugs. Beautiful mountain and sunset views. There's a store close, bathrooms, fishing and a restaurant.
Scoutcamping was good. the lake is close to most of the camp sites so it is easy to go kayaking. Crater Lake National Park is only about a 20 minutes drive...the only thing bring bug spray
Horse camping near Umpqua National Forest in Oregon offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse camping, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring their horses are well accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Umpqua National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Umpqua National Forest is Diamond Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 59 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Umpqua National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Umpqua National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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