Equestrian camping options exist throughout the Blue Mountains near Unity, Oregon. The high desert landscape transitions to forested terrain at elevations above 4,000 feet, creating varied trail experiences for riders. Water availability becomes limited in late summer when creeks and springs may dry up, requiring visitors to carry adequate supplies.
What to do
Creek exploration: Visitors at Strawberry Campground can access the adjacent stream for cooling off or wildlife viewing. "The creek runs within just a few feet to go get water for animals and your fire pits and to put your feet in," notes one camper.
Waterfall hiking: Multiple trail options lead to scenic views from the Strawberry Mountain area. "Tons of hiking, including a closer one to strawberry lake with stunning views and a waterfall further if you want," reports Ash C. about the trail network.
Overnight horse trips: The North Fork John Day trail system provides extended riding routes. A visitor 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."
River access: Many campgrounds feature creek or river frontage. At Bully Creek Park, sites are positioned "on the edge of the lake" though water levels fluctuate seasonally according to visitors.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation campgrounds offer escape from summer valley heat. As one Bully Creek Park visitor noted, "About 15 minutes in blacktop off of 20. $15/night for electric(20/30/50 Amp) & real toilets and showers."
Wildlife viewing: The transition zone between desert and forest supports diverse animal populations. A camper at Strawberry Campground shared, "We even got a visit from a few deer every night around dinner time. They kept their distance but still came within 20 feet to check us out."
Dark skies: Limited light pollution provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. One visitor at Bully Creek Park described it as having "Amazing star gazing at night."
Secluded settings: Many horse campgrounds near Unity, Oregon offer privacy between sites. "This was a great little campground for getting away from the Memorial Day crowds. Over the weekend we stayed, there were only 2 or 3 other campers as well," reports one visitor about the Strawberry area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to remote campsites require appropriate vehicles. One Welch Creek Campground visitor advised, "Easy turn around. Creek is clear and very cold." Another camper attempting to reach Strawberry Campground noted, "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."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water systems with specific issues. At Bully Creek Park, a camper warned, "They do have water, but it is a very high concentration of arsenic in it, which they don't tell you about when you make a reservation or any signage other than the bathroom door."
Weather variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly regardless of season. "We didn't realize it was still so chilly at the end of May and we're thankful for our extra layers and warmer sleeping bags we packed just in case," noted one camper.
Campsite selection: Look for level sites with adequate spacing. "The vault toilets were clean and the Ranger came around every day to check in," reported a visitor about maintenance at Strawberry Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities: Limited organized recreation means self-entertainment is essential. One visitor with children recommended: "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."
Safety considerations: Watch for natural hazards near campsites. A visitor noted, "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."
Playground access: Some developed campgrounds include recreational facilities. Depot Park in Prairie City features "a play area for kids" according to a reviewer, making it suitable for shorter stays with children.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage prevents unwanted animal encounters. "Lots of wildlife in the area so make sure to keep your food and other items locked up so the critters don't get into it," advises one camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds prioritize corral space over RV amenities. At North Fork John Day, you'll find "level pull through site, clean pit toilet" without power or water connections.
Dust management: Prepare for dry conditions that affect equipment. "The campground was a bit dusty so bring stuff to wash up when needed," reports one visitor.
Size constraints: Forest service horse campgrounds typically accommodate smaller rigs. The Oriental Campground near Grant is described as "NO big-rig-friendly" in the facility information, making it better suited for truck and trailer combinations rather than large motorhomes.
