Best Equestrian Camping near Willamette National Forest

Join the fun near Willamette National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Willamette National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Willamette National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Willamette National Forest (24)

    1. Big Lake

    16 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 / night

    "This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim."

    "This was a great little lakeside campground with easy water access, and bathrooms (pit toilets) onsite.

    It is really dusty, which was expected."

    2. Scott Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    12 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site."

    "Views of Three Sisters makes for the most breathtaking sunrise and hiking around the lake is beautiful. There is also hiking up to Tenas Lakes or Scott Mountain that makes for a good day trek."

    3. Horse Creek Group Campground

    1 Review
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 822-3381

    $75 / night

    "Horse Creek group camp is one of my favorite campsites ever."

    4. Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-3021

    $43 - $78 / night

    "There is an on site pool and outdoor gathering place, a general store, propane vending, a dog walking path and large property behind the park to take pets with a reminder to clean up and pack it out."

    "From the put-put golf course near the check-in, to the store and the lovely lake, this is a great place for kids as well as adults."

    5. North Waldo Lake

    12 Reviews
    Oakridge, OR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $27 - $56 / night

    "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."

    "We were in a walk in Tent site right on the lake which was quiet for the most part. Right next to hiking path that went around the lake."

    6. Cultus Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sunriver, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $32 - $36 / night

    "Just moved back to Oregon and came back to find it the same as its always been. Great camping great hosts and the grounds are always very well maintained. 10/10 would recommend"

    "Love going to cultus lake with friends. It gets pretty busy at times so if you want a good camping spot then you need to go before the weekend starts."

    7. Three Creeks Meadow Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $23 - $25 / night

    "This is a lovely campground, of course perfect if you have horses, those sites are further in. Many of the sites have lovely views of the meadow with a little creek running through."

    "Additional sites specifically for horse trailers. No cell service. Multiple hiking trails from the campground. 3 Creek Lake is .75 mile away. No water available"

    8. Driftwood Campground - Deschutes

    4 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $23 - $25 / night

    "Take it slow if you have a big rig or don’t have 4 wheel drive.

    This camp was more spacious than the one across the lake, and yes you get to have fires (at designated spots only)."

    "The site we stayed had had plenty of privacy and lake front access. The lake is very shallow so it was kid friendly."

    9. Three Creeks Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $21 - $23 / night

    "Couple of fishing lakes within 1 or 2 miles"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Willamette National Forest

2 Photos of 24 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Willamette National Forest

81 Reviews of 24 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds


  • Kelsey M.
    Sep. 10, 2018

    North Waldo Lake

    Well worth a visit!

    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...

  • B
    Sep. 13, 2022

    Sheep Springs Horse Camp

    Great horse camp!

    Beautiful trees, clean bathrooms, solid paddocks, and great trail network. Even had Miss Rodeo Oregon staying there on a rare weekend off before the RoundUp.

    We were in site 3 which is the least flat and difficult to access, but close to the water and our friends that had booked 2. To is next to the water and has easy access even with their 4 horse LQ and dually crew cab. 4 is nice and shady but a bit of a hill. If we came back, we’d pick 5 or 6 for shade trees, easy access, but 8 and 9 have morning sun which would be nice on cool mornings. One site, 10 I think, has metal panels for the paddock. Others are pretty solid wood paddocks but bring a chain just in case the one there is broken (or you have a 5 y.o. Gelding that will break it :)

  • Tia A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sisters Rodeo Dispersed Camping

    Peacful

    Easy access and larger camp spots. We were there during a few events hosted by the Sisters Rodeo and got to listen to the events.

    A lot of horse trailers come into the dispersed camping area to park and ride their horses, and I've seen a lot of larger bog rig horse trailers parked at the camp sites near the front. Every single one that came in was respectful and kind. A couple of the trainers even allowed my oldest onto their horses with permission after she asked.

    There were a couple of long-time stay campers that kept to themselves. We didn't have any issues with leaving our campsite unattended, even with our cook stove, propane, and ground solar equipment out in the open.

    Great for solar. Just if you don't have it set on top, you will have to move it throughout the day.

    Verizon cell service is completely fine. No wifi, of course, but if you use a mobile hotspot like we do, you shouldn't have any issues.

    We camped at 3 different spots. The first one was right as you pulled in, directly behind the rodeo gates. Large spot, 2 fire pits. Perfect for a group. The second was farther back. Only spent 1 night there cause there was a fire ant colony and we have kids. That just seemed like a bad idea for us. Spot itself was great, though. Another perfect spot for a group, minus the fire ants. The third spit was closer to the entrance, about half way in-between the other 2 we stayed at. This one had some broken glass that was buried as well as what looked like a diabetic syringe, also buried in the dirt. This was the only camp site that had any type of garbage at it. Every other one was cleaned from what we glanced at.

    Rangers come through every few days to make sure everything is safe and taken care of. When it became "no fires allowed" a ranger went to every camp site with people and asked if he could leave the information papers about what would be allowed vs not allowed during the "no burn" time. He was very respectful and kept his distance. I was by myself with my 3 young kids when he stopped by, and he stayed at least 5 feet away from all of us unless I gave the okay to come closer. The Rangers also placed "no fire" flags at each of the empty campsites in the firepits in case someone came in afterward.

    Overall, it was very peaceful and a great place to stay if you plan on going to the rodeo or an event held at Sisters Rodeo but are strapped on funds.

    And of course, like all dispersed campsites, it's a "pack in pack out". No water, power, sewage, bathrooms, showers, or anything else available. You bring it in, and you take it out.

  • Austin G.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Big Lake

    Very relaxing and beautiful lake to enjoy the outdoors

    This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim. Trails to go off road and places to camp near or away from the water. You’ll find views of snowcapped mountains and relax at night with no city noise or lights glowing. Check this place out before the winter hits and the snow piles up.

  • Erin P.
    Jul. 6, 2017

    North Waldo Lake

    Beautiful Lake with awesome walk up campsite

    This was a great campsite. We were in a walk in Tent site right on the lake which was quiet for the most part. Right next to hiking path that went around the lake. There didn't appear to be a boat put in around the area, but there is one down the street. We stayed in Campsite 28, which helped get away from the chaos of the big group sites which I would strongly Recommend! Beautiful place.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2020

    Three Creeks Meadow Horse Camp

    Beautiful area

    This is a lovely campground, of course perfect if you have horses, those sites are further in. Many of the sites have lovely views of the meadow with a little creek running through. The sites were decently spaced, and the surrounding area is lovely for hiking, biking etc. the lake is not far down either.

  • William B.
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Three Creeks Meadow Horse Camp

    Great quite location

    11 sites with tables and fire rings. Additional sites specifically for horse trailers. No cell service. Multiple hiking trails from the campground. 3 Creek Lake is .75 mile away. No water available

  • M
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Pamelia Lake

    First Solo

    I lived in Oregon for a couple years as a kid and my family got big into backpacking. One of our family favorites was Pamelia Lake. The trail is gentle and the basin the lake is in has great mountain ranges surrounding. As an adult it was only right that this was my first place to solo. I spent a little over 3 days hiking around the area. This is a great place that has many trails of varying difficulties nearby.

  • S
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort

    Very well maintained grounds away from town

    Arrived after the office closed and started to read late check in rules and available spaces. Helped to look up to see on the other side of the door envelopes with names, including ours. Access is easy for even large rigs. All sites are paved. Space between sites is reasonable. On site restrooms are very nicely presented. There is an on site pool and outdoor gathering place, a general store, propane vending, a dog walking path and large property behind the park to take pets with a reminder to clean up and pack it out. Garbage service is nice - place the bags by the road and maintenance staff will take it away.

    You are a few miles from sisters and about 15 from the outskirts of Bend (the side that has the big box hardware and all purpose stores).

    The RV park is quiet and comfortable. There are plenty of trees and green grass at each site. The way the park is laid out, it’s more of an RV neighborhood of travelers.


Guide to Willamette National Forest

Horse camping near Willamette National Forest in Oregon offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities for horse lovers

  • Three Creeks Meadow Horse Camp features 11 sites with picnic tables and fire rings, along with additional spots specifically designed for horse trailers.
  • Harralson Horse Campground provides spacious RV and tent sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horses.
  • Quinn Meadow Horse Camp offers reservable sites with easy access for horse camping, making it a convenient choice for equestrian groups.

Tips for equestrian camping near Willamette National Forest in Oregon

  • When visiting Scott Lake Campground, be prepared for a beautiful but rustic experience, as it lacks electric hookups and showers.
  • At Big Meadows Horse Camp, plan for a more primitive stay, as it does not offer amenities like water hookups or showers, but the natural beauty compensates for it.
  • Ensure you have enough supplies when camping at Cultus Corral Horse Camp, as it lacks drinking water and trash services, making it essential to pack out what you bring in.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities and scenic trails

  • North Waldo Lake is perfect for horseback riding with its extensive trails and stunning views of one of the purest lakes in the world.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of Driftwood Campground - Deschutes, where you can ride along the lake and explore nearby hiking trails.
  • Sevenmile Horse Camp offers access to various trails, making it an ideal base for equestrian adventures in the surrounding wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Willamette National Forest is Big Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Willamette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.