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Knebal Springs Campground provides the only dedicated horse corrals in the White Salmon area. Located near Dufur, Oregon within the Mt. Hood National Forest, this primitive campground accommodates tent and small RV camping with specialized facilities for equestrians. The horse corrals are suitable for overnight use and positioned near tent sites for convenient monitoring. The campground features vault toilets but lacks drinking water, so visitors must bring their own supply for both riders and horses. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Campers note the spacious layout provides good separation between sites despite being located alongside a forest road.
The campground connects directly to an extensive network of horse-friendly trails throughout Mt. Hood National Forest. Trail access begins immediately from the camping area, allowing riders to explore without trailering horses to separate access points. The surrounding forest roads lead to viewpoints with scenic vistas of Mt. Hood and the Cascade Range. Visitors should be prepared for the campground's semi-primitive nature, as the sites receive limited maintenance compared to larger equestrian facilities. The nearby springs are seasonal and may not be flowing during summer visits. The campground remains relatively quiet due to its more remote location, making it ideal for riders seeking a peaceful forest setting with immediate trail access. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.
"Across the road is a horse camp that the PCT goes through. There is a spur from the PCT directly into the campground for easy access. There is a beautiful view of Mt."
"Some camp sots are better situated then others, so do research before making reservation."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Not only is the campground itself a woodland wonderland with winding paths through tall old growth forest areas, but the surrounding area of the park itself is impressive with exciting things to do around"
"We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."
from $23 - $41 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."
"There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Driving up there the way we drive (from Vancouver) you go up through ranching/farming territory and it’s nice and green and pretty, so it’s nice getting there."
"Hiking around the lake is a great way to start and/or end you day while staying at Battle Ground Lake SP. Horses are welcome. There are cabins available also. Several sites overlook the lake."
from $12 - $69 / night
Check Availability"This campground is a very nice one to check out when adventuring in the lower portion of Washington. "
"While there are several camp and RV sites in Beacon Rock State Park, this is the only group site that I know of and it fits up to 200 people at around $4-$5 per person (the website says rates vary by person"
from $12 - $139 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review An open, relatively unused campground next to a sleep-calling stream right in between the last forested part of Mt."
"Bonney Crossing campground is located in the Eastern most side of the Mt Hood National Forest. Our campsite provided us a quiet relaxing two nights of camping."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"It is not too far from the Portland area, I would recommend getting last minute supplies before getting off the highway."
"Secluded, open prime real estate: horse facilities abound here, but it works for everyone."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"A Lake or a pond is your front view, the back is cliffs, prairie, and wildlife. Spent the day with a Fishing Guide (1-509-860-7233). I hope the pictures show how great this place is."
"The surrounding landscapes are ‘stunning’ and the peace and quiet, absolute. While old, the restrooms and showers were very well maintained and absolutely immaculate."
"After 10 hours driving, I just wanted a quiet place to sleep. This was exactly that. I paid $35 for a pull through and a 30amp hookup for my teardrop."
TravelerWe camped here for 4 days, rangers were nice we hauled in our wood since we didn’t want to buy a lot, and can’t gather wood there. Plenty of trees between campsites, The Bathroom and showers were really nice and clean!! lake was also nice but small. Enjoyed our stay!!
RangerThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
GuideFull service Campground. Spaces are not private but roomy. Fee schedule doesn't match rates paid (perhaps the posted rates are not current). Laundry and friendly host.
GuideGreat place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
TravelerThe description and reviews do match this site. This is a large swap lake with dispersed camping. It was a fun adventure getting to site but be warned this is not a RV or car site, you will need a 4x4 to access the site.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet. Bathrooms were amazingly clean and sites were spacious and pretty well spread apart! Discover Pass or Discover Day Pass is required to stay there. Would recommend!
TravelerVery pretty forest and creek. Trails from campsites and throughout the campground to the creek or hiking/biking/horse trails. Fires in the provided pits were allowed in early July.
LegendSo peaceful. Had a beautiful spot with a short trail to the creek. Has some very clean pit toilets through the camp ground. Its a horse camp, to be mindful of the horses. Lots of sites for non horse trailers as well
ScoutIt is very peacful place. I am planning to visit again there!!
Equestrian camping near White Salmon, Washington sits at the transition between the wetter western Cascades and the drier eastern slopes, creating distinct seasonal conditions. The area's elevation ranges from 1,200 to 3,500 feet, resulting in moderate summer temperatures typically between 65-85°F. Forest Service roads leading to horse-friendly campsites may require high-clearance vehicles during early season visits when washouts or downed trees haven't been cleared.
Trail riding from camp: At Tillicum Campground, riders can access Squaw Butte trailhead directly from the campground. "Squaw Butte trailhead is at the end of the campground," notes Marcia O., mentioning that despite limited facilities, the location provides excellent access during huckleberry season.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer access to well-stocked fishing locations. At Walupt Lake Campground, campers can fish directly from shore. "The lake water is crystal clear. Excellent location if you enjoy hiking," reports Bobak K. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby wilderness areas.
Multi-day pack trips: Horse-friendly camping options provide staging areas for extended backcountry explorations. "We stayed in the horse section so there were corrals in each spot," explains Ashley B. about Clackamas Lake Campground, noting its proximity to extended trail systems and Timothy Lake's 18-mile circumference trail network.
Creek access: The sound of running water creates peaceful camping environments. At Bonney Crossing, "campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river," according to Greg L., who appreciated finding abundant firewood and clean facilities even during off-season visits.
Secluded sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating distance between sites. "The sites were large enough to comfortably park my small car and have plenty of room to spread out," Crystal C. observed at Beacon Rock State Park, adding that "Even as the camp filled up there was enough spacing that it didn't seem to be loud."
Trail connectivity: Direct access to trails from campsites ranks high among equestrian campers. At Riley Horse Campground, "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," according to Gretch H., highlighting the multi-use nature of equestrian facilities.
Water availability varies: Many horse camps have limited or seasonal water access. "No water now," reports Marcia O. about Tillicum Campground, explaining that facilities have been reduced over the years. Campers should plan to pack in water for themselves and their horses at most sites.
Reservation systems differ: While some equestrian campgrounds operate on reservation systems, others remain first-come, first-served. At Panther Creek Campground, "They have first come first serve as well as reservable sites. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so if you dont have a site reserved I highly recommend getting there early," advises Heartworn H.
Seasonal closures: Most horse camps in the region operate seasonally due to snow levels. Walupt Lake Campground typically opens "June to Labor Day," while Clackamas Lake's season runs "May 22 to October 4." Early or late season visitors should call ranger stations to verify access road conditions.
Swimming options: Finding campgrounds with safe water access is essential for family trips. "Lake is pristine, calm and gorgeous. Easy to kayak," notes Peter J. about Walupt Lake, which offers gradual entry points suitable for children. Other reviews mention shallow areas perfect for wading.
Spacious sites: Families need room to spread out equipment. At Battle Ground Lake State Park, "There's a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play," according to Wendy C., who also appreciated the easy hiking options around the lake.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "The playground was great for the grandkids," mentioned Richard B. about Battle Ground Lake State Park, adding that families can easily access "the beach area, the playground, and the food shack" via multiple connecting trails.
Length limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds have tight access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. "We stayed in a 11 1/2' pickup camper, and now a 33' class A motorhome, and have had to trim a few limbs in order to get to campsite," explains Marcia O. about navigating Tillicum Campground's narrow forest roads.
Limited hookups: Most horse camps offer primitive camping without electric or water connections. Heartworn H. notes that Panther Creek has "potable water pumps, as well as garbage and recycling," but no electricity, making it essential to arrive with fully charged batteries and empty holding tanks.
Alternative locations: When dedicated horse camps are full, nearby alternatives may work for smaller rigs. "Walupt Lake Campground was great, and I was glad that I stayed here," writes Sasha W., though she cautions the remote location means "the closest grocery store is in Randal about 2hrs away so plan accordingly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near White Salmon, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near White Salmon, WA is Panther Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near White Salmon, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near White Salmon, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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