While most Oregon campgrounds get booked months in advance, the Oregon Department of Forestry wants people to know there’s a trick to finding one on short notice.

“Try searching for a horse campground,” said Tim Hoffman, a spokesman for the forestry department. “They have corals and access to water and manure bins. But there’s also areas for tent camping. They’re just with the horses.”

Hoffman said people don’t think regular campers can book a horse camp, but they can. The sites are not at the end of a long horse trail, either.

“They’re all drive-in sites, because they’re set up for horse trailers,” he said. “For the tent camping area there’s a common small parking area.”

Hikers and mountain bikers are allowed on horse trails. But anything with a motor is prohibited.

Some hidden gems include Northrup Creek Horse Camp in the Clatsop State Forest; the Santiam Horse Camp in the Santiam State Forest; and the Stagecoach Horse Camp in the Tillamook State Forest.

Sites can be booked on the Reserve America website.

“Oregon’s state forests are spaces for everyone,” said Joe Offer, ODF’s Recreation, Education and Interpretation Program Manager, in a press release.

“Our developed recreation sites provide opportunities for recreationalists of all sorts. Whether you’re camping, hiking, riding horses, or just enjoying the trees, you’re able to find a place for you in Oregon’s state forests, our common ground.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/08/29/oregon-campsite-short-notice/