Graham Corral Horse Campground
3.5319 reviewsPO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759
Graham Corral Horse Campground
$23.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season equestrian non-electric site fees are $23 per night, with an additional $2 fee for holidays. First-come, first-served season fees are the same.
About this campground
Saddle up for an authentic equestrian adventure at Graham Corral Horse Camp, where riders and their four-legged companions find a welcoming basecamp in the heart of Deschutes National Forest. This specialized horse camp features thoughtfully designed four-stall corrals at select sites, while other campers share spacious communal corrals that foster a sense of community among fellow equestrians. Though you'll need to bring your own water for your horses, the reward is unparalleled early-season access to miles of pristine trails that wind through Oregon's stunning backcountry.
Graham Corral Horse Campground is geared towards equestrian use, with facilities like corrals tailored for horse camping. It also accommodates tents and RVs.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of Oregon's equestrian heritage at Graham Corral Horse Camp, a beloved historic gathering place that has welcomed generations of riders to the Deschutes National Forest. This time-honored camp carries the stories of countless adventures in its weathered corrals and well-worn trails. While recent years have seen the camp take on a more rustic character, many riders cherish its authentic, back-to-basics charm that recalls the golden age of backcountry horseback camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's changing moods, where dramatic rainstorms sweep through the forest canopy before giving way to crisp, clear days. During the cooler months, temperatures dance between a brisk 35°F and a comfortable 49°F, creating perfect conditions for invigorating rides through mist-kissed forests. When the rains subside, dry air and gentle breezes create ideal camping weather that beckons riders to explore the vast network of trails stretching in every direction.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation within the Deschutes National Forest, the campground offers riders and their horses a gentle acclimation point for exploring the surrounding high country trails.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a hidden sanctuary where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and sprawling branches offering welcome shade on warm afternoons. In the camp's wetter pockets, graceful birch trees add splashes of silver and gold to the forest palette, their leaves whispering secrets in the breeze. This diverse ecosystem creates perfect conditions for birdwatching enthusiasts, with woodpeckers, nuthatches, and mountain bluebirds providing a melodic soundtrack to your stay.
Geological RegionSet within a fascinating ecological transition zone where majestic ponderosa pine forests blend seamlessly with moisture-loving birch groves, Graham Corral showcases the diverse landscapes of Central Oregon. The interplay between dry pine stands and verdant wetland pockets creates a unique microclimate that supports an impressive variety of plant and animal life, offering riders constantly changing scenery as they explore the surrounding trails through this geologically rich region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. The overall accessibility of facilities and trails remains unclear.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large and relatively flat, making them suitable for horse trailers and larger setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not described in detail, but the setting in a thick pine forest may offer some natural seclusion.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor horse campers, sites with four-stall corrals (4, 5, 7, 8) are recommended. Large shared corrals are available at other sites.
Best CampsitesSites 4, 5, 7, and 8 are highlighted for their individual four-stall corrals.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by checkout time the following day. Check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out is at noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit and 28 total nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV and tow vehicle or one tent site. Extra vehicles are allowed for an additional fee.
Groups
Information about designated group sites is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground comprises 13 sites, including individual corrals and shared large corrals for horses.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen: May 23 - October 18. Reservable season starts June 24.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability during specific periods outside the reservable season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date for a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. No refunds are available after the reservation date begins.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers multiple recreational opportunities centered around horseback riding and trail exploration, as well as bird and wildlife watching.
Hiking
The campground provides access to various hiking trails within the pine forest. Some trails connect to private property, which has been an issue for navigation: 'Riding trails were mingled with private property signs.'Wildlife viewing
The forest setting provides opportunities for bird and nature watching: 'The pines provide shade as well as the chance to go bird or nature watching.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is only open during the warmer months.Water Sports
There are no non-motorized or motorized water sports available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry conditions. Campfires and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Generators are prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include washboard roads making access difficult for horses, limited water availability, and occasional broken corral structures.
Active alertsCurrently no official active alerts, but reviews note persistent issues like lack of water and poorly maintained roads.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Sisters, OR. User reviews indicate that the Sisters Forest Service Station does not allow water refills for horses.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - October 18.
Trash and recyclingTrash services are available and noted to be clean and regularly maintained: 'Garbage picked up.' There is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNo on-site water features; campers rely on external sources for horse water.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of water for horses, unkempt corrals, dusty sites, and poorly maintained access roads.
HostHosts George and Leah were mentioned positively in user reviews for their helpfulness.
Campground Map
PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 4.2 miles west on Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway), then 2.0 miles north on Forest Road 1012, and then 0.8 miles northwest on Forest Road 1012 300.
Access is via a mix of paved highways and unpaved forest roads. Reviews mention a poorly maintained road with significant washboarding, requiring slow driving speeds (3-5 mph).Nearby places
Sisters (6 miles northwest)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Sisters, OR. Campers have reported needing to bring their own water from city parks in Sisters for horses due to lack of water at the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.5
19 reviews
Graham Corral Horse Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's spacious sites, equestrian amenities, and new vault toilets as positives. However, the lack of water, unmaintained roads, and deteriorating corrals are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciate the clean vault toilets and spacious campsites. 'Nice camp. The sites are large and relatively flat,' one reviewer noted. Additionally, the trails were enjoyed: 'Loved...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most consistent issues raised include the lack of drinking water ('No water is beyond belief!!'), poor road conditions leading to the campground ('The road in and out of this campground is...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water supply, as water is not available on-site. Be prepared for dusty conditions and plan for slow driving on the unmaintained access road. Some users...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is primarily appreciated in the early and peak seasons for its accessible trails and shade. Complaints regarding the lack of water and road conditions appear year-round. Summer...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Graham has always been a great horse camp for early season riding and camping.' 2. 'The road in to the camp is still a mess. I drove about 3-5 mph and still felt bad for the horses.' 3. 'Nice...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4: Vault toilets praised for cleanliness. Site 5: Corrals are noted as in need of maintenance. Site 7: Trails nearby mix with private property, causing navigation issues. Site 8: Dusty...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information or reviews about pets or pet policies are mentioned.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025