Santiam Horse Camp
00 review22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, Oregon, 97358, United States
Santiam Horse Camp
$5.00 - $5.00 / 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
Additional vehicles are $5 per night, payable at the campground.
About this campground
Rising from the ashes of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, Santiam Horse Camp has triumphantly reopened its gates to adventurers seeking the unique beauty of Oregon's regenerating wilderness. This equestrian-friendly haven in the Santiam State Forest beckons horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers alike to explore its extensive network of non-motorized trails. Here, the stark beauty of fire-touched forest creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, where new growth emerges alongside charred sentinels, telling a powerful story of nature's resilience.
Santiam Horse Camp offers specialized camping options focusing on equestrian use, with 9 equestrian sites and 2 non-equestrian sites available for reservation. "Campers must bring a minimum of one pack or saddle animal to stay in horse camp corral sites," as stated in the official guidelines. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire grates.
Historical SignificanceBorn from a remarkable collaboration between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the passionate equestrians of the Silver Falls Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails, Santiam Horse Camp stands as a testament to community dedication. In 2006, volunteers poured their hearts and 2,000 hours of labor into creating this outdoor sanctuary, building not just campsites but a legacy for future generations. Though the devastating 2020 Labor Day Fires tested its spirit, the campground's story continues as a symbol of perseverance and the enduring bond between Oregonians and their beloved forests.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Cascade foothills, where winter blankets the camp in crisp, cold air and frequent precipitation creates a mystical atmosphere among the recovering forest. As spring unfolds, the landscape bursts with renewal, leading into warm, dry summers perfect for dusty trail rides and long hiking days under clear blue skies. Each season offers its own rewards, from winter's solitude to summer's golden afternoons.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape where devastation has given way to extraordinary beauty. Miles of trails wind through a mosaic of forest environments, from stands of surviving evergreens to open meadows where wildflowers now thrive in the increased sunlight. Crystal-clear streams babble through the terrain, their waters reflecting both charred snags and vibrant new growth. Fascinating geological formations peek through the forest floor, creating natural landmarks along your journey. Recent visitors marvel at the campground's pristine condition, finding it 'super clean' and thoughtfully maintained—a welcoming basecamp for exploring this transforming wilderness.
Geological RegionNestled within the geologically diverse Santiam State Forest, the campground sits amid a fascinating tapestry of volcanic history and sedimentary deposits. Clear mountain streams have carved their paths through unique rock formations over millennia, creating the dramatic terrain that makes each trail ride or hike a journey through deep time. The 2020 fires have unveiled geological features previously hidden by dense forest, offering visitors an unexpected opportunity to witness the raw bones of the Cascade landscape while experiencing firsthand how fire shapes and renews these ancient forests.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided data.
Sites SizeThe campground has small to medium-sized sites equipped with picnic tables and fire grates. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyAccording to one user, “There's plenty of privacy between sites," which is a positive aspect noted by campers.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites provide plenty of privacy and well-maintained trails between and around the campground. Corrals are "made with beefy 10-inch round logs with just enough space for horses to comfortably move around," according to reviews.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Campers must bring a minimum of one pack or saddle animal to stay in horse camp corral sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles are included with the campsite fee.
Groups
Group site-specific details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout9 equestrian campsites and 2 non-equestrian campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonReopened in early summer of 2022.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Santiam Horse Camp is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly equestrians, hikers, and bikers. "Trail users travel through miles of diverse forest with clear streams and unique geological formations," according to the official description. After reopening post-wildfire damage, the campground remains a starting point for non-motorized trail systems. Maps and clear signage make navigation easy.
Hiking
The trails offer diverse terrains, including access to streams and unique geological features. One user noted, "There’s easy access to tons of different trails," making it a great spot for outdoor exploration.Biking
Biking is highlighted as one of the key activities, with trails being accessible from the campground. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not referenced in the data.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions vary based on fire danger and must be checked via the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsGravel roads leading to the campground can be steep and narrow, requiring vehicles like 4X4 trucks. Fire restrictions are in place, and invasive species protection limits firewood transport into Oregon.
Active alertsFire restrictions apply based on seasonal fire danger as determined by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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 service is the Santiam State Forest office at (503) 859-2151.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available within the campground. Additional details such as recycling options or pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near clear streams.
Common complaintsThe gravel forest road access is considered steep and narrow, which can be challenging for hauling larger loads.
Host"Hosts are very friendly," according to one user review.
Campground Map
22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, Oregon, 97358, United States
Driving directionsFrom Salem take Highway 22 eastbound 30 miles until you reach the town of Gates. Turn right (south) onto Horeb Road and drive about 300 feet. Turn left from Horeb Road onto Sorbin Street. Drive .3 miles through Gates crossing the river until you reach Gates School Road. Turn right (west) on Gates School Road and drive 1.1 miles until you reach Henness Lane. Turn left (east) at Henness Lane. Pavement ends and becomes gravel road. This is the Monument Peak Road and day-use parking area for access to the Monument Peak Trail System. Drive 1.1 miles up Monument Peak Road until you reach Xmas Tree Road. Turn right (west) on Xmas Tree Road. Drive .3 miles to Santiam Horse Camp.
The haul-in route is over gravel forest road, which can be steep and skinny in places. "I'd recommend 4X4 trucks to be used for hauling more than 2 horses in," according to one user review.Nearby places
Lyons (null miles), Gates (9 miles from Salem), Salem (30 miles)
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Santiam Horse Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights the cleanliness and privacy of the campground, as well as the quality of the trails and facilities. Many appreciate the recent reopening, although some mention the challenging access road.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the privacy between sites, the helpful maps and signage, and the sturdy corrals for horses.
Common Concerns
The gravel access road to the campground was noted as steep and narrow in places, which may require a 4x4 vehicle for hauling larger loads.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
One user recommends using a 4x4 truck for hauling more than 2 horses due to the steep and narrow gravel roads.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal experiences beyond the reopening in 2022. However, it is worth noting that fire restrictions and trail conditions may vary with the seasons.
Camper Quotes
"There's plenty of privacy between sites, well-established trails between and around the campground, and very easy access to tons of different trails." - Robert Mosher. "It's still there, super clean...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers are not discussed in user reviews.
Accessibility Features
No information related to accessibility features or experiences is provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025