Sam Brown Horse Campground
04 reviewsSam Brown Horse Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
$15 per night for a single site. An additional vehicle fee of $5 per night applies. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on a single site fee for the pass holder. Payment must be made with cash or check.
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About this campground
Saddle up for an authentic wilderness experience at Sam Brown Horse Campground, the exclusive equestrian haven of the Wild Rivers Ranger District. This intimate, rustic retreat beckons riders and their four-legged companions to explore the untamed beauty of the Illinois Valley. While designed with equestrians in mind, this peaceful sanctuary welcomes all outdoor enthusiasts seeking a genuine back-to-basics camping experience, where the clip-clop of hooves mingles with birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.
Sam Brown Horse Campground is primarily designed for equestrian enthusiasts, offering a mix of single and double campsites. It does not provide accommodations like cabins or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints distinct seasonal portraits here, from crisp winter mornings when frost sparkles on pine needles and temperatures hover between 32°F and 48°F, occasionally dusted with snow, to sun-drenched summer days that climb to a comfortable 85-90°F. The dramatic seasonal shifts create an ever-changing canvas, with spring wildflowers giving way to golden summer grasses, followed by autumn's amber hues and winter's serene, crystalline beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America, where the Illinois Valley's remarkable ecosystem unfolds like a living tapestry. Ancient Douglas firs tower overhead while delicate wildflowers carpet the forest floor, creating a symphony of colors and textures. Wildlife thrives in this protected sanctuary, from elusive black bears and Roosevelt elk to over 200 bird species that fill the air with their melodies. The surrounding Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest serves as your playground, offering endless trails that wind through old-growth forests, alongside babbling creeks, and into hidden meadows.
Geological RegionNestled within the extraordinary Illinois Valley, part of the legendary Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, this campground sits in one of the most geologically complex and ecologically rich regions on Earth. The Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains surrounding the valley represent an ancient collision of tectonic plates, creating a landscape of serpentine soils, rare minerals, and unique microclimates that support an astounding array of plant and animal life found nowhere else on the planet.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 5 single sites and 2 double sites, suitable for campers with horses.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information regarding the level of privacy at the campsites is provided.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 5 single campsites and 2 double campsites, each with picnic tables and fire pits. Restrooms are available, but potable water is not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made on https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available for first-come, first-served occupancy, though specifics are not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fees apply and policies are expected to align with general federal recreation guidelines. Details not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The primary activity at Sam Brown Horse Campground is horse riding and camping, as it is the only horse camp on the Wild Rivers Ranger District. This makes it particularly attractive to equestrian enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are detailed in the source information.Water Sports
No water sports opportunities, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire pits within the campground.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards are mentioned, but visitors should be prepared for cold weather in winter and potential fire restrictions during summer.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Emergency services can be accessed in Merlin, which is approximately 27 miles away. Specific information about hospitals or ranger stations is not provided.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage disposal service; campers are required to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Briggs Creek.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention a need for tree maintenance and overall upkeep.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take Merlin Exit to Merlin / Galice Road approximately 12 miles to the Briggs Valley Road (Forest Road 2500). Follow Forest Road 2500 approximately 15 miles to Forest Road 2512, turn right and the campground will be on the right just past Briggs Creek bridge.
The campground is accessible via paved roads for the initial stretch, followed by gravel roads near the site. Visitors report no significant challenges for typical vehicles.Nearby places
Merlin (27 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other supplies are available in Merlin, the nearest town, 27 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Sam Brown Horse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Sam Brown Horse Campground are generally positive, with users describing it as an 'awesome' place to camp. However, there are mentions of the need for some maintenance and tree service.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users have described the campground as 'awesome,' and one reviewer specifically noted that it is 'well maintained.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
One user mentioned that the campground 'needs some maintaining and tree service.'
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific user-provided tips or recommendations are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
There is no detailed data on user experiences by season; however, weather data suggests that the best camping seasons would avoid the very cold and rainy winter months.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Awesome campground!' - A Shubert, 2019-10-28
- 'NEEDS SOME MAINTAINING AND TREE SERVICE!' - Ian Puckett, 2019-04-07
- 'Awesome place to camp 😀😀' - Aaron Garrison, 2023-01-21
- 'Awesome camp...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews for individual campsites are available in the data.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no user reviews related to accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or pet-friendly features in the user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025