Willow Prairie Horsecamp
4.4727 reviewsPO Box 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA
Willow Prairie Horsecamp
$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
Facility rates are $15 per night for equestrian nonelectric sites during the peak season. Extra vehicles are charged an additional $7 fee.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Willow Prairie Horse Camp, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern equestrian camping. This thoughtfully designed horse camp serves as your gateway to 19 miles of scenic riding trails winding through pristine wilderness. Each spacious campsite comes equipped with its own corral for your four-legged companions, along with a welcoming picnic table, crackling fire ring, and ample parking to accommodate horse trailers with ease.
Willow Prairie Horse Camp specializes in equestrian camping with large sites equipped with corrals and horse-specific facilities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you camp in the shadow of the historic Willow Prairie Guard Station, a rustic sentinel that has watched over these forests since 1924. This weathered landmark stands as a testament to the early forest rangers who once patrolled these very trails on horseback. Just a short ride away, the charming Fish Lake resort offers a glimpse into the region's recreational heritage, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have created lasting memories.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Willow Prairie basks in the perfect riding weather, with moderate temperatures that keep both horses and riders comfortable on the trails. Morning mists give way to sunny afternoons, while cool evenings invite storytelling around the campfire. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, though deep accumulations typically close access to preserve the tranquil beauty until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet above sea level, Willow Prairie Horse Camp offers the perfect alpine escape without the challenges of extreme altitude. Here, summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even on the warmest days, while the elevation gifts visitors with spectacular forest vistas and crystal-clear mountain air. The robust forest canopy provides natural shade for horses and riders alike, creating an ideal basecamp for high-country exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled where ancient forest meets meadow at 4,400 feet, Willow Prairie Horse Camp immerses you in a landscape of towering timber and wildflower-dotted clearings. The adjacent wetlands tell nature's story through industrious beaver dams and mirror-like ponds that reflect the sky. Early morning riders often encounter majestic elk grazing in the meadows, while deer bound through the underbrush. The haunting calls of sandhill cranes echo across the marsh as Canada geese trace patterns against the mountain sky, creating an ever-changing wildlife pageant.
Geological RegionWillow Prairie Horse Camp sits within the magnificent Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, where two legendary mountain ranges converge in spectacular fashion. To the east, the volcanic legacy of the Cascade Range pierces the sky, with snow-crowned Mt. McLoughlin standing sentinel over the landscape. To the west, the ancient Siskiyou Mountains harbor some of the most botanically diverse forests in North America, their slopes carved by world-renowned wild rivers. This unique geological crossroads creates an ecosystem unlike anywhere else, where volcanic peaks meet ancient forests and crystal-clear streams flow toward the Pacific.
Campsite details
Accessibility. Accessibility features are limited to equestrian facilities such as horse corrals and watering troughs.
Sites SizeSites are generally large, accommodating equestrian camping setups, including horse trailers.
Sites Privacy'Site 10 is great for seclusion,' according to user reviews. However, other sites vary in privacy levels, with some having less shade and more exposure.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites #5-#10 are generally preferred for privacy and accessibility to facilities.
Best CampsitesUsers often recommend campsite #10 for seclusion and proximity to water troughs.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- One vehicle included per campsite
- additional vehicles require payment.
Groups
No specific details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutEquestrian sites with individual corrals, picnic tables, and fire rings. Layout designed for horse campers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22 to October 31 annually. Reservable dates start June 24 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Recreation.gov. Phone center or app-based bookings available.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability possible but subject to site occupancy. Campground is generally less visited compared to others.
Cancellation Policy$10 fee for changes or cancellations before check-in. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) incur additional fees such as forfeiting the first night's use fee. No-show policy includes a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers equestrian trails, wildlife viewing, and birding opportunities. Nearby attractions like Fish Lake provide additional recreational options, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
Hiking
The campground provides access to 19 miles of interconnected horseback riding trails, which can also be used for hiking. Reviews highlight the scenic beauty but note that trails are not well-marked: 'The trails weren’t marked the best for navigating and the maps were awful.'Fishing
Fish Lake, located 10 minutes away, is popular for fishing with a resort offering motorboat and canoe rentals.Swimming
Swimming is available at Fish Lake, which is nearby.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Fish Lake, with rentals for motorboats and canoes.Wildlife viewing
Adjacent wetlands feature diverse wildlife, including beaver dams, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, ducks, elk, and deer.Winter Activities
Nearby Fish Lake offers winter recreational activities, but specific details for Willow Prairie Horse Camp aren't provided.Water Sports
Water sports such as canoeing and motor boating are available at nearby Fish Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings only. Visitors are encouraged to use firewood sourced locally.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include muddy horse stalls during rainy periods, ammonia odor from corrals, and inadequately marked trails for navigation.
Active alertsNo potable water available; must bring your own. Invasive weed prevention policies in place.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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 Butte Falls Ranger District, Fish Lake resort area (10 minutes away), and Medford (larger town with hospitals and police services).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 - October 31 (Peak season pricing $15 nightly).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and a trailer is left on-site specifically for manure and hay disposal.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to ponds and wetland areas with abundant wildlife. Fish Lake is 10 minutes away and offers fishing, boating, and canoeing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention cleanliness issues in water troughs, trails that are poorly marked, and muddy horse stalls causing injuries.
HostMixed reviews highlight camp hosts as helpful but occasionally intrusive. Hosts maintain cleanliness but vary in approachability.
Campground Map
PO Box 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA
Driving directionsFrom Butte Falls, take County Road 821 (Butte Falls-Fish Lake Highway) approximately 17 miles southeast to Forest Road 3738. Turn west (right) on Forest Road 3738 and drive 1.3 miles to where Forest Road 3738 intersects Forest Road 3735. Turn left onto Forest Road 3735 and you will see the campground sign on your right. From Medford/Klamath Falls (Highway 140), turn north on County Road 821 and drive approximately 2 miles northwest to Forest Road 3738. Turn west (left) on Forest Road 3738 and drive 1.3 miles to where 3738 intersects Forest Road 3735. Turn left onto Forest Road 3735 and you will see the campground sign on your right.
Road access is via paved County Road 821 and unpaved Forest Roads (3738 and 3735). These roads are accessible for regular vehicles. Seasonal closures or adverse weather may affect access.Nearby places
Butte Falls (approximately 17 miles southeast), Fish Lake (10 minutes by vehicle), Medford/Klamath Falls (approximately 2 miles northwest to Forest Road turnoff).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Butte Falls (approximately 17 miles southeast). Larger selections are available in Medford or Klamath Falls.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
Willow Prairie Horsecamp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews show mixed experiences. Positive aspects include the scenic trails and cleanliness maintained by certain camp hosts, while complaints often focus on unmarked trails, unclean facilities, and intrusive hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean campsites, abundant horse water troughs, helpful camp hosts, clean and shady corrals, 'barefoot friendly trails.'
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Unclean watering troughs, poorly marked trails, intrusive or rude camp hosts, muddy conditions in horse stalls, and noise from nearby cows.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring potable water as none is available on-site. Carry a compass or reliable trail map for navigation. Certified weed-free feed for horses is required.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews generally highlight summer as the best season for camping due to cooler temperatures compared to the valley. Spring faces challenges like muddy conditions, while winter reports hail and snow.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Very peaceful.' 'Nice place. We had site 10 which was great for seclusion and access to water troughs.' 'The camp hosts are wonderful!' 'Carry a compass. We found the McCarrel guide book to be the...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 is recommended for seclusion. Site 9 lacks shade and faces noise issues. Sites 5-10 are generally favored for horse camping.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs must be kept on leash within the campground, as noted in reviews.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025