Horse Creek Group Campground
57600 McKenzie Hwy.
Horse Creek Group Campground
$75.00 - $75.00 / 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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee is $75.00 per night for group standard non-electric sites during peak seasons (April 4th – October 18th). Out of season camping is not available.
About this campground
Nestled along the babbling waters of Horse Creek, this spacious group campground welcomes gatherings of up to 100 adventurers beneath a towering canopy of ancient Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar. Here, where sunlight filters through emerald branches and the creek's gentle melody provides nature's soundtrack, you'll find the perfect basecamp for your group's outdoor adventures. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, featuring vault toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and campfire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under starlit skies. Your private retreat awaits behind a locked gate—the combination arrives with your reservation confirmation, ensuring your group enjoys exclusive access to this forest sanctuary.
Horse Creek Group Campground caters primarily to group camping, with facilities designed to accommodate larger gatherings. It does not support individual or family-specific accommodations.
Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient trees standing sentinel over Horse Creek have witnessed centuries of history, the specific stories of this land await discovery by each new generation of campers who make their own memories beneath these boughs.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of the Cascade seasons at Horse Creek, where spring through fall offers prime camping conditions from April to October. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for creek exploration and evening campfires, while spring and autumn paint the forest in spectacular colors. Temperatures typically range from crisp 34°F mornings to comfortable 47°F afternoons, creating ideal conditions for both active adventures and cozy nights around the fire. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter wonderland, occasionally dusting the towering evergreens with up to 4.5 inches of snow—a magical sight for the hardy souls who venture here in the off-season.
ElevationDetails about the specific elevation of this mountain retreat enhance its appeal to those seeking respite from valley heat or planning backcountry adventures in the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where massive Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar trees stretch skyward, their ancient trunks creating natural pillars in this forest sanctuary. Horse Creek winds through the campground like a liquid ribbon, its crystal-clear waters singing the songs of the Cascade Mountains. This pristine stream eventually joins the mighty McKenzie River on its journey to the valley below, connecting your campsite to the greater watershed that defines this region. Morning mist often dances above the water, while afternoon sun creates a dappled tapestry of light and shadow on the forest floor, offering endless opportunities for photography, quiet contemplation, or simply breathing in the pine-scented air.
Geological RegionPerched on the western slopes of the majestic Cascade Mountains, Horse Creek Group Campground occupies a special place where ancient volcanic peaks meet temperate rainforest. This dynamic landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where volcanic forces built towering peaks now cloaked in emerald forests of Douglas fir and Western Red Cedar. Horse Creek itself serves as a vital tributary to the McKenzie River, carrying pure snowmelt from high Cascade glaciers down through these forested slopes toward the fertile Willamette Valley below. Here, campers become part of this grand geological narrative, sleeping where tectonic forces, volcanic eruptions, and patient erosion have sculpted one of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates up to 100 campers and 23 vehicles, making it suitable for larger group gatherings.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides a group setting, but specific details about site privacy are not mentioned.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNot applicable as the campground consists of one group site.
Best CampsitesGroup site accommodates up to 100 campers; specific site numbers or individual sites are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground or 14 nights within rolling 60 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity of 100 campers per group site.
Groups
The campground can host up to 100 campers and 23 vehicles, making it well-suited for large gatherings such as weddings or group outings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group camping site accommodating up to 100 campers and 23 vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 4th to October 18th annually; closed to bookings outside this period.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability is null.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations cost a $10 fee per reserved site. Cancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee and refund minus reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) forfeit the first night's recreation use fee plus cancellation fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horse Creek Group Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in Horse Creek, hiking, and biking along the nearby McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. The trail is 26 miles long and provides scenic views suitable for all ages. Boating opportunities are available at Cougar Reservoir, located about 10 miles southwest of the campground.
Hiking
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a 26-mile trail near the campground that offers easy hiking suitable for all ages, with scenic views of the river.Fishing
Fishing in Horse Creek is available and is a popular activity among visitors, although specific details about fish types are not mentioned.Biking
Biking is permitted on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which offers a relatively easy route for individuals of different skill levels.Boating
Cougar Reservoir, located about 10 miles southwest of the campground, offers excellent boating opportunities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed; visitors must bring their own locally acquired firewood.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hour regulations mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors are advised to bring bug spray due to insects. No other hazards explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsNo active alerts stated.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
McKenzie River Ranger Station (Nearest emergency contact point). Hospital and police station details are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 4th to October 18th annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available for proper waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the banks of Horse Creek, which flows into the nearby McKenzie River.
Common complaintsReviews mentioned insect problems requiring good bug spray.
HostThe McKenzie River Ranger Station provides assistance. Office hours are Monday-Saturday during summer and Monday-Friday otherwise. Visitors should call 72 hours in advance for gate code confirmation.
Campground Map
57600 McKenzie Hwy.
Driving directionsFrom Eugene, Oregon: Take I-105 East McKenzie River to highway 126E. Go 55 miles on Hwy 126 to McKenzie Bridge. From McKenzie Bridge travel east on Highway 126 to Horse Creek Road #2638. Turn right on Horse Creek Road and travel southeast for 2 miles to Horse Creek Group Campground. The campground is the first left after the junction with King Road.
The campground is accessible via paved major highways and a short 2-mile drive on Horse Creek Road, which is marked clearly. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain were mentioned.Nearby places
McKenzie Bridge (2 miles/5 minutes), Eugene (55 miles/1 hour driving time)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are null but likely available in McKenzie Bridge, which is 2 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews

Horse Creek Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's suitability for group events and its scenic surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews praise the campground for its maintenance, friendly rangers, and suitability as a base for outdoor activities. One user noted, "The rangers were very friendly and the place was well...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some reviewers mentioned the need for strong bug spray, suggesting that insects could be a minor issue.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing strong bug spray and ensuring proper preparation for group events. Those planning to fish or hike should bring appropriate gear.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is best accessed during the peak season (April to October). Reviews suggest favorable conditions during these months for hiking and group activities.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This place was great. I was one of the bridesmaids for a friend that reserved this place for a week as part of her adventure wedding." Another user mentioned, "Great place for a base camp for hiking...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific information about individual campsites is not provided.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025