Horse Riding and Camping
Take your horse on an Umpqua National Forest adventure. Explore a trail or stay a night under the stars.
Horseback Riding
- Horseback riding is permitted on most national forests. Often, specific trails will be designated for horseback riding, so check the forest website before you hit the trails.
- Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.
- Many trails are open to multiple non-motorized uses, meaning the trails are shared by hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists. Information on allowed trail uses is available on trailhead signs and the National Geographic-Trails Illustrated map for the area, or by contacting the nearest Ranger District office.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Riders are responsible for:
- Ensuring that their horse has been tested for Equine Infectious Anemia.
- Carrying current written proof of a negative Coggins Test result.
- Providing proof of negative Coggins Test upon request.
- Riding through a forest’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open meadows, offers a unique and intimate way to connect with nature and experience the wilderness's tranquility and beauty.
- Horseback riding in the National Forest allows you to:
- Access Remote Areas: On horseback, you can reach parts of the forest that might be inaccessible by foot or vehicle, uncovering hidden gems and secluded spots.
- Enjoy a Unique Perspective: Experiencing the forest from the height of a horse adds a new dimension to your adventure, providing a different view of the surrounding nature and wildlife.
- Connect with History: Traveling by horse evokes the traditional means of exploring and appreciating these lands, offering a sense of connection to the past and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
- Bond with Your Horse: A unique bond forms between a rider and their horse when navigating the trails together, enhancing the overall experience of the journey.
- Promote Conservation: Horseback riding in designated areas helps promote sustainable tourism and awareness for conserving these beautiful natural spaces.
- Before you embark on your equestrian adventure, make sure to check the national forest guidelines for horseback riding, including trail access, camping with horses, and leave-no-trace principles. Ensuring your horse is trail-ready and respectful of the natural environment is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Horse Camping
- There are several developed horse campgrounds on the forests. Horses are not permitted in developed areas (campgrounds and picnic areas) unless specifically stated.
- Any food storage orders apply to all types of camping, horse camping or otherwise. Secure food away from wildlife.
- Wherever you chose to camp, use the Leave No Trace camping style for all activities, including sanitation, food preparation, fires, high lines, etc. Be sure to keep campsites clean for everyone.
- Several opportunities are available for equestrians to ride on Forest Service system trails and/or camp at developed campgrounds. Contact your local Forest Service Office for locations and regulations.
- Reservations for camping at developed campgrounds are recommended for dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day at: www.Recreation.gov.
Search for Horse Riding and Camping Opportunities
Abbott Butte Trail
This spur trail leaves the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Trail #1470 in the southern portion of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness and follows an old road to Abbott Butte.From Abbott Butte Trailhead follow…
Abbott Butte Trailhead
Site Open
Nestled in Huckleberry Gap, Abbott Butte Trailhead provides access to high elevation trails that traverse the ridge top of the Rogue-Umpqua Divide. Provides access to: Abbott Butte Trail #1470A and…
Acker Divide Trail
This trail provides access to 3 destinations:Buckeye and Cliff Lakes via Lakes Trail #1578 to the north;Grasshopper Mountain via Grasshopper Trail #1574; and theRogue-Umpqua Divide Trail #1470.The…
Acker Divide Trailhead
Site Open
Acker Divide Trailhead provides access to trails that traverse stands of old-growth timber. The trailhead provides access to Grasshopper Meadow Trail, Grasshopper Mountain and Grasshopper Spring.Â
Beaver Creek Trail
This trail begins at Whisky Camp Guard Station and descends through big trees, open meadows, and old harvest units on its way into Beaver Creek drainage. Be prepared to wade creek crossings. There…
Beaver Swamp Trail
This 1.2-mile trail passes through a dense forest with a variety of timber types, including a section that was burned in a 2002 lightning fire. Although it has limited views along the way, Beaver…
Beaver Swamp Trailhead
Site Open
Provides access to: Beaver Swamp Trail #1569, Rocky Rim Trail #1572, and Rocky Ridge Trail #1571 which travel within Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness.Beaver Swamp Trailhead is developed for hiker…
Bohemia National Recreation Trail
Originally constructed in 1864 and 1865, the Bohemia Trail was the first organized effort for a wagon route from Oakland, Oregon to the Bohemia Mines. Most of this route was on private land and has…
Broken Arrow Campground
Site Closed
Set back from the shores of Diamond Lake, Broken Arrow Campground is nestled in lodgepole pine forest. This picturesque spot has 121 campsites and boasts views of both Mount Bailey and Mt. Thielsen.…
Bunchgrass Meadows Trail
In prehistoric times, Bunchgrass Meadows was used by Native Americans (including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians) to hunt and gather food such as tarweed and as a route to Huckleberry Gap.…