Knebal Springs Campground/Day Use
4.087 reviewsnull
Knebal Springs Campground/Day Use
$24.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Camping fees range from $24 to $30 per night for a single unit site; additional vehicles cost $8-$10 per night. Day use fees are $5-$10 per vehicle. Discounts are available for Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled within an expansive grove of towering Ponderosa pines, Knebal Springs Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts a perfect basecamp for adventure. The campground serves as the gateway to the spectacular Knebal Springs Trail, a scenic 10-mile loop that winds through the forest and has become a favorite playground for mountain bikers and equestrians alike. Whether you're seeking the thrill of two-wheeled exploration or the peaceful rhythm of horseback riding, this tranquil pine-scented haven provides the ideal starting point for your backcountry journey.
Knebal Springs Campground is designed primarily as a horse camp, with facilities such as horse corrals at most sites. Tent camping is also supported. The campground is situated in a picturesque Ponderosa pine setting.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Pacific Northwest at Knebal Springs. Winter brings a hushed blanket of snow and crystalline frost, transforming the campground into a winter wonderland that requires cold-weather preparation. As spring emerges, the forest awakens with new life. Summer arrives with endless blue skies and warm, dry days that create perfect camping conditions from mid-June through August. The golden days of summer offer the most comfortable weather for sleeping under the stars and exploring the surrounding trails without the worry of unexpected storms.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the cathedral-like beauty of an old-growth Ponderosa pine forest, where massive cinnamon-barked trees create a natural canopy overhead. The open understory allows dappled sunlight to filter through, creating an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow across the forest floor. The spacious setting provides a sense of peaceful seclusion while maintaining an airy, welcoming atmosphere. Nearby trails beckon explorers deeper into this pristine wilderness, where the subtle fragrance of pine needles and the gentle whisper of wind through the branches create a natural symphony.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Mt. Hood National Forest, Knebal Springs Campground rests in a distinctive ecosystem dominated by majestic Ponderosa pines. This open forest environment represents the unique transition zone where the volcanic soils of the Cascade Range meet the drier eastern slopes, creating ideal conditions for these stately pines to thrive. The campground's location within this federally protected wilderness ensures pristine natural beauty and carefully preserved forest habitats for generations to come.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as having 'Big pads,' according to Eric Carmody. They are primarily designed for horse campers, with horse corrals included at most sites.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest the sites are spaced out, as noted by Rafi Anuar: 'Sites are spaced out.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites with horse corrals may not be ideal for campers without horses.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonLate May - Mid October
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest that the campground has rarely used sites, indicating potential availability for walk-ups, though this is not formally confirmed.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Knebal Springs Campground offers various recreational activities. It is adjacent to the Knebal Springs Trail, a 10-mile loop popular among mountain bikers and horseback riders. Hiking, backpacking, viewing plants, and scenery are also listed as activities available. The trail is a highlight for many visitors, as Zachary Collier described it as 'a great place to start the Knebal Springs mountain bike trail.'
Hiking
The Knebal Springs Trail is a 10-mile loop suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Mark Moore noted: 'Went for a horseback ride, had a great day, came across a lot of bikers on the trails, but everyone was courteous.'Biking
The Knebal Springs Trail is highly popular among mountain bikers. Zachary Collier said, 'A nice rarely used campground which makes a great place to start the Knebal Springs mountain bike trail.'Wildlife viewing
Viewing plants and scenery is listed as a recreational opportunity. No specific details about wildlife species are provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available, which could pose challenges for campers. User reviews also note limited cell service and proximity to the Dalles watershed, restricting access to surrounding areas.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsUser complaints focus on the high fees relative to amenities, limited potable water, and the campground's design primarily catering to horse riders.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Dufur, OR - take Forest Road 44 west about 16 miles, 4.5 miles north on FR 4430, then southwest less than a mile on FR 1720.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though user reviews indicate a long drive pulling a trailer may be required, emphasizing the need for proper vehicle preparation.Nearby places
Dufur, OR is approximately 16 miles away. Other nearby population centers are not specified.
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
4.1
7 reviews
Knebal Springs Campground/Day Use is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed perspective. Many appreciate the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and suitability for horse campers. However, some users found the fees high for the limited amenities and emphasized its primary design as a horse camp.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Cleanliness and maintenance are frequently praised. Rafi Anuar mentioned the vault toilet is 'super clean,' and Mark Moore highlighted the campground as 'very neat and clean.' The spaciousness of the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the high fees (ranging from $24 to $30 per night) for limited amenities, no potable water, and very little cell service. Dennis noted: 'Pretty expensive for what it is,'...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors planning to camp without horses might want to consider other options nearby, as suggested by user Keith Johnson: 'If you don't have horses it’s probably not the best camp.'
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
There are no specific seasonal trends mentioned, but the campground is open from late May to mid-October.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. Keith Johnson: 'This area was designed for a horse camp.' 2. Rafi Anuar: 'Sites are spaced out, super clean vault toilet, horse trough is fed by a spring, useful for cooling drinks in.' 3. Mark...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The reviews suggest that the sites with horse corrals are a notable feature. No specific site numbers are highlighted.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or policies related to pets are mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025