Horseglade Campground sits at 5,066 feet in Fremont-Winema National Forest, where forested highlands meet the wetlands of Sycan Marsh. The primitive campground provides direct access to the OC&E Trail, a 100-mile route popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Horseglade Campground allows dispersed camping and provides minimal facilities.
Historical Significance
The OC&E Trail follows the railbed of the Oregon, California & Eastern Railroad, which once hauled timber through this part of Oregon. The rail line has been converted to a multi-use trail, and the old trestle over Merritt Creek still stands.Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most dependable conditions. Mid-June through mid-September sees daytime highs between 65 and 85°F, with nights dropping into the mid-30s to low 50s. Snow closes in from late fall through spring, with five-inch storms not uncommon. Weekends draw more traffic during summer, but weekdays stay quiet.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a crossroads where Five Mile Creek and Merritt Creek cut through terrain shaped by volcanic origins. Sycan Marsh spreads out to one side, a sprawling wetland system that draws waterfowl and waders. The Merritt Creek Trestle, a remnant of railroad engineering, spans the creek nearby. At this elevation, the landscape shifts between dry ponderosa stands and pockets of riparian vegetation along the creeks.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Fremont-Winema National Forest, Horseglade Campground occupies a unique ecological crossroads. Here, the forested highlands give way to the sprawling wetlands of Sycan Marsh, while Five Mile Creek and Merritt Creek carve their ancient paths through the landscape. This diverse terrain along the OC&E Trail corridor showcases the region's geological story, from volcanic origins to the life-giving waterways that sustain this remarkable ecosystem.
Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy vistas of the Merritt Creek Trestle and lush Sycan Marsh. Trails provide scenic views along the Five Mile Creek.