Santiam Horse Camp

Star4.36
27 reviews
22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, Oregon, 97358, United States

Quick Facts

1,732 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Reopened in early su...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Oregon Department of Forestry site

Official Website
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Santiam Horse Camp
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Additional vehicles are $5 per night, payable at the campground.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 27 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacysites

"User feedback highlights the cleanliness and privacy of the campground, as well as the quality of the trails and facilities. Many appreciate the recent reopening, although some mention the challenging access road."

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Campground Map

22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, Oregon, 97358, United States

Santiam Horse Camp

22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, Oregon, 97358, United States

Driving directionsFrom Salem take Highway 22 eastbound 30 miles until you reach the town of Gates. Turn right (south) onto Horeb Road and drive about 300 feet. Turn left from Horeb Road onto Sorbin Street. Drive .3 miles through Gates crossing the river until you reach Gates School Road. Turn right (west) on Gates School Road and drive 1.1 miles until you reach Henness Lane. Turn left (east) at Henness Lane. Pavement ends and becomes gravel road. This is the Monument Peak Road and day-use parking area for access to the Monument Peak Trail System. Drive 1.1 miles up Monument Peak Road until you reach Xmas Tree Road. Turn right (west) on Xmas Tree Road. Drive .3 miles to Santiam Horse Camp.
The haul-in route is over gravel forest road, which can be steep and skinny in places. "I'd recommend 4X4 trucks to be used for hauling more than 2 horses in," according to one user review.
Nearby places
Lyons (null miles), Gates (9 miles from Salem), Salem (30 miles)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Santiam Horse Camp

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Cascade foothills, where winter blankets the camp in crisp, cold air and frequent precipitation creates a mystical atmosphere among the recovering forest. As spring unfolds, the landscape bursts with renewal, leading into warm, dry summers perfect for dusty trail rides and long hiking days under clear blue skies. Each season offers its own rewards, from winter's solitude to summer's golden afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Reopened early summer; trails, wildflowers and meadows make summer appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Cascade foothills offer seasonal transformation and trails remain attractive in fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring regrowth, wildflowers and clear streams make this season attractive for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter brings snow and frequent precipitation; access and conditions may be challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Reopened in early summer of 2022.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions apply based on seasonal fire danger as determined by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

About Santiam Horse Camp

Rising from the ashes of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, Santiam Horse Camp has triumphantly reopened its gates to adventurers seeking the unique beauty of Oregon's regenerating wilderness. This equestrian-friendly haven in the Santiam State Forest beckons horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers alike to explore its extensive network of non-motorized trails. Here, the stark beauty of fire-touched forest creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, where new growth emerges alongside charred sentinels, telling a powerful story of nature's resilience.
Santiam Horse Camp offers specialized camping options focusing on equestrian use, with 9 equestrian sites and 2 non-equestrian sites available for reservation. "Campers must bring a minimum of one pack or saddle animal to stay in horse camp corral sites," as stated in the official guidelines. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire grates.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Campers must bring a minimum of one pack or saddle animal to stay in horse camp corral sites.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Santiam Horse Camp is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly equestrians, hikers, and bikers. "Trail users travel through miles of diverse forest with clear streams and unique geological formations," according to the official description. After reopening post-wildfire damage, the campground remains a starting point for non-motorized trail systems. Maps and clear signage make navigation easy.
HikingThe trails offer diverse terrains, including access to streams and unique geological features. One user noted, "There’s easy access to tons of different trails," making it a great spot for outdoor exploration.
BikingBiking is highlighted as one of the key activities, with trails being accessible from the campground. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGravel roads leading to the campground can be steep and narrow, requiring vehicles like 4X4 trucks. Fire restrictions are in place, and invasive species protection limits firewood transport into Oregon.
Active AlertsFire restrictions apply based on seasonal fire danger as determined by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Weather at Santiam Horse Camp

Reviews

4.4
27 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Santiam Horse Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights the cleanliness and privacy of the campground, as well as the quality of the trails and facilities. Many appreciate the recent reopening, although some mention the challenging access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the privacy between sites, the helpful maps and signage, and the sturdy corrals for horses.
Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

The gravel access road to the campground was noted as steep and narrow in places, which may require a 4x4 vehicle for hauling larger loads.
Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One user recommends using a 4x4 truck for hauling more than 2 horses due to the steep and narrow gravel roads.
Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide detailed seasonal experiences beyond the reopening in 2022. However, it is worth noting that fire restrictions and trail conditions may vary with the seasons.
Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"There's plenty of privacy between sites, well-established trails between and around the campground, and very easy access to tons of different trails." - Robert Mosher. "It's still there, super clean...
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

No information related to accessibility features or experiences is provided.
Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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