Joe Graham Horse Campground
4.2912 reviewsQuick Facts
3,350 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open from May 23, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
3,350 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open from May 23, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Joe Graham Horse Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates for equestrian sites are set at $25. Holiday rates incur an additional fee of $2 per night. Fees do not include taxes or...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.29
Satisfactory
Based on 12 reviews
11 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomsfriendly
"User reviews for Joe Graham Horse Campground reflect mixed experiences. Many visitors praise the trails, camp cleanliness, and equestrian facilities, while others report issues with deteriorating infrastructure and lack of clear communication about equestrian-only policies."
Fees & Passes at Joe Graham Horse Campground
$25/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Reservations can be made up to 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellation...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mt. Hood Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Joe Graham Horse Campground
The ever-changing mountain weather at Joe Graham creates a dynamic camping experience throughout the seasons. During optimal weeks, campers bask under crystal-clear skies with comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures pure joy. However, this high-country location means Mother Nature can shift dramatically, bringing periods of substantial precipitation and, in winter months, heavy snowfall that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Smart campers come prepared for variety, knowing that mountain weather can deliver both sun-drenched perfection and dramatic storm systems that showcase nature's raw power.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 07, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025 to September 07, 2025
About Joe Graham Horse Campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Joe Graham Horse Campground, where the majestic Mt. Hood towers above a pristine wilderness perfectly tailored for equestrian enthusiasts. Nestled within the breathtaking Mt. Hood National Forest, this specialized campground serves as your gateway to an extensive network of trails that wind through ancient forests and alpine meadows. Whether you arrive with your trusty steed or simply seek the peaceful ambiance of a horse-friendly environment, you'll find thoughtfully designed amenities including sturdy corrals and convenient hitching posts. Beyond horseback riding, the surrounding trails beckon hikers and mountain bikers to explore the diverse terrain, all while soaking in spectacular views of Oregon's iconic volcanic peak.
Joe Graham Horse Campground is an equestrian-specific facility with primitive camping accommodations. It caters exclusively to campers with horses, featuring horse corrals and related amenities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time with a short trek to the nearby Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District, where weathered structures from the early 1900s stand as monuments to the pioneering forest service workers who first protected these lands. The rustic architecture, crafted from local materials by skilled hands over a century ago, tells the story of early conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. These historic buildings, located less than a mile from your campsite, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rugged lifestyle of early foresters and continue to captivate history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Weather and SeasonsThe ever-changing mountain weather at Joe Graham creates a dynamic camping experience throughout the seasons. During optimal weeks, campers bask under crystal-clear skies with comfortable temperatures that make outdoor adventures pure joy. However, this high-country location means Mother Nature can shift dramatically, bringing periods of substantial precipitation and, in winter months, heavy snowfall that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Smart campers come prepared for variety, knowing that mountain weather can deliver both sun-drenched perfection and dramatic storm systems that showcase nature's raw power.
ElevationPerched at 3,350 feet above sea level, Joe Graham Horse Campground occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly crisp without the challenges of extreme altitude. This moderate elevation creates an invigorating environment where summer heat gives way to comfortable coolness, and morning mist often dances through the trees before giving way to brilliant sunshine. The elevation provides just enough lift to escape the valley heat while remaining accessible and comfortable for both horses and humans throughout the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering fir trees create a natural cathedral around Joe Graham, their ancient branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Adjacent marshy meadows burst with wildflowers in season and provide prime wildlife viewing opportunities, where deer graze at dawn and diverse bird species fill the air with song. The nearby waters of Clackamas Lake and Timothy Lake shimmer like jewels in the forest, inviting anglers to cast their lines, swimmers to take refreshing dips, and paddlers to explore peaceful coves in non-motorized craft. This rich tapestry of forest, meadow, and water creates an ecosystem teeming with life and endless opportunities for nature connection.
Geological RegionThe Mt. Hood National Forest showcases the volcanic legacy of the Cascade Range, where Joe Graham Horse Campground sits amidst a landscape sculpted by ancient lava flows and glacial activity. This remarkable terrain features dense stands of Douglas fir and noble fir that have colonized the volcanic soils, creating a lush forest ecosystem. The nearby marshy meadows formed in natural depressions speak to the area's complex hydrology, while Clackamas Lake and Timothy Lake fill basins carved by geological forces over millennia. This diverse landscape supports an impressive array of wildlife, from black bears and elk to spotted owls and countless smaller creatures that thrive in this protected forest environment.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets and equestrian facilities, though detailed information about accessibility features is limited.
Sites SizeSites are described as large enough to accommodate horse trailers but challenging to back into for some users due to tree and corner configurations.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not detailed. However, the campground is situated among tall fir trees, which could provide some degree of seclusion.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with sturdy corrals are recommended; however, not all campsites are equipped with proper horse stalls. Sites 10 and 11 lack corrals, as per user reviews.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made up to 14 consecutive nights per visit.
Groups
No specific group camping areas or policies are detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features single-family equestrian campsites equipped with corrals. Sites are laid out to accommodate trailers and vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23, 2025 to September 07, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website and app.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to your reservation are also subject to a $10 fee for date modifications.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Joe Graham Horse Campground offers a range of activities centered around its equestrian focus. Popular activities include horseback riding on nearby trails, hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying water recreation at nearby lakes. Specific attractions like the scenic Pacific Crest Trail and historic Clackamas Lake Ranger Station are nearby.
Hiking
Hiking options include the Joe Graham Trail, which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as nearby trails to Little Crater Lake and the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Trails cater to varying difficulty levels and provide scenic views.Fishing
Clackamas Lake offers fishing opportunities for a variety of trout species, including cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and German brown trout.Swimming
Swimming is available at Clackamas Lake, though no specific safety measures or facilities are mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity, with trails available in the vicinity.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported at Clackamas Lake, and power boats are permitted at nearby Timothy Lake.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, creating opportunities for wildlife observation in the marshy meadow and surrounding forest.Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District provides historical and cultural insight into the early 1900s forest service architecture.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not mentioned specifically for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported at Clackamas Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are generally allowed; however, fire restrictions might be imposed due to weather conditions.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews and official sources mention potential hazards such as campsite deteriorations like corrals falling apart and ground conditions worsening due to erosion.
Weather at Joe Graham Horse Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Moderate rain
Precipitation: 3.9%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 18.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (3.90% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 07, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are mentioned indirectly. Some user reviews highlight issues with manure disposal as the manure bins were reportedly replaced with less effective alternatives. "What happened to the manure bin?" asked one reviewer, citing ecological concerns.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Clackamas Lake, ideal for fishing and swimming, and Timothy Lake, which allows powerboat usage.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include deteriorating stall conditions, lack of water availability at some campsites, and inadequate manure disposal methods.
HostUser reviews mention hosts being helpful and delightful, although some instances note a lack of hosting presence.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right onto Skyline Road and travel south for 9 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible by traveling on Highway 26 eastward for 40 miles and then turning onto Skyline Road for an additional 9 miles. Road conditions and seasonal access considerations are not specified.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
12 reviews
Joe Graham Horse Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Joe Graham Horse Campground reflect mixed experiences. Many visitors praise the trails, camp cleanliness, and equestrian facilities, while others report issues with deteriorating infrastructure and lack of clear communication about equestrian-only policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects noted by users include 'super clean' restrooms, secure horse stalls, beautiful trails, and friendly camp hosts. One user stated, 'We had the best time!...cleanest bathrooms of any...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include deteriorating horse stalls, manure disposal issues, and inconsistent amenities such as water access and toilet paper supply. A user noted, 'The stalls are falling apart' and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include double-checking that your campsite has horse stalls if needed, as not all sites offer them, and bringing extra supplies like toilet paper.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User experiences are generally favorable during the summer, with comments like 'Our 2nd time staying and we will be back again.' Complaints about infrastructure suggest that maintenance issues may be...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'What happened to the manure bin? Putting manure in plastic bags does not seem ecologically sound.' 2. 'Corrals were study [sic] to safely hold the horses.' 3. 'Bathrooms ran out of toilet paper...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes complaints about some sites lacking horse stalls (e.g., sites 10 and 11) and praise for others, like site 003, which had 'nice sized and very secure gates.'
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility issues are not directly reviewed, though complaints about infrastructure like manure disposal and inconsistent water access could impact usability for some.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences beyond equestrian-related feedback.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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