Riley Horse Campground

Star4.41
47 reviews
MT. HOOD

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mount Hood Recreation/CLM Services site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Riley Horse Campground
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season equestrian nonelectric sites are priced at $23/night, with an additional $2 charge on holidays. Prices do not reflect discounts, taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$23.00
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 47 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

"Riley Horse Campground generally receives positive reviews, with particular appreciation for its equestrian-focused facilities and access to scenic trails. However, recurring complaints include water quality issues, non-equestrians occupying horse-designated sites, and occasional late-night noise."

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Campground Map

MT. HOOD

Riley Horse Campground

MT. HOOD

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel Highway 26 for 18 miles to Zigzag. Turn north onto Lolo Pass Road. Continue for about 4 miles, then turn right on Forest Road 1825 and continue for less than a mile. Bear right, staying on Forest Road 1825, and cross the Sandy River Bridge. Continue for another half-mile, to Forest Roads 1825-382. Turn right, cross Lost Creek Bridge, and the campground will be almost immediately on the right.
Accessible year-round via paved roads, though rough terrain on Forest Road 1825 could be problematic in winter conditions or heavy rain.
Nearby places
Sandy (18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest detailed information about supplies is not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Riley Horse Campground

Each season paints Riley Horse Campground with its own distinct palette. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, while summer brings warm days perfect for long trail rides. Autumn transforms the canopy into a tapestry of gold and crimson, and winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here year-round.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; warm days ideal for trail rides and hiking with many positive summer reviews (bring bug repellent).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited early-fall season presence (closes Sep 8) and possible late-summer smoke reduce fall desirability.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and rushing streams, but site opens late May so only late-spring access is possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground closed outside May 22–Sep 8; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - September 08, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 22, 2025, and closes September 8, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are listed.

About Riley Horse Campground

Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Hood's northwestern slopes, Riley Horse Campground beckons equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience the Pacific Northwest's untamed beauty from horseback. This unique campground seamlessly blends rustic charm with practical amenities, featuring dedicated horse corrals that serve as your trusty steed's home base while you explore miles of scenic trails winding through ancient forests. Though designed with riders in mind, Riley Horse welcomes all outdoor adventurers seeking a peaceful retreat in one of Oregon's most spectacular landscapes.
Riley Horse Campground is primarily designed for equestrian campers, but it also accommodates other visitors when sites are unreserved by horse owners.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Riley Horse Campground can enjoy a range of activities, especially those designed for equestrians, such as horseback riding on extensive trails. Other recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
HikingThe campground provides access to several hiking trails, including the 5.3-mile Cast Creek Trail, which connects to the Zigzag Mountain Trail for a nearly 14-mile loop combined with other trails. The nearby Sandy River Trail offers a 3-mile scenic walk.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Lost Creek and the nearby Sandy River, where anglers can catch trout, salmon, and whitefish. Fly fishing is particularly popular.
BikingBiking is allowed on some trails, and the campground's proximity to biking trails in Sandy makes it a good spot for mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, and reviews suggest that the forested setting offers good opportunities for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBrown water from the well pump unsuitable for drinking; campers should bring potable water. Horse dung is common.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are listed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Riley Horse Campground

Reviews

4.4
47 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Riley Horse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Riley Horse Campground generally receives positive reviews, with particular appreciation for its equestrian-focused facilities and access to scenic trails. However, recurring complaints include water quality issues, non-equestrians occupying horse-designated sites, and occasional late-night noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the spacious and private sites, clean vault toilets, and the beauty of the surrounding area. The trails are noted for their variety and suitability for horseback riding.
Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the poor quality of the well water (described as brown with iron), lack of enforcement of equestrian-only policies, and occasional shortages of toilet paper in the vault...
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Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the poor quality of on-site water and packing all needed supplies, including toilet paper. Horse campers are advised to book early to ensure...
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Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note the area's beauty and tranquility but highlight the importance of bringing mosquito repellent and drinking water. Late summer and early fall may experience smoke from wildfires in...
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Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Trails are amazing, clean toilets.' - Amber Drinks 'Water from the well pump is brown and not even suitable for the horses to drink.' - LAURA S 'Spent four nights. Camp sites are spacious and...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is highly recommended for its spaciousness and privacy. Site #4 was noted to have a slight incline, while sites #5 and up offer more shade. Horse corrals are not available at all sites; some...
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Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities beyond mentioning the accessible vault toilets.
Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and user reviews mention dogs enjoying nearby creeks and trails.
Based on 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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