How much does camping cost at Riley Horse Campground?

Camping fees at Riley Horse Campground are $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Riley Horse Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Riley Horse Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Riley Horse Campground before I book?

Yes! Riley Horse Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Riley Horse Campground?

Riley Horse Campground is open May 22 to September 08. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Riley Horse Campground?

Riley Horse Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Riley Horse Campground?

Fire policies at Riley Horse Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Riley Horse Campground have?

Riley Horse Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Riley Horse Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Riley Horse Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Riley Horse Campground?

Riley Horse Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Riley Horse Campground?

Popular activities at Riley Horse Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Riley Horse Campground

4.34

54 reviews

MT. HOOD

Top 15% in ORSummer

Featured in:Mountain Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation/CLM Services Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Season opens May 22,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation/CLM Services Official Website

Get Directions

Riley Horse Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

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Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

MT. HOOD

Riley Horse Campground

MT. HOOD

Nearby places

Sandy (18 miles)

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.

Weather at Riley Horse Campground

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Mt. Hood National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Riley Horse Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full campground services (corrals, trails and river access) — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Trail riding, mountain biking and fishing on nearby streams and the Sandy River are at their peak, with long daylight hours for extended outings. Weekends and holiday weeks see the most visitors, so plan midweek trips for quieter trails. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OR

Peak season (May 22–Sep 8); most reliable weather, full services and trail access in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 22, 2025, and closes September 8, 2025.

About Riley Horse Campground

Riley Horse Campground sits in the Mount Hood National Forest foothills along the Sandy River, operated by Mount Hood Recreation/CLM Services. This small equestrian-focused campground offers spacious, private sites with corrals, vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Riders use the campground as a base for trail riding and mountain biking on nearby forest routes, while anglers fish the Sandy River and surrounding streams.

Riley Horse Campground is primarily designed for equestrian campers, but it also accommodates other visitors when sites are unreserved by horse owners.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full campground services (corrals, trails and river access) — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Trail riding, mountain biking and fishing on nearby streams and the Sandy River are at their peak, with long daylight hours for extended outings. Weekends and holiday weeks see the most visitors, so plan midweek trips for quieter trails. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Old Maid Flat, a terrain formed by ancient mudflows from Mt. Hood. Lost Creek cuts through the area, and the nearby Sandy River has carved channels that expose rock formations and river-polished stones. Douglas firs and western hemlocks provide canopy cover. Deer, elk, and various bird species move through the forest. The landscape sits on active geology where water continues reshaping the volcanic terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or other accommodations beyond campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations should be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets. No other specific disability-related features were mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious with ample privacy between most of them.

PrivacyCampers generally find the sites private and quiet, although the absence of enforcement of equestrian-preference policies sometimes leads to crowding by non-horse campers.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended sites for equestrian use include those with newly installed corrals. Sites 5 and 7 are better shaded and flat.

Best CampsitesSites 5 and 7 get high marks from campers for shade and layout. Horse campers should book early since non-equestrians sometimes occupy the corralled sites despite the campground's intended purpose.

Need help booking Riley Horse Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Riley Horse Campground provides an equestrian-focused camping experience with amenities tailored for horse owners, including horse corrals, hitching posts, tables, campfire rings with grills, accessible vault toilets, and drinking water facilities. While the campground is mainly for equestrians, others can use it when horse owners have not reserved the sites. User reviews highlight issues such as brown, undrinkable well water, which some described as unsuitable even for horses, and occasional maintenance shortcomings in restroom supplies.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Riley Horse Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to several trails including 5.3-mile Cast Creek Trail and connection to Zigzag Mountain Trail.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing at Lost Creek and nearby Sandy River for trout, salmon and whitefish; fly fishing mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5River-polished stones, exposed rock formations, forest canopy and mountain views provide photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault-style toilets are provided instead.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Riley Horse Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

54 reviews

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 54 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 54 reviews.

Site #7Loved
Site #7 is highly recommended for its spaciousness and privacy.
Site #4Loved
Site #4 was noted to have a slight incline, while sites #5 and up offer more shade.

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 54 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...

Based on 54 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...

Based on 54 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...

Based on 54 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...

Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 54 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Riley Horse Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

Go if

You're bringing horses and want private sites with direct trail access near the Sandy River.

Skip if

You're not riding horses or need reliably clear well water for livestock.

Nearby Campgrounds

70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049

McNeil Campground sits on the Wild and Scenic Sandy River in Mt. Hood National Forest, 2,000 feet up in a forest of lodgepole pines and Douglas firs. The 34 tent and primitive sites operate first-come, first-serve for $15-$21/night from June through early September. The campground occupies an ancient volcanic mudflow, with moss-covered boulders scattered throughout the grounds.

Riley Horse Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Riley Horse Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Riley Horse Campground

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Riley Horse Campground

Planning Tips

About Riley Horse Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Riley Horse Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Riley Horse Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Riley Horse Campground

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Riley Horse Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Riley Horse Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Riley Horse Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns