How much does camping cost at Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Big Meadows Horse Camp range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Meadows Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Meadows Horse Camp 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 Big Meadows Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Big Meadows Horse Camp has 2 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 Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Big Meadows Horse Camp is open May 22 to October 25. 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 Big Meadows Horse Camp?

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

Can I have a campfire at Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Big Meadows Horse Camp: Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Meadows Horse Camp have?

Big Meadows Horse Camp has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Big Meadows Horse Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Big Meadows Horse Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Meadows Horse Camp

2.57

20 reviews

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Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Reservable season: M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,600 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Reservable season: M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Linn County Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Big Meadows Horse Camp

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $25.00; ScanPay 2: $25.00; ScanPay 3: $25.00; ScanPay 4: $25.00; Standard: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Big Meadows Horse Camp

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Nearby places

Detroit (25.6 miles, east on State Highway 22)

Sisters (31.5 miles, west on State Highway 126/US Highway 20).

Driving directionsFrom Detroit, Oregon, travel 25.6 miles east on State Highway 22 to Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267). Continue on Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267) for 0.9 miles to Forest Service Road 2257. Proceed on FS Road 2257 for 0.5 miles to Big Meadows Horse Camp. From Sisters, Oregon, head west on State Highway 126/US Highway 20 for 31.5 miles to Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267). *(Highway will merge and continue as State Highway 22 after 25.7 miles from Sisters). Continue on Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267) for 0.9 miles to Forest Service Road 2257. Proceed on FS Road 2257 for 0.5 miles to Big Meadows Horse Camp.

Weather at Big Meadows Horse Camp

Current alerts(6)

Fire bans are common during summer months. | Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted.
Limit 1 vehicle per site; an $9 fee will be charged for each additional vehicle at the campsite.
No discharging firearms, possession of fireworks or use of chainsaws allowed.
There are no electric hookups available.

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadows Horse Camp

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and fully accessible trails—daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s—making it ideal for multi-day equestrian rides and hiking. Meadows and wildflowers are at their peak in July and August, water crossings are lower and safe, and campground facilities (corrals, hitching racks, loading ramp) are all in service. Expect moderate weekend crowds and holiday demand, so reserve a site for peak weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season noted as summer; trails fully accessible, wildflowers peak July–August, pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable season: May 23 to October 26. First-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 21.

About Big Meadows Horse Camp

Big Meadows Horse Camp sits in the Willamette National Forest foothills, operated by Linn County Parks and Recreation specifically for equestrian camping. Each site includes individual corrals, hitching racks, and loading areas, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Riders access forest trails from camp, though some routes to Duffy Lake are narrow and technical.

Big Meadows Horse Camp caters to a mix of equestrian and traditional campers, with sites available for trailers and tents.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and fully accessible trails—daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s—making it ideal for multi-day equestrian rides and hiking. Meadows and wildflowers are at their peak in July and August, water crossings are lower and safe, and campground facilities (corrals, hitching racks, loading ramp) are all in service. Expect moderate weekend crowds and holiday demand, so reserve a site for peak weekends. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe camp occupies terrain shaped by ancient lava flows, now covered in dense coniferous forest. A creek runs alongside the campground where horses can drink. Trails from camp cross subalpine meadows that bloom with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and bear grass in July and August, then push into heavier timber and past glacially carved lakes. The forest canopy filters light through Douglas-fir and true fir, with undergrowth of ferns and moss. The location straddles different ecosystems where high mountain terrain meets lower forest zones.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or lodges are available. The campground is designed for traditional camping and equestrian use.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

The stay limit is not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

Group camping specifics are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Scan and Pay transactions must be made on-site using the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Site SizeSites can accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 36 feet in length.

PrivacyNo clear information on the level of privacy at the sites is provided.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommended using the trailhead, rather than the trails directly from camp, to access Duffy Lake due to safety concerns.

Need help booking Big Meadows Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

There are two single-vault toilets and stock amenities including 4-stall corrals or highlines in each campsite, hitching rack, loading ramp, and stock water trough. Drinking water is available via hand pump.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Meadows Horse Camp offers recreational activities primarily centered around equestrian use, hiking, and exploring nearby trails and natural attractions.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides two single-vault toilets for visitor use.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.6

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Meadows Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's equestrian-friendly amenities and proximity to trails, although some users find certain trails challenging and narrow.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its equestrian amenities, including individual corrals at each site, and the availability of nearby trails for exploration.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

One user noted that trails leading from the campground to Duffy Lake are narrow and potentially dangerous, suggesting that visitors use the trailhead instead. No other major complaints are...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews mention there are 8-9 campsites, each equipped with a corral. No specific site numbers are highlighted as the best or worst.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A user suggested avoiding the trail from the campground to Duffy Lake due to its difficulty and narrowness, recommending instead starting at the trailhead.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify variations in user experience across seasons.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Room for plenty of horses. Space for tent and trailer camping. Water can be sourced from the creek that runs right next to the camp. Access to the Meadows and lakes nearby.' (James McCaughan,...

Based on 20 reviews