Big Meadows Horse Camp
03 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
3,600 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Reservable season: M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,600 ftPrice
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Reservable season: M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBig Meadows Horse Camp
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $25 per night for standard nonelectric campsites during the peak season (May 23 to October 26). Fees vary based on reservation method: $8 if...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(541) 967-3917null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
9 Google reviews
"User reviews highlight the campground's equestrian-friendly amenities and proximity to trails, although some users find certain trails challenging and narrow."
Fees & Passes at Big Meadows Horse Camp
$25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: The stay limit is not explicitly stated.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee appl...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Linn County Parks and Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Big Meadows Horse Camp
From late May through October, Big Meadows Horse Camp awakens under the gentle warmth of mountain sunshine, offering riders ideal conditions for trail exploration. The peak season brings comfortable temperatures that make both daytime rides and evening campfires equally enjoyable. As summer progresses, visitors should note that fire restrictions often come into effect to protect this treasured forest landscape. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with crisp mornings that gradually warm into perfect riding weather and the kind of clear mountain air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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 to October 26.. 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.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts were detailed.
About Big Meadows Horse Camp
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, Big Meadows Horse Camp offers an intimate equestrian escape where riders and their four-legged companions can explore Oregon's pristine wilderness together. This thoughtfully designed campground features nine well-appointed camping units, each equipped with essential amenities that make traveling with horses a breeze. From sturdy corrals and convenient hitching racks to a practical loading ramp, every detail has been considered for the comfort of both horse and rider. Fresh mountain water flows from a traditional hand pump, while two vault toilets ensure basic conveniences are never far from your campsite. It's the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic horse-packing adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
Big Meadows Horse Camp caters to a mix of equestrian and traditional campers, with sites available for trailers and tents.
Historical SignificanceWhile Big Meadows Horse Camp may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in preserving the timeless tradition of horse camping in the American West. This quiet corner of the forest continues to serve as a gathering place for modern-day adventurers who choose to explore the wilderness as generations before them did—on horseback, at nature's pace.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Big Meadows Horse Camp awakens under the gentle warmth of mountain sunshine, offering riders ideal conditions for trail exploration. The peak season brings comfortable temperatures that make both daytime rides and evening campfires equally enjoyable. As summer progresses, visitors should note that fire restrictions often come into effect to protect this treasured forest landscape. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with crisp mornings that gradually warm into perfect riding weather and the kind of clear mountain air that makes every breath feel rejuvenating.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, Big Meadows Horse Camp offers a refreshing retreat from the valley heat below. This mountain elevation brings crisp, pine-scented air and panoramic views that stretch across the forested ridgelines. The altitude creates a natural air conditioning effect, ensuring comfortable sleeping temperatures even during summer's warmest days, while the elevated position provides stunning vantage points for watching sunrise paint the surrounding peaks in shades of gold and pink.
Natural Features and SceneryBig Meadows Horse Camp is embraced by a tapestry of towering evergreens that provide both shade and shelter for weary travelers. A melodious creek babbles alongside the campground, offering horses a refreshing drink and campers a natural soundtrack for their stay. Well-maintained trails wind from the camp through meadows bursting with seasonal wildflowers—Indian paintbrush, lupine, and bear grass create a colorful carpet in early summer. These paths lead adventurous riders to hidden lakes that mirror the sky and secret meadows where deer graze in the early morning mist. The dense canopy overhead filters sunlight into dancing patterns, while the undergrowth of ferns and moss creates a lush, emerald world that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionSituated in the volcanic wonderland of the Willamette National Forest near historic Santiam Pass, Big Meadows Horse Camp rests on ancient lava flows now softened by millennia of forest growth. This unique location places riders at the crossroads of diverse ecosystems, where subalpine meadows meet dense coniferous forests. The network of loop trails radiating from the camp explores this varied terrain, leading through landscapes shaped by fire and ice, past hidden lakes carved by glaciers, and across meadows that bloom in nature's carefully orchestrated succession. The proximity to both high mountain passes and secluded water features makes this an ideal launching point for equestrian adventures that showcase the geological diversity of the Oregon Cascades.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific information regarding accessibility features is not provided in the source material.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate vehicles and trailers up to 36 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyNo clear information on the level of privacy at the sites is provided.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommended using the trailhead, rather than the trails directly from camp, to access Duffy Lake due to safety concerns.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
The stay limit is not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping specifics are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 9 sites, each equipped with picnic tables, 4-stall corrals or highlines, and rock-compacted surfaces.
Open and Closed SeasonReservable season: May 23 to October 26. First-come, first-served availability from June 20 to June 21.
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.
Walk-in AvailabilityThree campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, payable through Scan and Pay with no refund or modification options.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of any reservation fees or past change fees. Late cancellations (starting midnight one day before check-in) will forfeit the first night’s fee. No refunds are available for Scan and Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Meadows Horse Camp offers recreational activities primarily centered around equestrian use, hiking, and exploring nearby trails and natural attractions.
Hiking
Several loop trails accessible from the campground include the Duffy Lake Trail, Big Meadows Loop Trail, and Big Meadows Tie Trail. However, user reviews caution that trails leading directly from the campground to Duffy Lake can be narrow, difficult to maneuver, and potentially dangerous.Winter Activities
No winter recreation opportunities are detailed in the provided materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed until otherwise posted, though fire bans are common during summer months.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow and potentially dangerous trails leading to Duffy Lake from the campground are noted in user reviews. Summer fire bans may restrict campfire use.
Active alertsNo active alerts were detailed.
Weather at Big Meadows Horse Camp
43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 15 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are not explicitly stated. Contact the Detroit Ranger District at 44125 N. Santiam Hwy., Detroit, OR 97360. Phone: (541) 967-3917.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to October 26.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but there is no mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresA creek runs alongside the campground, and trails provide access to nearby lakes, including Duffy Lake.
Common complaintsSome visitors found the trails to Duffy Lake narrow and hard to maneuver, describing them as potentially dangerous.
HostNo information about campground hosts was provided.
Campground Map
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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.
Big Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 2267) is paved, but most access roads and travel surfaces within the campground and adjacent forest are compacted rock. Limited or no cellular service may be available.Nearby places
Detroit (25.6 miles, east on State Highway 22)
Sisters (31.5 miles, west on State Highway 126/US Highway 20).
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Big Meadows Horse Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 3 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 3 reviewsCommon 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 3 reviewsShow more
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 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify variations in user experience across seasons.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper 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 3 reviewsShow more
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 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific user reviews mention experiences with pets.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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