Horse Creek Group Campground

For those of us in Oregon who love to gather with friends, family, or fellow outdoor enthusiasts, finding the perfect spacious and serene setting for a group outing can be a delightful challenge. Look no further than Horse Creek Group Campground, nestled within the breathtaking Willamette National Forest near Blue River, Oregon. This exceptional campground is specifically designed to accommodate larger gatherings, offering a "beautiful location" and "lots of spots" where your group can relax, reconnect, and immerse yourselves in the stunning natural beauty that defines our state's Cascade Mountains.

Horse Creek Group Campground stands out as an ideal choice for a tranquil and memorable group experience. Situated on the banks of Horse Creek, with the soothing sound of rushing water and surrounded by towering Douglas firs, it provides a cool, shady, and remarkably "quiet place to relax." Unlike smaller individual campsites, Horse Creek is built to foster communal experiences, offering ample space for activities and shared moments. It’s perfect for family reunions, scout troop outings, or just a large gathering of friends seeking a peaceful escape. With easy access to fantastic fishing opportunities in Horse Creek and the renowned McKenzie River National Recreation Trail nearby, it promises both relaxation and adventure in one of Oregon's most beloved forest environments. It truly embodies the spirit of collective enjoyment in the great Oregon outdoors.

Horse Creek Group Campground is located at 91401-91429 NF-2638, Blue River, OR 97413, USA. This places it within the vast and verdant Willamette National Forest, a jewel in Oregon's central Cascade Mountains. It's situated on the eastern side of the McKenzie River Valley, offering a balance of seclusion and accessibility to the region's numerous attractions.

Access to Horse Creek Group Campground is generally straightforward. From Eugene, Oregon, you would take I-105 East to Highway 126 East, continuing for approximately 55 miles to McKenzie Bridge. From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Highway 126 to Horse Creek Road (Forest Road #2638). Turn right onto Horse Creek Road and travel southeast for about 2 miles to reach the campground, which will be the first left after the junction with King Road. The roads leading to the campground are typically well-maintained, making it accessible for a variety of vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length, as specified for the gravel parking spurs. While it offers a sense of being "away from it all," its proximity to Highway 126 ensures that it's a manageable drive for Oregonians traveling from the Willamette Valley or other parts of the state, making it a convenient option for group getaways.

Horse Creek Group Campground is equipped with essential amenities to support comfortable group camping, focusing on practicality and a natural outdoor experience:

• Group Campsites: The campground is specifically designed for groups, featuring 17 parking/camping areas that can accommodate a total of 60 campers and 23 vehicles. Sites are available for tents, trailers, and RVs. The facility fee is $75 per night for the group site (maximum 60 people).
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available via a well or pump, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets (outhouses) are provided throughout the campground for convenience.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, allowing for outdoor cooking and traditional campfires (always subject to current fire restrictions).
• Trash Collection: Garbage service is provided, helping to keep the campground clean and reducing the need for campers to pack out all waste.
• Open Field for Sports: An open field on the west side of the campground allows guests to play sports like frisbee or kickball, offering a dedicated space for group activities.
• Gravel Parking Spurs: Campsites feature gravel parking spurs, capable of accommodating vehicles up to 35 feet, suitable for RVs and trailers.

Horse Creek Group Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination, especially for larger parties seeking a serene forest experience:

• Dedicated Group Camping: Its primary highlight is its design as a group campground, offering ample space and facilities tailored for larger gatherings (up to 60 people and 23 vehicles). This eliminates the challenge of finding multiple individual sites together.
• Beautiful Riverside Setting: Located directly on the banks of Horse Creek, the campground benefits from the soothing sounds of rushing water and a scenic, cool, and shady environment among tall Douglas firs and Western Red Cedar.
• Proximity to McKenzie River National Recreation Trail: The campground provides nearby access to the famous McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, a 26-mile trail offering excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking with "wonderful scenery along the river."
• Fishing Opportunities: Fishing in Horse Creek itself is an "enjoyable pastime," and numerous developed boat launches nearby provide access to the larger McKenzie River for additional angling and water activities.
• Recreational Field: The presence of an open field for sports like frisbee or kickball adds a valuable amenity for group entertainment and activities.
• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently note its "beautiful, quiet place to relax," emphasizing the tranquil environment ideal for unwinding and enjoying nature without excessive noise.
• Access to Cougar Reservoir: Cougar Reservoir, located about 10 miles southwest, offers additional recreational opportunities, including excellent boating.
• Forested Mountain Landscape: The campground is set within a gorgeous, lush mountain landscape along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, providing a true Pacific Northwest outdoor experience.

For reservations, current conditions, or more detailed information about Horse Creek Group Campground, please use the following contact information. Reservations are highly recommended due to its group focus and popularity.

Address: 91401-91429 NF-2638, Blue River, OR 97413, USA

Phone for Reservations (Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

Local Ranger District (McKenzie River Ranger District): (541) 822-3381

For entry, guests should call (541) 822-3381 at least 72 hours prior to arrival to confirm the combination code for the locked gate and for any updates, as the office is closed on weekends.

Horse Creek Group Campground is an exceptional choice for Oregonians, particularly those planning outings for larger groups. For families, friends, or organizations across the state, the ability to reserve a dedicated group site significantly simplifies trip planning, ensuring everyone can camp together in one beautiful location. Its setting within the majestic Willamette National Forest, amidst towering Douglas firs and alongside Horse Creek, provides a true Pacific Northwest experience that feels both secluded and incredibly scenic.

The emphasis on group amenities, including spacious sites, an open field for games, and essential facilities like drinking water and vault toilets, makes it a comfortable and convenient choice for gatherings. Moreover, the campground's proximity to the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail offers abundant opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, appealing to active Oregonians. Anglers will appreciate the chance to fish in Horse Creek and the nearby McKenzie River. For locals seeking a "beautiful, quiet place to relax" and create lasting memories with their chosen group, Horse Creek Group Campground provides the perfect backdrop for collective outdoor adventures in the heart of Oregon's stunning natural landscapes.

Horse Creek Group Campground

91401-91429 NF-2638, Blue River, OR 97413, USA