Howard Creek Horse Campground

For Oregonians who love to explore the Cascade foothills with their horses, **Howard Creek Horse Campground** at the renowned Silver Falls State Park represents a prime destination. This specialized campground is a treasured resource for the local equestrian community, providing dedicated facilities that make camping with horses seamless and enjoyable. Often referred to as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls offers a spectacular backdrop of temperate rainforest, old-growth timber, and, most famously, the stunning Trail of Ten Falls. Howard Creek is your portal to the quieter, extensive backcountry trail system within the park.

The campground’s unique appeal is its laser focus on the equestrian camper. It offers spacious sites explicitly designed to accommodate horse trailers—including large Living Quarters trailers—and features necessary amenities like sturdy corrals and stock water. This high demand means that spots are competitive, and local users know that reserving well in advance is essential to secure one of the few prized campsites. The atmosphere is that of a quiet, dedicated hub for horse lovers, a peaceful retreat after a long day on the saddle exploring the park’s extensive multi-use trail network.

While the **Trail of Ten Falls** is the park's main hiking attraction, the trails accessible from Howard Creek offer miles of riding through beautiful, dense forest. The campground provides a comfortable and secure base camp, ensuring both riders and their horses are well cared for, a level of specialized service that makes it an indispensable part of the Oregon camping landscape.

Howard Creek Horse Campground is nestled within **Silver Falls State Park**, located in **Marion County, OR 97381, USA**. The park is conveniently situated in Northern Oregon, approximately 20 miles east of Salem and about an hour and a half south of Portland, making it easily accessible for a large portion of the state's population. Access is typically via Oregon Route 214, with the main park entrance approximately 13 miles southeast of Silverton.

For the equestrian user, the campground’s location provides direct access to the backcountry trails—separate from the main waterfall hiking loop. It is important to note that Howard Creek Horse Campground operates seasonally, generally from May through September, due to the higher elevation and winter weather conditions typical of the region.

Accessibility at the site is designed to accommodate large vehicles:

• Sites offer plenty of space for trailers, including those with Living Quarters.
• **On-site parking** is provided for multiple vehicles per site, up to the site limit.
• The main Silver Falls State Park campground, which is nearby, features some Universal Access campsites and restrooms, and while Howard Creek itself is more rustic, information on accessibility can be confirmed upon reservation.

Due to the complexity of the park's network, calling the park office for direct directions to the Howard Creek area is often recommended, as GPS coordinates for the main park entrance may not lead directly to the horse camp.

The services at Howard Creek Horse Campground are specifically tailored to the needs of the equestrian camper, ensuring both human and animal companions have a comfortable stay. The amenities focus on the essentials for multi-day trail riding:

• **Specialized Campsites:** The camp features five primitive sites and one large group site. Individual sites are spacious and designed to accommodate large RVs and horse trailers.
• **Horse Accommodations:** Each of the five main sites includes nice **corrals for up to four horses** and hitching rails. The group site can accommodate up to 12 horses.
• **Water Supply:** **Running water** is available. Faucets near the sites provide **stock water**, which is potable, for horses.
• **Restrooms:** Primitive restrooms are available, including vault toilets or porta potties near the sites. Guests also have access to the full amenities of the main Silver Falls Campground, which include **Public shower** facilities and flush toilets (a short drive away).
• **Sanitation:** A dedicated **muck pit** (manure bin) is provided for proper waste disposal, critical for maintaining a clean and healthy horse camp environment.
• **Financial:** The required **Camping fee** ensures the maintenance of these specialized facilities. Fees are processed upon reservation.
• **Reservations:** Sites must be reserved well in advance, typically up to six months, through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.

The highlights of Howard Creek Horse Campground are intrinsically linked to the spectacular landscape of Silver Falls State Park and the unrivaled access it provides to the backcountry:

• **Exceptional Trail Access:** The primary highlight is the direct connection to Silver Falls State Park's extensive multi-use backcountry trail system—over 35 miles of trails shared with mountain bikers and hikers. These trails are widely praised for their beauty and condition.
• **Dedicated Equestrian Design:** The camp’s infrastructure, including the spacious parking, corrals, and stock water, is the gold standard for **Oregon equestrian camping**, allowing riders to spend less time managing logistics and more time riding.
• **Variety of Riding Experiences:** Riders can choose from a variety of trails, from **nice easy short loops** to more challenging routes like the outer **Perimeter trail** (which can be steep and technical) and the scenic **Buck Mountain Loop** (8.5 miles).
• **Temperate Rainforest Environment:** Camping is set within a stunning, quiet, temperate rainforest, offering shade and natural beauty, with towering old-growth Douglas-firs and hemlocks, creating a truly quintessential Oregon outdoor experience.
• **Proximity to Waterfalls (Hike Only):** While horses are not permitted on the **Trail of Ten Falls**, the main trailhead is a short distance away, allowing campers to easily switch gears and enjoy one of the state's most famous hikes, featuring ten breathtaking waterfalls.
• **High Demand:** The fact that spots are "always full" is a highlight in itself, signifying a high-quality experience affirmed by a loyal user base.
• **Picnic Tables and Fire Rings:** Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for a complete and comfortable outdoor dining experience.

Due to the complexity of reservations and the need to confirm directions and current fire restrictions, local Oregon campers should use the official Silver Falls State Park contact information:

Address: The campground is located within Silver Falls State Park, **Marion County, OR 97381, USA**. The nearest town is Sublimity, OR.

For Park Information: **(503) 873-8681** (This number may connect to the main park office)

For Reservations/Cancellations: **(503) 873-8681 ext. 31** or the general Oregon State Parks reservation line (1-800-452-5687)

Mobile Phone: **+1 503-873-8681 ext. 31**

Note: Reservations for the five main sites can be made online, but the large group site (Site C) often requires calling the park directly.

For Oregon equestrians, **Howard Creek Horse Campground** is worth choosing because it eliminates the logistical challenges of camping with large animals while placing you directly in the heart of one of the state's most beautiful forests. This campground is built by riders, for riders. The seamless transition from your campsite to miles of dedicated, well-maintained multi-use trails—like the Perimeter and Buck Mountain Loops—is unmatched. A one-stop location providing large, safe corrals, stock water, and room for living-quarters trailers saves significant effort and time.

The strong recommendation from long-time users highlights the beauty of the park and the quality of the trails as the primary draw. The trails are wide, in excellent condition, and offer varied terrain, from easy loops to more technical sections, catering to all skill levels. By securing a reservation (and remember to book early!), you are guaranteeing a rare and rewarding Oregon adventure—a quiet, dedicated equestrian community experience nestled in the majestic Silver Falls State Park, just a short distance from the stunning spectacle of the waterfalls.

Howard Creek Horse Campground

Marion County, OR 97381, USA