Lily Glen Campground

Hey there, fellow Oregon outdoor enthusiasts! If you're a horse owner, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a truly unique and serene camping experience, then Lily Glen Campground near Ashland, Oregon, is a destination that absolutely deserves your attention. This isn't just any campground; it's a dedicated equestrian park nestled on the shores of the beautiful Howard Prairie Reservoir, offering a rare blend of wide-open spaces, well-maintained trails, and the tranquility of the high Cascades. As one delighted visitor shared, it was "such a pleasant surprise" to find a place where "it was very easy to get our huge trailer into the campground and it was wide open with a beautiful Meadow where we were able to tie out our horses."

Oregon is renowned for its diverse landscapes, and the high country of Southern Oregon offers a special kind of magic. Lily Glen Campground perfectly captures this, providing a unique haven for those who wish to explore the wilderness with their equine companions. It's described as "second only to Paradise," even "in a drought," highlighting its enduring beauty. Whether you're an avid equestrian ready to hit "amazing and well marked" trails or a tent camper seeking a peaceful retreat, Lily Glen offers an immersive experience in a stunning setting. This place is all about embracing the great outdoors in a truly special way. Let's delve into what makes Lily Glen Campground a cherished spot for locals seeking an authentic and horse-friendly Oregon adventure.

Lily Glen Campground is located near Ashland, OR 97520, USA, specifically on the shore of Howard Prairie Reservoir. This puts it high in the Southern Oregon Cascades, roughly 20 miles east of Ashland.

Access to Lily Glen is typically via Dead Indian Memorial Road from Ashland. From I-5 (Exit 14) in Ashland, you would take Highway 66 east for about a mile, then turn onto Dead Indian Memorial Road (also known as Mountain Lakes Highway) and follow it for approximately 18 miles to Lily Glen. Reviews highlight that the campground is "very easy to get our huge trailer into," indicating good accessibility for larger rigs, including horse trailers. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, allowing for a smooth journey into this picturesque high-country setting.

As a location in the "high Cascades," Lily Glen offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat of lower elevations. Its proximity to Howard Prairie Reservoir means easy access to the lake for various activities. While it's a bit of a drive from Ashland, the scenic route and the destination's unique appeal make the journey part of the overall experience for those seeking a true outdoor getaway. The natural setting, combined with reasonable accessibility, makes it a prime choice for Oregonians eager to explore the diverse landscapes of our state.

Lily Glen Campground is primarily an equestrian park and campground managed by Jackson County Parks, offering a specific set of services tailored to horse owners and general campers alike.

• Campsites with Corrals: A standout feature, individual campsites at Lily Glen include corrals for horses. There are 12 individual campsites, each equipped with its own corrals, making it exceptionally convenient for equestrian campers to "tie out our horses."

• Primitive Camping: The campground is described as "primitive camping," meaning visitors should be prepared for basic amenities. This typically implies no electrical or water hookups at individual sites ("No Hookups").

• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and safe campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, offering basic restroom facilities.

• Fresh Water Hand Pump: There is a "Fresh Water Hand Pump" available for potable water, which is a crucial amenity for primitive camping.

• Grey Water Dump Sites: Facilities for disposing of grey water are available, encouraging responsible waste management.

• Manure Dump Site: Given its equestrian focus, a designated "manure dump site within camp" is provided, ensuring cleanliness and proper disposal of horse waste.

• Two Group Camp Areas: In addition to individual sites, Lily Glen offers two large group camp areas (Group Camp A with 9 campsites and 16 shared corrals, and Group Camp B with 5 campsites and 16 shared corrals). These group sites also come with picnic tables and fire pits.

• First-Come, First-Served Individual Sites: Individual campsites are generally "first come, first served," though group camp areas require reservations. This offers flexibility for spontaneous trips but necessitates early arrival during peak season.

It is always advisable to contact Jackson County Parks for the most current information on fees, availability, and specific rules, especially regarding group reservations or any seasonal changes.

Lily Glen Campground's unique features make it a highly attractive destination, particularly for those passionate about horseback riding and serene natural settings.

• Dedicated Equestrian Facilities: The inclusion of "corrals in every campsite" is a major highlight, making it a dream destination for horse owners. This allows for convenient and safe housing of horses right at your campsite.

• Extensive and Well-Marked Horse Trails: The campground boasts "amazing and well marked" trails, with "horseshoes on the trees painted Orange," indicating a well-developed and easily navigable trail system. There are "wonderful, easy, riding trails" around Howard Prairie Lake, including a "10-mile loop along the lake's eastern shore and back through the forest," and even a 30-mile Lily Glen Endurance Ride loop which partially runs on the Pacific Crest Trail. This ensures endless riding opportunities.

• Beautiful Meadow and Forest Setting: The campground is described as "wide open with a beautiful Meadow" and situated "on a tree'd ridge," offering a picturesque blend of open spaces and shaded forest. This diverse landscape provides varying scenery for both camping and riding.

• Proximity to Howard Prairie Reservoir: Backing up to Howard Prairie Reservoir, the park offers access to the lake for various activities, even if it's "second only to Paradise" in a drought. The lake provides a beautiful backdrop and potential for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the views.

• Privacy with Natural Barriers: Reviews note the campsites offer good privacy, with natural elements creating separation between sites.

• Relaxed Atmosphere for Dogs: The ability to allow "the dogs off leash to sensorize the horses running around them at 30 miles an hour!" highlights a generally relaxed and dog-friendly environment, appealing to pet owners.

• Historic Significance: Once an "important stagecoach stop," Lily Glen carries a sense of history, with the "historic water tower remains" adding a touch of character to the site.

For Lily Glen Campground near Ashland, Oregon, comprehensive contact information is available through Jackson County Parks, which manages the facility.

Address: Ashland, OR 97520, USA (This refers to the general area; the camp is on Dead Indian Memorial Road on the shore of Howard Prairie Reservoir.)

Phone: (541) 774-6301

Mobile Phone: +1 541-774-6301

For general inquiries, current conditions, and specifically for reserving the Group Camp Areas, the Jackson County Parks office is the primary contact. The general Parks Office phone number for reservations (especially for group camps) is (541) 774-8183.

It is highly recommended to contact them to:

• Check the current status of individual campsites (first-come, first-served availability).

• Inquire about Group Camp Area availability and make reservations for them.

• Confirm any current fire restrictions or regulations.

• Get the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, especially regarding water crossings or any changes.

• Verify park fees, daily parking fees for vehicles with horses, and campsite rates.

You can also find more information on the Jackson County, Oregon official government website under their Parks department. Planning ahead, especially for a unique and popular spot like Lily Glen, will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

For us Oregonians, Lily Glen Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a rare and treasured gem that speaks directly to our love for the outdoors, especially for those with a passion for horses. This campground is exceptionally suitable for locals because it offers a specialized, yet wonderfully accessible, equestrian-friendly experience right here in our beautiful state. We pride ourselves on having diverse outdoor opportunities, and Lily Glen truly stands out.

The fact that you can bring your "huge trailer into the campground" with ease and find "corrals for the horses" at every campsite is a massive advantage for Oregon's robust equestrian community. This level of dedicated facility is hard to come by and makes multi-day horse camping trips a breeze. Beyond the corrals, the "amazing and well marked" trails, clearly indicated with "horseshoes on the trees painted Orange," provide endless opportunities for scenic rides around Howard Prairie Reservoir, leading to an experience that feels truly "like a fairytale."

Even if you're not an equestrian, the "beautiful Meadow" setting and the serene environment of the "high Cascades" offer a peaceful retreat for tent campers seeking primitive camping with basic but essential amenities like vault toilets and a hand pump for fresh water. The sense of freedom, like allowing "the dogs off leash to sensorize the horses running around them," speaks to the relaxed and authentic outdoor spirit that resonates deeply with Oregonians. Lily Glen Campground provides a unique and deeply satisfying way to connect with our state's natural beauty, whether on horseback or on foot, making it an invaluable local resource for genuine outdoor adventure.

Lily Glen Campground

Ashland, OR 97520, USA