Wild Mare Horse Camp

For Oregonians who share their adventures with a four-legged friend, particularly a horse, Wild Mare Horse Camp in North Bend offers a truly unique and exceptional camping experience. Nestled along the Central Oregon Coast within the expansive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, this specialized campground is designed to cater specifically to equestrian enthusiasts. This article is crafted for our local community, providing a comprehensive, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Wild Mare Horse Camp a standout destination for your next outdoor journey with your horses, right here in our magnificent state.

Oregon's diverse landscapes are a playground for all types of outdoor activities, and for horse owners, the opportunity to explore trails and beaches from a dedicated base camp is a dream come true. Wild Mare Horse Camp isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a thoughtfully designed facility that understands the specific needs of equestrian campers. This focus on accommodating both human and horse guests sets it apart from many general campgrounds, making it an invaluable resource for Oregon's vibrant equestrian community.

Customer reviews consistently praise Wild Mare Horse Camp as a "great area to camp with horses" and a "beautiful horse campground." These endorsements speak volumes about its suitability and the quality of the experience it provides. Campers highlight the quiet atmosphere, the large and well-equipped camp areas, and the direct access to incredible riding trails. While some practical considerations, such as water access for horses, are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors eager to return.

This article will delve into the precise location and accessibility of Wild Mare Horse Camp, detail the specific services and facilities available, and highlight the unique features that make it such a beloved spot for horse campers. We'll also provide essential contact information and conclude by reiterating why this campground is perfectly suited for Oregon locals seeking an unforgettable equestrian adventure on the coast.

Wild Mare Horse Camp is conveniently located at Horsfall Beach Rd, North Bend, OR 97459, USA. This places it directly within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a significant part of the Siuslaw National Forest, just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean. North Bend is a community on Oregon's Central Coast, situated on the north bend of Coos Bay, offering a blend of coastal charm and access to vast natural areas.

For Oregon residents traveling to Wild Mare Horse Camp, the journey is straightforward and scenic. If you're coming from the north, such as Portland or Salem, you would typically take I-5 South to a connection with US-38 W or US-101 S, then proceed to North Bend. From Southern Oregon, traveling north on US-101 will bring you to the North Bend area. The campground is approximately 2 miles north of North Bend and 22 miles south of Reedsport on US-101. To reach the camp from US-101, turn onto Trans Pacific Lane, proceed for about 1.1 miles, then turn right onto Horsfall Beach Road and continue for about 1.9 miles. The campground entrance will be on your left.

One customer review notes that "Spots are not easy and technical to get into, but if you know how to backup your rig, you'll be fine." This suggests that while the access roads are manageable, navigating larger trailers, especially horse trailers, may require some maneuvering skills within the campground itself. However, the accessibility to the stunning surrounding natural areas, including "easy access to the beach with beautiful trails to explore," makes any minor navigational challenges well worth it. The proximity to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area means direct access to miles of equestrian trails, including the Wild Mare Horse Trail #4500, which leads through an open dune area down to the beach.

This strategic coastal location within the dunes offers a unique environment for horse riding, with varied terrain from forested paths to expansive sandy beaches. The ability to ride directly from your campsite to the beach is a significant draw for local horse enthusiasts, making Wild Mare Horse Camp a premier choice for coastal equestrian adventures.

Wild Mare Horse Camp is specifically designed to accommodate both human and horse campers, offering a range of services tailored to their needs. Based on customer reviews and general public data for U.S. Forest Service horse camps, the services typically include:

• Designated large campsites: Sites are spacious, often "sand filled," to accommodate trailers and multiple horses.
• Horse corrals: Each campsite is equipped with corrals for horses, with variations in type and size (e.g., "wood corrals, each had 2 stalls" and "metal corrals with 4 stalls").
• Drinking water: Potable drinking water is available, although a customer noted, "Water was easily accessed, but we could not hook our hoses up to water. Had to carry the buckets with water back to the horse stalls." This means campers should be prepared to hand-carry water for their horses. Signage also indicates "no water to fill up your tanks."
• Vault toilets: Standard amenities in U.S. Forest Service campgrounds for basic sanitation.
• Picnic tables and campfire rings: Provided at each site for human campers.
• Manure pile: A designated area for horse waste, though one review notes it's "quite far from the camp spots," requiring some effort for disposal.
• Trash bins and recycling receptacles: Available for waste management.
• Direct trail access: The primary service is direct access to equestrian trails leading into the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and to the beach.
• Quiet environment: Customers emphasize a "quiet, not busy with vehicles driving through" atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful stay.

• Dedicated equestrian camping: This is the paramount feature, ensuring facilities are specifically designed for the comfort and safety of horses and their riders. It's "a great area to camp with horses."
• Spacious camp areas: "The camp areas were large," providing ample room for vehicles, trailers, and comfortable living spaces for campers and their horses.
• Variety of corrals: Offering both wood and pipe/metal corrals with varying stall counts caters to different needs and preferences among horse owners.
• Direct beach and dune trail access: "Easy access to the beach with beautiful trails to explore" and the specific mention of the Wild Mare Horse Trail #4500, which "emerges into an open dune area that crosses down to the beach," are significant highlights for riding enthusiasts. The dunes south of Horsfall Beach Road are designated for hiking and horseback riding only.
• Peaceful atmosphere: "Quiet, not busy with vehicles driving through" creates a serene environment for relaxation after a day of riding.
• Located within Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: This iconic Oregon landscape, known for its "wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level," provides a unique and stunning backdrop for equestrian adventures.
• Proximity to the Pacific Ocean: The campground is "less than 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean," offering the incredible experience of riding on the beach.
• Year-round operation: Wild Mare Horse Camp is a "year-round campground," allowing for coastal equestrian adventures in any season, though certain restrictions (like Snowy Plover season from March 15 to September 15) may apply on certain beach areas.

Address: Horsfall Beach Rd, North Bend, OR 97459, USA

For inquiries regarding Wild Mare Horse Camp, as it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (specifically the Siuslaw National Forest), the best contact information is often for the relevant Ranger District or Visitor Center.

Phone for campground inquiries: (541) 271-6000 (Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon Dunes Visitor Center)

It is always highly recommended for prospective campers to call this number or check the Recreation.gov website for the most current information on reservations, availability, seasonal conditions, and any specific regulations regarding horse camping, especially related to the Snowy Plover nesting season on the beach.

For Oregonians with a passion for horses and the great outdoors, Wild Mare Horse Camp on the Central Oregon Coast is an unparalleled destination. Its unique design and services cater directly to the needs of equestrian campers, making it an ideal choice for those who want to share their adventures with their equine companions. The reviews from fellow Oregonians underscore its suitability, emphasizing its quiet atmosphere, ample space, and dedicated facilities like corrals.

The primary draw for locals is the unparalleled access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Pacific Ocean. Imagine riding your horse from your campsite directly onto expansive, wind-sculpted dunes and then onto the vast, open beach – this is the kind of distinctive experience Wild Mare offers. This direct connectivity to world-class equestrian trails and miles of beach riding is a significant advantage for Oregonians who understand and appreciate the unique recreational opportunities our coast provides.

While the campground maintains a rustic feel, including the need to hand-carry water for horses and navigate dusty access roads, these elements contribute to an authentic wilderness experience that many Oregonians cherish. It’s a place where you can disconnect from urban distractions and fully immerse yourself in nature with your trusted companion. The tranquil environment ensures a peaceful retreat after a day of exhilarating rides.

Choosing Wild Mare Horse Camp also means supporting the public lands that make Oregon such a special place for outdoor recreation. It's a testament to the state's commitment to providing diverse opportunities for all types of adventurers. For Oregon residents, whether you're a seasoned equestrian or looking for a new way to explore our stunning coastline, Wild Mare Horse Camp promises a memorable, engaging, and genuinely local experience that will deepen your connection to the beautiful Beaver State.

Wild Mare Horse Camp

Horsfall Beach Rd, North Bend, OR 97459, USA