Gibson Prairie Horse Camp
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates May through September with winter access restricted by snow and road conditions at this elevation.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Salmon River Trails CLOSED
A landslide across Salmon River Rd. has blocked access to all Salmon River Trails off the road. Additionally, trails are likely blocked up downed trees and limbs from the recent storms.Mt. Hood trails have not been evaluated since the recent heavy rain and wind. Hazards are likely.
Hazards from Winter Storms
Heavy rains and strong winds have created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas. December storms have resulted in downed trees on Forest Roads in addition to localized flooding, landslides, and rockfall.
Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Eagle Creek Fire Area Closures - Forest Order
In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire caused extensive damage to surrounding areas in Columbia River Gorge and parts of Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trails are closed to the public in both the Gorge and Hood River Ranger District, pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b).
Health and Safety Closure Due to Roadside Danger Trees - Forest Order
The following acts are prohibited upon the National Forest System Roads described below. Forest Order #06-06-05-25-03 renews Order 06- 06-06-00-23-01, and will be effective June 26, 2025, through June 26, 2026.PROHIBITIONS:
Crane Creek bridge closed on the Barlow Road
The Crane Creek bridge on the Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530) is collapsed and closed. The Barlow Road is open, but it can't be driven from end to end.
About
Gibson Prairie Horse Camp sits at 3,900 feet elevation on the east side of Mount Hood, offering equestrians a peaceful base camp for exploring the Surveyors Ridge Trail system. This primitive campground features four graveled campsites, three equipped with four-horse log corrals. The campground is maintained by volunteers from the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon and sees light use compared to other forest campgrounds. The main attraction is the Surveyors Ridge Trail, which runs along a ridgetop providing spectacular panoramic views of Mount Hood, and on clear days, glimpses of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. The trail system includes Fox Trotter Trail, Mustang Trail, Quarter Horse Trail, and Show Pony Trail, all maintained specifically for equestrian use but also open to hikers. Fall is particularly beautiful when vine maple foliage contrasts with golden meadow grasses. Access requires navigating forest roads, with the final approach on Forest Road 17 (Surveyors Ridge). The campground provides vault toilets and stock water from a spring-fed trough, but no potable water for campers. All sites include picnic tables and fire pits, and a manure bin is provided for horse owners.
Directions
From Government Camp, take US Highway 26 east for 2 miles, then head north on Oregon Highway 35 for 13.5 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 44 (Brooks Meadow Road) and follow for 5.7 miles. Go left on Forest Road 17 (Surveyors Ridge) and follow 5.6 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 16ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (503) 668-1700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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