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.
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED due to heavy damage from the December storms. Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out and destroyed in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route.
Hazards from Winter Storms
Heavy rains and strong winds created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas during December storms. Although the storms have passed, conditions across the Forest may still be unsafe.
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
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
This Order prohibits using any type of motor vehicle upon the following NFS Roads as described: 1) NFS Road 45 (Memaloose Road) from the bridge at highway 224 to the junction with NFS Road 45-310 and 2) NFS Road 54 from the highway 224 junction (at the bridge gate) to NFS Road 5410.
Bull Run Watershed Closure
This Order prohibits 1) Going into or being upon the area which is closed for the protection of public health or safety, 2) Being on a road, 3) Being on a trail within the area described in Exhibit A, except to travel on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and Huckleberry Trail #617, an
Camping Stay Restrictions
This Order prohibits 1) Camping in a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive days and 2) Camping at any location for more than 28 days total during a calendar year on all National Forest System lands as described in this order.
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.
Sportsman's Park Fire & Occupancy Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits 1) Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire and 2) Camping on the Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Ranger District; T4S, R11E, Multiple Sections - Sportsman's Park Wildland Urban Interface Zone.
Gordon Creek Watershed Restrictions
This Order prohibits 1) Using a motor vehicle on Forest development roads, except Forest Road 15, which is also known as Larch Mt Road, 2) Using a motor vehicle on Forest development trails, 3) Possessing or using a motor vehicle off Forest development roads, and 4) Camping within the Gordon Cree
The Dalles Watershed Closure
This Order prohibits visitors from entering or being on the roads or trails of The Dalles Watershed.
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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