Santiam Horse Camp

About

Santiam Horse Camp is an Oregon Department of Forestry campground nestled in the Santiam State Forest, approximately 30 miles east of Salem. Constructed in 2006 through a partnership with the Silver Falls Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails and local volunteers, it provides a base camp for exploring the surrounding non-motorized trail system, including the roughly 10-mile Monument Peak Trail loop. The campground offers 16 sites: 9 equestrian campsites with log corrals (4 of which are horse-optional), 2 non-equestrian campsites, and 5 walk-in tent sites. Sites A6 through A10 require campers to bring at least one pack or saddle animal. All sites include a picnic table and fire grate. Facility amenities include two vault toilets, potable water via a hand pump well, trash service, manure bins, and a camp host on-site during the season. The campground and surrounding forestland were significantly impacted by the Labor Day Fires in 2020 but reopened in summer 2022. Campers now experience the landscape in a state of recovery, with characteristic post-fire forest conditions. Reservations are available through ReserveAmerica, and two vehicles are included with each site fee.

Directions

From Salem, take Highway 22 east for approximately 30 miles to the town of Gates. Follow Monument Peak Road and Xmas Tree Road to the campground at 22965 North Fork Road SE, Lyons, OR 97358.