Swamp Wells Horse Camp
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates April through November when road conditions permit. No reservations required.
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.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
Camping & Campfire Forest Order
Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O
About
Swamp Wells Horse Camp is a small, primitive equestrian campground located approximately 15 miles southeast of Bend in the Deschutes National Forest. Managed in partnership with the Oregon Equestrian Trails Central Oregon Chapter, this free campground offers five sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The camp has four steel corrals (some missing gates) and four conveniently placed manure bins between sites. The campground provides access to excellent horse trails through open ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest with panoramic views. Three trails head northbound and one goes south, offering connections to the broader trail system including routes to Chief Paulina Horse Camp to the south. The terrain is horse-friendly with excellent footing, though campers should note that stock water can dry up in summer months. This is a rustic, primitive facility with vault toilets but no potable water or hookups. The final mile of access road (Forest Road 1816) is rough and may be challenging for larger trailers. Maximum spur length is 30 feet. The campground sits at approximately 5,420 feet elevation and operates seasonally when accessible.
Directions
From Bend, drive 4 miles south on US 97, then 6 miles southeast on China Hat Road (Forest Road 18) to Bessie Butte. Continue 6 miles south on Forest Road 1810, then 3 miles east on Forest Road 1816. The last mile of road is rough and may be difficult for larger trailers.
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 | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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