Swamp Wells Horse Camp
Open as accessible, typically late spring through fall depending on road and weather conditions. The last mile of Forest Road 1816 is rough and may be impassable during wet conditions or early season. No reservations, no fees, first-come-first-served.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Swamp Wells Horse Camp is a primitive equestrian facility in the Deschutes National Forest, designed specifically for riders seeking access to extensive trail systems in Central Oregon's high desert terrain. The camp offers approximately 10 sites with corrals for horses and manure bins for pack-out, though campers must bring their own water for both themselves and their stock. The location serves as a gateway to over 70 miles of non-motorized trails in the Swamp Wells network, with three northbound trails and one southbound trail departing from the camp. The trail system extends from the outskirts of Bend all the way to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offering varied terrain through forested high desert landscape. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or reservations required. Access requires navigating Forest Roads that become rougher near the camp. The final mile on Forest Road 1816 may be difficult for larger trailers, and the maximum site spur length of 30 feet limits rig size. The camp is managed cooperatively by the Forest Service and Oregon Equestrian Trails Central Oregon Chapter.
Directions
From Bend, take China Hat Road (Forest Road 18) 6 miles southeast to Bessie Butte, then 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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| 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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