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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 21 at 2:59PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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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