Sheep Springs Horse Camp
Deschutes National Forest
Sheep Springs Horse Campground sits in the spectacular Metolius River Basin area in Deschutes National Forest.
In close proximity to snow-capped peaks, high elevation lakes, scenic rivers and several wilderness areas, this campground offers a variety of scenery and recreational opportunities for visitors.
The campground offers 11 large equestrian sites, each equipped with a 4-place box stall. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills and ample room for parking vehicles and trailers are also available at each site.
Drinking water and a vault toilet are also provided.
Need to Know
- Sheep Springs Horse Camp is intended for equestrian camping
- Horses must be kept in stalls provided, and may not be teathered or picketed outside of stalls
- Horse Campers must use Certified Weed-Seed-Free Hay
- No hookups are available
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.
Natural Features
Located at an elevation of approximately 3,200 feet, campsites are interspersed among a towering canopy of old-growth Ponderosa pine and a variety of spruce and fir.
The Metolius River flows nearby, making its headwaters at Metolius Springs at the base of nearby Black Butte, 6,436-foot extinct stratovolcano. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity.
The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including mule deer, coyote, and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
The nearby town of Camp Sherman has basic supplies and restaurants available.
Recreation
A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground provides visitors access to a variety of trails. Lakes, lava flows and thick forests provide the backdrop for horseback riding and hiking.
The Metolius-Windigo Trail, which offers a trailhead at the campground, is a long-distance trail open to horseback riders, hikers and bicyclists. More than 100 miles long, this trail begins near the Metolius River headwaters and runs south to Windigo Pass near Crescent Lake. Because of its lower elevation, this trail remains snow-free for longer than other nearby trails.
Changes & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 249 SISTERS OR 97759
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-323-1746
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sisters, Oregon, take Highway 20 west for about 12 miles. Turn north onto Jack Lake Road/FS Road 12 and continue for nearly 6 miles. Turn left onto FS Road 1260, then right onto FS Road 200. Sheep Springs will be on the right hand side.
Available Campsites
- Site 008, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP, Type Equestrian Nonelectric
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