Gibson Prairie Horse Camp

About this site

Gibson Prairie Horse Camp sits at 3,900 feet elevation on the east side of Mount Hood, offering equestrians a peaceful base camp for exploring the Surveyors Ridge Trail system. This primitive campground features four graveled campsites, three equipped with four-horse log corrals. The campground is maintained by volunteers from the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon and sees light use compared to other forest campgrounds. The main attraction is the Surveyors Ridge Trail, which runs along a ridgetop providing spectacular panoramic views of Mount Hood, and on clear days, glimpses of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. The trail system includes Fox Trotter Trail, Mustang Trail, Quarter Horse Trail, and Show Pony Trail, all maintained specifically for equestrian use but also open to hikers. Fall is particularly beautiful when vine maple foliage contrasts with golden meadow grasses. Access requires navigating forest roads, with the final approach on Forest Road 17 (Surveyors Ridge). The campground provides vault toilets and stock water from a spring-fed trough, but no potable water for campers. All sites include picnic tables and fire pits, and a manure bin is provided for horse owners. Additional Info: Open May through September. First-come, first-served. Free camping. Maximum vehicle length 56 feet.

Amenities & access

Maximum vehicle length

56 feet

Contact

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mthood/recreation/gibson-prairie-horse-camp

Location

45.482742, -121.523894