U.S. Forest Service · Deschutes National Forest · OR

Sheep Springs Horse Camp

SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMPPhoto · U.S. Forest Service
Not publishedStatus
ReservableAccess
11Sites
50 ftMax rig

The place

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. 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. Keep reading

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. Facilities 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. 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. Charges & 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.

The sites · 11

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP001equestrian nonelectric30 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP002equestrian nonelectric50 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP003equestrian nonelectric30 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP004equestrian nonelectric35 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP005equestrian nonelectric45 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP006equestrian nonelectric30 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP007equestrian nonelectric30 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP008equestrian nonelectric30 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP009equestrian nonelectric26 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP010equestrian nonelectric44 ft
AREA SHEEP SPRINGS HORSE CAMP011equestrian nonelectric28 ft

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Who runs it

Operated by Vista Recreation, a private concessionaire, under permit from the agency.

SRC · Operator link · 2026-08-24

Your representative

This campground sits in OR-02. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard