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Tucked away in the heart of Mount Hood National Forest, Joe Graham Horse Camp is a beautiful wooded campsite surrounded by a low meadow and the winding streams and creeks running off from nearby Timothy Lake. While only two hours from Portland, the area feels very secluded even in early summer, with most visitors stopping off at nearby Clear Lake to do their exploring.
The campsite itself is well maintained, with potable water and vault toilets. At each site there are sizable stalls for horses, and the sites are shady and cool. Unfortunately the whole campsite is only available to equestrians with horses, but nearby Clackamas Lake Campground will accommodate those without hoofed friends.
Regardless of the restriction, the area is a wonderful place to explore with many trails to hike and lakes to fish. Nearby Clackamas Lake offers swimming and fishing, and motorized boats are allowed on the much larger Timothy Lake. The Joe Graham Trail that starts in the campground connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, and there are a myriad of other trails to explore in the area.
Logistics + Planning
Preferable season(s)
Summer
Parking Pass
Not Required
Pros
Plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Well maintained. Beautiful campsite.
I camped here with horses week of August 14, 2017. Some easy, some challenging trails to ride. The corrals are terrific. It was a challenge getting my 30 foot living quarters trailer parked. Day trip to Mount Hood Lodge. Came across many hikers on the PCT. Bucket list trip.
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