Cape Blanco Horse Camp lies on a southern Oregon headland that juts farther west into the Pacific Ocean than any point in the contiguous US except Cape Alava in Washington. The riding here is excellent, and the horse camp has very nice amenities.
The Riding
The horse camp and other facilities at Cape Blanco (including the lighthouse) are up on the Cape Blanco headland, about 200 feet above the ocean. You can ride from the horse camp down to the dunes and the beach, where you can watch the surf roll in and gaze at the many haystack rocks that lie offshore.
You’ll find some nice loop trails in the forest as well, a welcome option on windy days.
Or, you can trailer a short distance for a scenic ride to Blacklock Point and Floras Lake.
Cape Blanco State Park
The horse camp is located at Cape Blanco State Park, about 25 miles south of Bandon. Cape Blanco is a long way from Oregon’s population centers, but it’s well worth the drive to go there. In addition to the great riding, you’ll want to play tourist for an afternoon and go visit the park’s historic Hughes House and Cape Blanco lighthouse. Both are must-sees.
The Camping
Cape Blanco Horse Camp has 8 sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Four of the sites have new steel corrals. The camp also offers a porta-potty, garbage cans, manure bin, and potable water spigots near each campsite. You can enjoy a hot shower at the family campground next door.
Learn More
You’ll find more information about Cape Blanco Horse Camp in Riding Southern Oregon Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, available at www.nwhorsetrails.com.
