Campground · McKenzie River · South Fork McKenzie, Aufderheide Scenic Byway
Box Canyon Horse Camp
A free, primitive stock camp deep on the Aufderheide corridor — hitching posts, corrals, and a stock trough, built for wilderness and roadless-area horse trips, not for casual car camping.
Camping here
confirm site count and RV length locally
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From Blue River, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Byway), then south approximately 31 miles, past Cougar Reservoir — a long, scenic drive.
Facilities & accessibility+
- Vault toilets
- Fire rings and tables
- Stock hitching posts, corrals, and a water trough for horses
- No potable water for people — bring your own drinking water
Reservations & fees+
No fees required, and no formal reservation system — this camp operates first-come, first-served. Listed as year-round, but Forest Road 19 isn’t maintained for snow and ice in winter, so plan around seasonal road conditions.
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., max stay is 14 days in a 60-day window, and dogs must be leashed at all times.
Nearby attractions+
Three Sisters Wilderness, the Box Canyon Trail Area, Frissell Crossing Campground, and Roaring River Campground are all nearby along the corridor — a natural hub for a horse-trip itinerary linking several of these sites together.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to camp at Box Canyon Horse Camp?
No — it’s free, no fees required.
Does it have horse facilities?
Yes — stock hitching posts, corrals, and a water trough for horses are all on-site (the trough water is for stock only, not for human drinking).
Can I get drinking water here?
No — bring your own; the on-site water is piped for stock use only and isn’t safe to drink.
Do I need a reservation?
No formal reservation system is in place — this camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is the road open year-round?
The camp itself is listed as year-round, but Forest Road 19 (the access road) isn’t maintained for snow and ice in winter, so plan around seasonal road conditions.
