Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Mount Rainier National Park is the way to go. Finding a place to stay in Washington while traveling with your horse has never been easier. With our help, you'll find the best Washington equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Bumping Lake Campground sits just off the forested shore of Bumping Lake in the Cascade Mountains east of Mount Rainier National Park, about 45 miles northwest of Naches, Washington. Fantastic peaks, high-country lakes and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique and surprising landscapes, making the campground an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking in summer and early fall, visitors can take advantage of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months. Bumping Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located in the lower section of the campground. The American Ridge Trail is a popular among hikers and equestrians, meandering through more than 26 miles of towering forests, mountain meadows and past high elevation lakes from the Bumping River to the Pacific Crest Trail.
This campground has an upper and lower section, offering sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but no hookups are available.
Bumping Lake was created naturally by glaciers and is fed by snowmelt. It is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, wetlands and old-growth conifer forests. The area supports wildlife such as deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Bald Eagle, the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears also find havens in nearby ecosystems.
Visitors enjoy making a day trip to nearby Mount Rainer National Park, which offers sublime views of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$22 / night
Soda Spring Campground is a small, rustic site located at the end of Forest Road 4510.052 in a stand of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and silver fir. The Campground has 6 sites suitable for tent camping, pickup campers, or smaller trailers. Summit Creek is nearby but not visible from the site but there are a number of dispersed sites along the creek in the area. Sites have moderate screening and are not crowded. There is one old-style double vault toilet and an information board. All sites have tables and fire rings with grill feature. This campground tends to be lightly used and quiet, with only minor local traffic. The access route is moderately steep single lane with occasional pullouts. Larger trailers are not recommended. The trailhead is located in the campground, providing access to the adjacent William O. Douglas Wilderness. Horses are prohibited in the site please use the nearby . Local attraction is a small soda spring, site of old bottling facility. No structures remain.
The Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, maintained by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, lies just a stone's throw from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The camp provides great access to the state-managed Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forests through the Nicholson Horse Trail System. Campground has 20 campsites, picnic tables, hitching rails, and vault toilets.
The Nicholson Horse Trail System has been maintained especially for equestrian use, with wide trails and sturdy bridges providing safe, enjoyable passage for all.
$30 / night
Walupt Lake Campground offers scenic views of Mt. Adams and the surrounding forest on the west end of Walupt Lake. The sites here provide plenty of privacy and ample shade form the surrounding hemlock, cedar and fir trees. Walupt Lake Campground is a great choice for visitors looking to fish, swim, boat or explore the numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the area.
Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Walupt Lake. Swimming and the use of motorized and non-motorized boats is also permitted. Numerous trailheads can be accessed from this campground. Walupt Lake Trail, Nannie Ridge Trail and Coleman Weedpatch Trail are popular hiking and equestrian trails.
Walupt Lake Campground offers some tent-only sites, but standard sites have gravel spurs that can accommodate RVs between 20-40 feet. Each walk-in tent site along the lake shore has a small beach area. Campsites include picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are provided on the premises. A horse camp is adjacent to this campground.
Walupt Lake spans 384 acres and is the second largest lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The clear mountain waters are popular with anglers who come here to cast for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. This campground is surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness, named for the rugged peaks where numerous mountain goats are found. Scattered throughout the area are alpine meadows, lakes and ponds.
Walupt Lake's location between Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens makes it possible to explore any of these areas on a day trip.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
$37 / night
Corral Pass is set in a beautiful alpine setting with several hiking trails within walking distance. The Rainier View Trail provides scenic overlooks while the Greenwater Lakes Trail accesses the Norse Peak Wilderness. Noble Knob Trail is nearby and open to mountain bikes. The steep, narrow winding FS road 1174 that accesses the campground is not recommended for trailers or RVs.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed.
Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail.
Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp.
If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates.
Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister.
Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:
Camping
Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water
Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.
Campfires
Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches.
Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch.
Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire.
Human Waste
Choose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.
Cottonwood Campground is located along the Naches River in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington. Craggy peaks, mountain meadows and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique landscapes within the Okanogan National Forest. Warm summer days and access to a multitude of recreational activities make it an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
Cottonwood Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to fish, swim, hike and enjoy a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year. Numerous hiking trails can be accessed near the campground and in the surrounding area. Nearby American Ridge Trail, open to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders, extends over 26 miles from Bumping River to the notable Pacific Crest Trail. Visitors enjoy whitewater rafting on the nearby American River or splashing around in Naches River, which can be accessed from the campground.
Cottonwood Campground offers standard sites and tent-only sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are available; however, electric hookups are not available.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's high, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old-growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. The Naches River, adjacent to Cottonwood Campground, is a tributary of the Yakima River in central Washington. In its upper reaches, the Naches River flows through rugged terrain and areas of pristine wilderness. The river was used by Native Americans and settlers throughout history. It has served as a natural corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades via Naches Pass.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area. In the fall, thousands of people come to experience whitewater rafting on both the Tieton and American Rivers.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$20 / night
Bumping Lake Campground sits just off the forested shore of Bumping Lake in the Cascade Mountains east of Mount Rainier National Park, about 45 miles northwest of Naches, Washington. Fantastic peaks, high-country lakes and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique and surprising landscapes, making the campground an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking in summer and early fall, visitors can take advantage of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months. Bumping Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located in the lower section of the campground. The American Ridge Trail is a popular among hikers and equestrians, meandering through more than 26 miles of towering forests, mountain meadows and past high elevation lakes from the Bumping River to the Pacific Crest Trail.
This campground has an upper and lower section, offering sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but no hookups are available.
Bumping Lake was created naturally by glaciers and is fed by snowmelt. It is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, wetlands and old-growth conifer forests. The area supports wildlife such as deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Bald Eagle, the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears also find havens in nearby ecosystems.
Visitors enjoy making a day trip to nearby Mount Rainer National Park, which offers sublime views of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$22 / night
Soda Spring Campground is a small, rustic site located at the end of Forest Road 4510.052 in a stand of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and silver fir. The Campground has 6 sites suitable for tent camping, pickup campers, or smaller trailers. Summit Creek is nearby but not visible from the site but there are a number of dispersed sites along the creek in the area. Sites have moderate screening and are not crowded. There is one old-style double vault toilet and an information board. All sites have tables and fire rings with grill feature. This campground tends to be lightly used and quiet, with only minor local traffic. The access route is moderately steep single lane with occasional pullouts. Larger trailers are not recommended. The trailhead is located in the campground, providing access to the adjacent William O. Douglas Wilderness. Horses are prohibited in the site please use the nearby . Local attraction is a small soda spring, site of old bottling facility. No structures remain.
The Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, maintained by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, lies just a stone's throw from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The camp provides great access to the state-managed Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forests through the Nicholson Horse Trail System. Campground has 20 campsites, picnic tables, hitching rails, and vault toilets.
The Nicholson Horse Trail System has been maintained especially for equestrian use, with wide trails and sturdy bridges providing safe, enjoyable passage for all.
$30 / night
Walupt Lake Campground offers scenic views of Mt. Adams and the surrounding forest on the west end of Walupt Lake. The sites here provide plenty of privacy and ample shade form the surrounding hemlock, cedar and fir trees. Walupt Lake Campground is a great choice for visitors looking to fish, swim, boat or explore the numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the area.
Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Walupt Lake. Swimming and the use of motorized and non-motorized boats is also permitted. Numerous trailheads can be accessed from this campground. Walupt Lake Trail, Nannie Ridge Trail and Coleman Weedpatch Trail are popular hiking and equestrian trails.
Walupt Lake Campground offers some tent-only sites, but standard sites have gravel spurs that can accommodate RVs between 20-40 feet. Each walk-in tent site along the lake shore has a small beach area. Campsites include picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are provided on the premises. A horse camp is adjacent to this campground.
Walupt Lake spans 384 acres and is the second largest lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The clear mountain waters are popular with anglers who come here to cast for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. This campground is surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness, named for the rugged peaks where numerous mountain goats are found. Scattered throughout the area are alpine meadows, lakes and ponds.
Walupt Lake's location between Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens makes it possible to explore any of these areas on a day trip.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.__ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.____ Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.__ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
Corral Pass is set in a beautiful alpine setting with several hiking trails within walking distance. The Rainier View Trail provides scenic overlooks while the Greenwater Lakes Trail accesses the Norse Peak Wilderness. Noble Knob Trail is nearby and open to mountain bikes. The steep, narrow winding FS road 1174 that accesses the campground is not recommended for trailers or RVs.
