Equestrian Camping near Brush Prairie, WA

The Brush Prairie area sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level within Washington's Clark County, featuring a mix of Douglas fir forests and open grasslands. Located east of Vancouver, this region offers excellent access to horseback riding trails within a 30-minute radius. Trail conditions vary seasonally with muddy paths common during the Pacific Northwest's rainy season from November through March.

What to do

Trail riding at lesser-known spots: Just 30 minutes northeast of Brush Prairie at Panther Creek Campground, riders can access trails connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. "Across the road is a horse camp that the PCT goes through. There is a spur from the PCT directly into the campground for easy access," reports Lawrence F.

Volcanic crater exploration: 45 minutes east of Brush Prairie, riders can explore Beacon Rock State Park Campground with trails offering spectacular geology. "The two mile hike takes you back and forth up the rock until you reach the summit at over 600 feet. The view from the top is breathtaking and the hike is open year around," notes Steve C.

Swimming and fishing breaks: Many equestrian trails lead to water access points for cooling off horses. "Panther Creek for swimming on a hot day, taking off to the PCT for a hike, or foraging for mushrooms in the fall. Water sources and restrooms are such a luxury out here," explains Candace about Panther Creek.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Horse campers appreciate separation between camping areas. At Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, "sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 'first come, first served'... There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!)," according to Nathan R.

Forest shade for horses: The dense tree canopy provides natural cooling. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses... The small campground area provides the essentials with enough privacy and numerous group sites for those wishing to camp with friends," notes Steve C. at Milo McIver State Park Campground.

Access to equine supplies: Riders appreciate proximity to towns for emergency supplies. "If there's anything you forgot (groceries, fishing gear etc.) you can be in the small town of Battle Ground within 5 miles," explains Richard B.

What you should know

Trailer parking limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate large horse trailers, so research before arrival. "Our site #31 was next to the toilets and therefore close to the water point and trash. Each site has a table, fire ring, grill and hook to hang your food or trash," explains Stephanie Z. about Oxbow Regional Park.

Bear awareness: Some areas require proper food storage for horse feed and human supplies. "This area is a bear zone however you will not find bear boxes like you will at other campsites in the area. For this reason you need to come prepared and make sure you are able to secure your items in a safe way," warns Crystal C.

Seasonal trail conditions: During rainy months, some horse trails become difficult to navigate. "The restrooms are sort of far away from the tent sites, but it wasn't a big deal. We did have a hell of a time figuring out the trail wayfinding! The Little Foot trail is overgrown and the wayfinding signs don't make any sense," reports Annie T.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several equestrian campgrounds include play areas near horse corrals. At Seaquest State Park Campground, "my kids loved the addition of a playground. Many parks dont have this and it kept them entertained for hours," shares Mary C.

Junior Ranger programs: During summer months, educational activities for children cover horse safety and environmental awareness. "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park," mentions Ashley B.

Horse-friendly swim spots: Kids enjoy cooling off alongside horses at designated water access points. "Lots of creek fun, pool, half price for campers. Large playground but not in the shade. It was very hot over July 4th," notes Malinda C.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Many equestrian sites offer only basic electrical connections. "We stayed in the Woodward full hook up sites. Only a small number of them so felt spacious and secluded. Close to a busy train track and you can here some highway noise but overall we felt secluded and enjoyed," shares Joe C.

Seasonal booking strategy: Reserve equestrian sites with hookups well in advance for summer months. "Since we were here last time, they now have an off-leash fenced dog area. What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails," reports MickandKarla W.

Water pressure considerations: Bring supplemental water supplies for horse needs at some locations. "The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi. We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we'd get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees," adds MickandKarla W.