23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Knebal Springs Campground provides dedicated horse corrals for equestrian campers in the Mount Hood National Forest near Carson, Washington. The campground features picnic tables, toilets, and tent and RV sites specifically designed for horse owners. Trails around the campground connect directly to the broader Mount Hood trail system, offering extensive riding opportunities through diverse forest terrain. The large campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. Many riders appreciate the well-maintained corrals that keep horses secure overnight while camping. The campground operates seasonally, typically closing during winter months when snow makes access difficult.
Riley Horse Campground offers spacious campsites with spots measuring nearly a quarter acre, providing ample room for equestrian setups. Located on the western side of Mount Hood National Forest, this campground features drinking water, toilets, and trash collection. Horse trails connect directly to the Romano Falls Trail with views of Mount Hood visible through the trees. The campground remains relatively quiet even during peak season, with sites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy between camping parties. Dead, dried wood is often available around the sites for campfires. The campground is accessible for both day use and overnight stays, with reservations recommended, especially for weekend trips during summer months. Trail riders note the abundance of wildflowers in the higher elevation areas, particularly lasting into August.
"Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson."
"Deeply forested, gorgeous, well spaced sites, located up an easy road, nearest cell signal is about 4 toward Carson."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Not only is the campground itself a woodland wonderland with winding paths through tall old growth forest areas, but the surrounding area of the park itself is impressive with exciting things to do around"
"We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."
from $23 - $41 / night
Check Availability"Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."
"There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This campground is a very nice one to check out when adventuring in the lower portion of Washington. "
"While there are several camp and RV sites in Beacon Rock State Park, this is the only group site that I know of and it fits up to 200 people at around $4-$5 per person (the website says rates vary by person"
from $12 - $139 / night
Check Availability"Driving up there the way we drive (from Vancouver) you go up through ranching/farming territory and it’s nice and green and pretty, so it’s nice getting there."
"Hiking around the lake is a great way to start and/or end you day while staying at Battle Ground Lake SP. Horses are welcome. There are cabins available also. Several sites overlook the lake."
from $12 - $69 / night
Check Availability"It has wonderful hiking trails. There is swimming available in the warmer months in the Clackamas River. Horse trails for equestrians and fishing!"
"A short hike will take you right to the river and there’s plenty of nice trail to explore. If stepping around occasional horse poop isn’t your thing, maybe skip the hike though."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Had a beautiful spot with a short trail to the creek. Has some very clean pit toilets through the camp ground. Its a horse camp, to be mindful of the horses."
"Trails from campsites and throughout the campground to the creek or hiking/biking/horse trails. Fires in the provided pits were allowed in early July."
"It is not too far from the Portland area, I would recommend getting last minute supplies before getting off the highway."
"Secluded, open prime real estate: horse facilities abound here, but it works for everyone."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"A Lake or a pond is your front view, the back is cliffs, prairie, and wildlife. Spent the day with a Fishing Guide (1-509-860-7233). I hope the pictures show how great this place is."
from $15 - $39 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe camped here for 4 days, rangers were nice we hauled in our wood since we didn’t want to buy a lot, and can’t gather wood there. Plenty of trees between campsites, The Bathroom and showers were really nice and clean!! lake was also nice but small. Enjoyed our stay!!
RangerThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
TravelerPlanes, trains and automobiles....oh did I mention nosy neighbors and rude office staff? Sharon and Erika are unapproachable and judgemental office slime. Skip this place. And the pictures LIE!
ScoutThis sounds like a pretty mixed experience at Jantzen Beach RV Resort. The three heated pools, playgrounds, fitness center, and river access definitely make it appealing for families and longer stays, and having full hookups with level paved sites is a real plus. I also like that the mature trees provide some shade and that the shoreline paths give campers a chance to enjoy the Columbia River without having to leave the property. At the same time, the constant traffic and airplane noise would probably be something I’d want to know about before booking. The low water pressure mentioned in the review is another practical concern, especially for RV travelers who expect reliable hookups. They closed the swimming pool a month early although it is 90f in Portland. The combination of permanent residents and overnight campers also seems like something that could give the park a different atmosphere depending on the site and time of year. The location near Target and the freeway sounds convenient, but Portland rush-hour traffic could definitely make getting around more difficult. Priced at$85–$100 per night, many long-time visitors believe the value has decreased and are opting to seek alternatives. Overall, Jantzen Beach RV Resort seems to offer plenty of amenities and a convenient location, but travelers looking for a peaceful, quiet campground may want to keep the noise and urban setting in mind before reserving. The comparison with Columbia River RV Park would also be helpful for anyone deciding between the two.
GuideWe spent one night here. Beautiful place. Good phone service and really clean restrooms!
ScoutClose to downtown Portland. Clean hot showers and good AC power. Good location for attending Indy Car race at Portland Speedway
GuideGreat place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
TravelerThe description and reviews do match this site. This is a large swap lake with dispersed camping. It was a fun adventure getting to site but be warned this is not a RV or car site, you will need a 4x4 to access the site.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet. Bathrooms were amazingly clean and sites were spacious and pretty well spread apart! Discover Pass or Discover Day Pass is required to stay there. Would recommend!
Equestrian camping near Carson, Washington offers access to extensive trail networks within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet, creating diverse riding terrain through old-growth forest and volcanic landscapes. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping season with cooler evenings dropping to 45-55°F.
Trail riding near Mount Hood: The Pacific Crest Trail passes through several campgrounds in the area, offering direct access to extensive hiking and riding routes. "The PCT is just outside the campground. Water, pit toilets(clean) and firewood are available," notes Jeff K. about Panther Creek Campground.
Climbing Beacon Rock: This 848-foot monolith provides a challenging hike with rewarding views. "The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail. It can get narrow at spots and not for those who fear heights. The view at the top, however, is amazing," shares Brian C. about Beacon Rock State Park.
Paddling and fishing: Several campgrounds offer water access for non-motorized boats and fishing opportunities. At Merrill Lake Campground, "You can't use motorized boats and can only fly fish in the lake, but a very nice 1 mile hike is adjacent to the day use area," according to Brooke S.
Large, separated sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at certain equestrian campgrounds. Ashley B. notes that at Riley Horse Campground, "The spot I had (Spot 4) was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre. There were no neighbors on one side of the spot and only the water spigot on the other."
Natural features: The volcanic landscape provides unique geological experiences. Dan M. describes Merrill Lake Campground as "a great little campground, on the lake shore amidst a grove of Old Growth Cedar. Only 8 spaces for tents."
Access to water: Many sites offer swimming or fishing access. "So close to Panther Creek for swimming on a hot day, taking off to the PCT for a hike, or foraging for mushrooms in the fall," writes Candace about Panther Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Oxbow Regional Park, "You can book sites online up to 24 hours in advance, or you can show up to camp one night at one of the few non-reservable first come sites," advises Stephanie Z.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty in the Carson area. Zach S. warns about Oxbow Regional Park: "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited accessibility during winter months. Marcia O. notes about Tillicum Campground: "We've stayed at Tillicum CG for more than 15 years. It used to be a very large CG, with water available; no water now."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Corinna B. says about Beacon Rock State Park: "The first day use area on the right as you enter also has a playground, while the second area on the left has great views of Beacon Rock."
Swimming spots: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas for safer water play. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," shares Ashley Y. about Battle Ground Lake State Park.
Short hiking trails: Several parks offer kid-friendly trail options. Jess G. recommends Merrill Lake, noting it has "8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on."
Site accessibility: Many horse campgrounds can accommodate smaller RVs despite their primary equestrian focus. Marcia O. shares: "We've stayed there in a 11 1/2' pickup camper, and now a 33' class A motorhome, and have had to trim a few limbs in order to get to campsite #12."
Hookup availability: For those needing electric and water connections, options exist but are limited. Joe C. reports about Beacon Rock State Park: "Stayed at the Woodward full hook up sites. Only a small number of them so felt spacious and secluded."
Parking considerations: Some equestrian campsites have specific parking arrangements. Shannon B. notes about Merrill Lake: "This is a tents only campground. Boats and boat ramps are right there. All sights are walk in. They are leveled out in a crushed rock space."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carson, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carson, WA is Panther Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carson, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Carson, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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