Best Equestrian Camping near Darrington, WA

Baker Lake Horse Camp provides camping accommodations for equestrians within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Tent and RV camping options are available specifically designed for visitors with horses. The camp serves as a basecamp for riders accessing nearby forest trails that wind through old growth forests with views of glaciers and mountain landscapes. High-line poles allow campers to secure their horses safely. Riders frequently use this area to explore the extensive trail network that connects to the surrounding wilderness areas.

Located about 45 minutes from Darrington, Harry Osborne State Forest features designated equestrian camping areas with facilities for horses and their owners. The camp includes two manure pits, fire pits, and a group covered table area. This is primarily a horse/hiking camp with no motorized vehicle access on the mountain. Great for bringing your LQ (any size rig) with ample space for portable corrals or using the available high-line poles for securing horses. Direct trail access from the campsite connects riders to well-maintained and extensive riding trails. The area requires dry camping preparation as there is no potable water or garbage disposal on site. Stock water access requires walking horses down to the creek, as vehicle access has been restricted due to past vandalism issues. Be aware this is a working forest that occasionally experiences heavy log truck traffic.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Darrington, Washington (13)

    1. Maple Grove Campsites

    5 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    30 miles

    $20 - $60 / night

    "If you're like me and not from Washington, remember to get a discovery pass (~$10 per day) if you're parking at the Baker Lake Trailhead. The hike in to Maple Grove is approx. three and a half miles."

    "Not too far from the trail at baker lake. Quiet and peaceful."

    2. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 205-5434

    "The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."

    "The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."

    3. Harry Osborne State Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2023

    2 Reviews
    Hamilton, WA
    27 miles
    Website

    "Great place to bring your LQ (any size rig) and camp with your horses."

    "You may utilize trails to walk your horses down to the water. This is primarily a horse/hiking camp. There is not access for motorized Vehicles on the mountain Any longer."

    4. Evergreen State Fairgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Monroe, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 388-6600

    $35 / night

    "It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station. You are limited to 7 nights per month. It's right next to the fairgrounds so you have all the sounds that come with that."

    "Notable considerations, near racetrack ongoing races and trials usually quiets down early evening this time of year. Great place to go adventure for the day. A couple major stores to stock up on."

    5. Greenstone Farm Camping

    3 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (564) 209-7070

    $55 - $180 / night

    "Quiet rural setting but close to town (Mt. Vernon) if you need anything or just want to explore the farmer's market, as we did.  Woodland trail on the 10+ acres was a real plus for our two dogs. "

    "Nice fire pit and Beer Garden area and a great view with mountains and trees surrounding you."

    6. Junction Camp — North Cascades National Park

    3 Reviews
    North Cascades National Park, WA
    35 miles
    Website

    "Along Thunder-creek trail Junction is tucked away about 10 miles in."

    "This is the perfect site for a large group, but it also has quite a few smaller “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc."

    7. Baker Lake Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    34 miles
    +1 (360) 856-5700

    "The lake is great and the views can't be beat! Head up in the spring to catch the amazing display of wildflowers."

    8. Lake Valhalla Backcountry Camping

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    40 miles
    Website

    "This was a gorgeous hike along the pacific crest trail (PCT) that ended at a beautiful alpine lake."

    9. Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground

    4 Reviews
    Langley, WA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 221-7950

    $35 - $45 / night

    "It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water."

    "A bit of a distance to the restrooms/shower. There is a close Port-o-let.

    It is located in an historic Fairgrounds with lots of charm...and bunnies! Good sunshine in summer. Not much shade."

    10. Lake Janus

    1 Review
    Skykomish, WA
    38 miles
    Website
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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Darrington, WA

4 Photos of 13 Darrington Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Darrington, WA

54 Reviews of 13 Darrington Campgrounds


  • Elise M.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Harry Osborne State Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2023

    Quiet and Lots of Space

    Great place to bring your LQ (any size rig) and camp with your horses. There are a few non-equestrians, but we need to keep this a place for equestrians because we are losing more and more campsites.  Trails are well maintained and extensive.

    No water or electric at the camp, but you can drive down to a creek and pump or collect water for your horses. You will be boondocking.

    High-line poles are available to high-tie your horses. We set up a portable corral and were fine. Picnic tables and fire rings are also available.

    No manure pile or wheel barrow. There is a vault toilet and I got cell service on my phone.

  • Dene H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    Sites on the Tolt River

    It’s right in the floodplain, so it is only enjoyable when it is not rainy season. This campground is south of Duvall, which is an affluent town with shops and things to do. The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs. There’s not a lot of privacy for the campsites. Good location for parking and exploring the east side of Lake Washington cities or access to mountains and hiking on I90.

  • Deb E.
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Harry Osborne State Forest - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2023

    Update

    Update. Stockwater has been gaited off due to vandalism and trash dumping. You may utilize trails to walk your horses down to the water. This is primarily a horse/hiking camp. There is not access for motorized Vehicles on the mountain Any longer. There are 2 manure pits, a vault toilet, some fire pits, and a group covered table area. This is dry camping with no potable water or garbage.

    Note that this is a working forest and may have heavy log truck traffic at times...the gates will be locked otherwise.

  • Kayko S.
    May. 6, 2015

    Baker Lake Horse Camp

    Nice spot on a Beautiful Lake

    There are lots of camping options at Baker Lake and they all have beautiful views and similar amenities.

    If you are fishing or have a boat, Horse Camp doesn't have a boat launch but there is one at the campground nearby, Shannon Creek.

  • Kent R.
    Apr. 20, 2022

    Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    Beautiful & Quiet Campground only 36 minutes from Seattle

    What a beautiful place! The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids. All the RV sites are drive-through, with water and 20, 30, and 50-Amp service. (There is a privately-run RV dump on the way to the park.) The sites are wide because of the driveway. No trees between sites, but some bushes between sites offer some privacy for the back half of the sites. The 17 RV sites are around a huge lawn, with the restroom building at one end, and a path down the middle that is part of a long, level, paved bike/walking trail. There is a shower in each restroom, so the whole building is heated (which was really nice, since the lows were in the 30s in April, 2022) Access to both rivers is at the South end of the RV loop. There are tent-only sites to the North, and also yurts and more tent sites across a picturesque foot bridge over the Snoqualmie River. There are carts available to roll your stuff over the footbridge.

  • c
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground

    Funky, convenient

    Langley is a great little town. I don’t know why they haven’t done more to develop the campground- all sites are first-come-first served. They did repair the electrical system this year and just reopened. It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water. There are accessible bathrooms and showers nearby. The campground is on a hill above the horse barn and arena, very convenient to the town of Langley, which is delightful. No camp host available, nobody you can call for assistance. Because the campground just reopened, we were the only ones camped most of the 6 days we were here. I love Langley but they are not as tourist-driven as many towns which have campgrounds like this.

  • C M.
    Aug. 27, 2020

    Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    Solid place, close to comfort

    This place is great if you plan to spend most of your time on the river, or trails, but not so much on at your site.  The lots for most tents/trailers and RVs are pretty close together, not a ton of privacy.

    On the plus side the river is beautiful, mostly slow, and shallow, and pretty clear.  BUT BRING A LIFE JACKET, accidents happen all the time on this river and I wouldn't put my kids in with out a life jacket. 

    There are some cool yurts, cabins and platforms for tents on the other side of the river and plenty of hiking. Trails go along the water, and up into the woods behind the campground.  As of now it is clear cut once you get over the ridge.  This is sad in one breath, but gorgeous in very next.  There is wildlife in the area so come prepared (black bears, bobcats, coyotes). 

    Overall a great place, but like most western Washington campgrounds it's better in good weather by a significant margin.  It may flood in the winter, and when it's rainy it's pretty soggy.

    Carnation is a neat small town that the park is at the very edge of.  Plenty of options for groceries and laundry.

  • Ethan A.
    Apr. 26, 2020

    Maple Grove Campsites

    Lakeside campsites that can be reached by foot or by boat

    Seems like these sites are quite popular. However, I went during the middle of the week, on a slightly rainy day, at the end of August and was the only person there. 

    If you're like me and not from Washington, remember to get a discovery pass (~$10 per day) if you're parking at the Baker Lake Trailhead. The hike in to Maple Grove is approx. three and a half miles. Don't be surprised if you run into some folks on horseback. 

    The trail is relatively flat and goes through some beautiful old growth forest. We got a spot right by the lake that was flat and soft. All of the sites had fire pits and seemed pretty dispersed. There were also bear boxes.  The vault toilets were some of the cleanest I'd seen. 

    As you can see from some of the photos, there's a dock that you could boat up to that doubles as a great place see Mt. baker.

  • F
    Jul. 5, 2018

    Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground

    Simple. Close to town filled with restaurants, pubs, art, movies & beach.

    This campground is a little primitive in its layout but fits the needs well. A bit of a distance to the restrooms/shower. There is a close Port-o-let.

    It is located in an historic Fairgrounds with lots of charm...and bunnies! Good sunshine in summer. Not much shade.

    Nicest things are the close proximity to Langley, a very quaint town with great coffee! The marina and beach are very accessible. There are good restaurants, a grocery with deli, pubs and winery.


Guide to Darrington

Horse camping in Washington offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrians. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse lovers, adventurers can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring their equine companions are well taken care of.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Baker Lake Horse Camp provides stunning views and access to nearby trails, making it a favorite among equestrians.
  • At Chiwawa Horse Campground, visitors can enjoy clean facilities and ample space for their horses, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Harry Osborne State Forest features high-line poles for tying horses and well-maintained trails, perfect for those looking to explore the area on horseback.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails surrounding Maple Grove Campsites offer beautiful views and opportunities for horseback riding, making it a popular choice for equestrian enthusiasts.
  • Campers at Lake Janus can enjoy hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail, which is accessible for horses and provides a peaceful escape into nature.
  • Greenstone Farm Camping is close to various riding trails, allowing guests to explore the picturesque landscape while enjoying their time with horses.

Tips for equestrian camping near Darrington, Washington

  • Always check for water availability at your chosen site, as some locations like Baker Lake Horse Camp may require you to bring your own.
  • Be prepared for busy seasons, especially at popular spots like Maple Grove Campsites, where reservations may be necessary during peak times.
  • Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding horse camping, as some areas, such as Harry Osborne State Forest, have specific rules to follow for the safety of both campers and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Darrington, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Darrington, WA is Maple Grove Campsites with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Darrington, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Darrington, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.