Best Equestrian Camping near Ellensburg, WA
Teanaway Campground offers camping options for equestrians in the Teanaway Community Forest, approximately 20 minutes from Cle Elum. The campground features both drive-in sites and dedicated walk-in camping areas, with some spaces specifically designated for horse camping. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though the campground lacks drinking water and electric hookups. Vault toilets are available and maintained regularly. The nearby North Fork of the Teanaway River provides water access, though riders should note this is primarily for recreation rather than for watering horses. Verizon users report 1-bar LTE service on the east side of the campground, which improves with signal boosters. The campground fills quickly during peak seasons, particularly on weekends.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the broader Teanaway Community Forest trail system, popular for both horseback riding and mountain biking. Several hiking paths in the area permit horses, including routes toward Lake Ingalls and other scenic destinations in the Cascade Mountains. Discover Pass is required for camping, though enforcement varies seasonally. The gravel roads throughout the campground are well-maintained and accommodate horse trailers, with ample parking available at most sites. Summer months bring dusty conditions that can affect both horses and equipment. Campers report the campground is most enjoyable Sunday through Thursday when crowds thin considerably and noise levels decrease. The Beverly Creek Bridge area offers additional dispersed camping opportunities with better views of Mt. Stuart for those willing to venture further into the forest.
