Best Equestrian Camping near Elma, WA

Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground offers horse corrals within Capital Forest near Olympia, Washington. The campground includes three camping loops with one dedicated to equestrian use Monday through Friday. Horse corrals are available for campers, with vault toilets in each loop. No hookups, water, or trash service are available, so visitors must come prepared with all necessary supplies. The campground requires a Washington State Discovery Pass for entry and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. A campground host maintains the grounds and enforces pet rules. The primitive nature of the facility provides an authentic outdoor experience for horse owners camping with their animals.

The campground connects to numerous hiking and equestrian trails throughout Capital Forest. Trail access begins directly from the campsite areas, allowing riders to explore without trailering horses to separate locations. The roads within the campground accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though drivers should proceed slowly in certain areas as the terrain can be uneven. Campsite registration occurs at the front billboard upon arrival, with a maximum stay of seven days permitted. The campground maintains quiet hours and is well-suited for those seeking a rustic camping experience with their horses. Some campers note the peaceful atmosphere and helpful camp hosts who ensure the grounds remain well-maintained for both human and equine visitors.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Elma, Washington (20)

    1. Porter Creek

    7 Reviews
    Malone, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-1631

    "There are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them."

    "There is a bunch of awesome trails with beautiful surroundings for every level of hikers and if you can find your way to Porter Falls, you definitely wont be disappointed with the view!"

    2. Millersylvania State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Tenino, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $12 - $45 / night

    "This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."

    "This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  "

    3. Fall Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Littlerock, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so."

    "We had our choice of campsites, near hiking trails and the creek. The road wasn't too rough to get there, and we were able to park nearby. What more do you need?"

    4. Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground

    4 Reviews
    Littlerock, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 527-3305

    "There are 3 loops, one is dedicated to horses M-F. Both visits I arrived Sunday afternoon and found a few spots to pick from. There’s a vault toilet per loop."

    "Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days."

    5. Rainbow Falls State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chehalis, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 291-3767

    $27 - $45 / night

    "Forested campground with large playing field nearby. Willapa Hills hiking trail nearby, river access with some swimming available (but no designated areas or lifeguards)."

    "$27 for sites that are near the entrance.  Nothing wrong with these sites, just that they are small and kind of close together and exposed, almost like overflow sites."

    6. Panhandle Lake Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Matlock, WA
    14 miles
    Website

    $25 - $100 / night

    7. Big Spruce Resort RV and Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Copalis Crossing, WA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 288-0138

    "Our site is one away from from the toilet/ bath house there are 6 combo rooms. There are 3 cabins, 12 full service sites, tent sites some w/ electric. Laundry 1 washer and dryer."

    8. Campbell Tree Grove Campground

    5 Reviews
    Olympic National Forest, WA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "About an hour on unpaved road until you get to the actual camp but the drive is gorgeous! Old growth and new baby trees line the roads and there’s about 10+ little streams along the way."

    "It is tucked away on the western side of the Olympic Mountains,  but easy to drive to.  Old fashioned forest service-type campground,  with lots of vegetation between camp sites for privacy.   "

    9. Dragon's Gate Gardens

    1 Review
    Tenino, WA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 264-5110

    $55 / night

    "Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees."

    10. Screamin' Eagle Campground

    4 Reviews
    Copalis Crossing, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 627-4673

    "Showers and clean bath rooms available plus a small store for your wood and forgotten marshmallow needs... close to the beach and equestrian friendly... this is where we always stay!"

    "Just a five minute walk from the beach."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Elma, WA

7 Photos of 20 Elma Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Elma, WA

106 Reviews of 20 Elma Campgrounds


  • Erica G.
    Jun. 19, 2019

    Screamin' Eagle Campground

    Best place for quiet

    We have gone and stayed in many of their sites. Very roomy sites and Richard the care taker is an amazing camp host! He has always made our stay wonderful. Showers and clean bath rooms available plus a small store for your wood and forgotten marshmallow needs... close to the beach and equestrian friendly... this is where we always stay!

  • S
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Campbell Tree Grove Campground

    Gorgeous!!!

    Very secluded, deep wood camping. About an hour on unpaved road until you get to the actual camp but the drive is gorgeous! Old growth and new baby trees line the roads and there’s about 10+ little streams along the way. The bugs weren’t too bad with citronella bracelets and candles but bring bug spray if you like. There’s river access and lots of trails to explore. There’s even horse trails and a huge horse stall area for a group site/horse trailer.

    We drove past 3 piles of bear scat along the dirt road into the campground, which was fine. Our dog growled into the woods a couple of times while on some nature walk which was a little worrisome but with the right tools, actions and preventative things we were fine.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Green Mountain

    Great Spot

    Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area. Only open on weekends.

  • VIKKY S.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Porter Creek

    Great outdoor experience

    This Campsite is in the woods and does not have basic amenities. It's a very rustic outdoor experience, Frequented by ATV and motorcycle and mountain biking people. There is a latrine here but no water hookups. There is a large creek running alongside some of the campsites. There are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them. Over all this is a great place to go if you want to get away.

  • Jana J.
    Jul. 17, 2021

    Rainbow Falls State Park Campground

    Family Friendly Campground

    Dispersed sites - most standard, but some partial hook up sites available. Forested campground with large playing field nearby. Willapa Hills hiking trail nearby, river access with some swimming available (but no designated areas or lifeguards). Showers available/uses tokens.

    Horse camp sites too!

  • Corinna B.
    Apr. 3, 2019

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Nice State Park with Plenty to Do. Lake, Hiking, Store.

    This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake. There's a camp store along with several large outdoor kitchens that would be good to use for groups. Many of the structures like the kitchens and even bathrooms were built back in the 1930s by the CCC, which is pretty cool. It's just far enough off I-5 to not have the freeway noise, but close enough to be convenient. It's also nearby to Great Wolf Lodge if you're looking for a place to stay near there.

    On the other hand, the RV sites especially are basically in a big field with a cement road going around it. The sites have tables and fire pits, but no privacy what-so-ever. The tent sites are slightly better, with more trees, but still very close to one another.

    The campground also has glamping available (canvas permanent tents) that looked cool.

  • S
    Oct. 24, 2019

    Rainbow Falls State Park Campground

    Small, family friendly, busy

    I should have done a little more research before reserving a spot as this was not what I was looking for. There were pastures and fields surrounding the campground which was set back in a part of forrest. The street in front of the campground was a main road that cars and tractors drove up and down all day. All of the other campers were quiet and respectful but the location was not what we had hoped for. As far as recreation goes, neither we nor our neighbors could find the falls. There were regular flush toilets available and it was decently clean. Plenty of field space and climbing toys for families. We stayed in site 48 which was away from the other campsites but near the entrance to the campground and close to the road.

  • T
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Kammenga Canyon Campground

    Great spot for ORV camping

    Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails. Expect lots of noise from off-road vehicles and music.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground

    Been here a couple times

    This is a pretty nice campground! There are 3 loops, one is dedicated to horses M-F. Both visits I arrived Sunday afternoon and found a few spots to pick from. There’s a vault toilet per loop. No trash, no water, no hook ups so come prepared. There’s a host onsite and they are very kind. You do need a discovery pass in order to stay and just register up front. Was able to get decent sun for my solar so was able to stay for a couple of days with no issues. There’s hiking trails all around you!


Guide to Elma

Horse camping in Washington offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Elma, Washington

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Middle Waddell Campground provides ample space for horse trailers and has nearby trails for riding.
  • At Fall Creek Campground, you’ll find clean facilities and easy access to trails that are perfect for horseback riding.
  • Panhandle Lake Camp offers a secluded environment with amenities that cater to both horses and riders.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and trails

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elma, WA is Porter Creek with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Elma, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.