Green Mountain is a public campground in Kitsap County that operates seasonally with weekend-only availability. Located about 30 minutes from Federal Way, the elevation ranges from 300-1,500 feet with a mixed forest environment of Douglas fir and western hemlock. Winter and spring camping often includes wet conditions with temperatures between 35-60°F depending on season.
What to do
Trail riding options: Green Mountain offers direct access to multiple trail systems designed for equestrian camping near Federal Way, Washington. The Tolt MacDonald Park trail network includes a suspension bridge that connects additional riding areas. "It was quiet and peaceful. The suspension bridge is pretty cool, but hold onto your phones tight because it could slip through the holes into the river below," notes LColleen R.
Motorcycle access: The South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site provides additional trails for motorized recreation compatible with horse camping. "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn't recommend driving down it without good ground clearance. There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit," warns Parker C.
Waterfall hiking: When not riding, take a short hike near Collins Campground for scenic views. "There is a hike with a trailhead 2 miles from the campsite. We walked there and it was a milder way walk uphill to the trail head and then the .8 mile hike heads to a pretty waterfall which you can walk behind," recommends Asia M.
What campers like
Private river access: Campers appreciate the natural water features at many sites near Federal Way. At Collins Campground, "There are 15 sites and most are along a river with private access from your campsite. We loved staying here! There is a lot of privacy between each site too," reports Asia M.
Free camping options: Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp provides cost-effective equestrian camping near Federal Way, Washington. "This is free camp ground if you have a Wa 'Discover Pass.' It is a shady campground not great for solar. It is a pleasant campground but can be noisy at times as there is a shooting range not to far away," explains GrandpaMoto B.
Cell reception: Working remotely while camping is possible at certain locations. At South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot. I've come in twice on a Saturday afternoon and have been able to find an open spot with my 18 ft travel trailer, I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service," shares Austin R.
What you should know
Reservation limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance planning. At Millersylvania State Park Campground, "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open," reports Christina F.
Parking constraints: Horse trailers require adequate space, which varies by campground. At Majestic Mobile Manor & RV Park, "It took a long time to get set up because of the ridiculously small amount of space I had to maneuver my 33ft RV and my 8ft extended cab truck."
Safety concerns: Be aware of potential hazards at dispersed sites. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings. But be very cautious as near one of the camp sites are very dangerous plants that are fatal and they are lined all around the campground so not recommended if you have children," cautions Lewis G.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: For families seeking swimming options near Federal Way, Millersylvania State Park offers "a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," according to Ellen T.
Organized activities: Crista Ministries - Crista Camps- Island Lake Camp-Poulsbo provides structured programming options. "Great place lots of fun but it is not a campground... It's a summer camp for teenagers. I myself went there as a teenager," explains Tyler S.
Vault toilet availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Federal Way have limited facilities. At Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, "Vault toilets are pretty clean. There is NO trash here, pack it in, pack it out. Keep it clean. Lots of horses here which is enjoyable. An ADA trail is level for walking the dog," notes Fern.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for pull-through sites to simplify setup. At Tolt MacDonald Park, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through, it's fairly quiet. Nice setting, lots of outdoor and indoor activities with in a short drive," recommends Russ H.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs. "There's a charge dump station at the ministorage at the turn off," adds Russ H. regarding facilities near Tolt MacDonald Park.
Road conditions: Access to some horse camping areas requires appropriate vehicles. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, "The road is fairly accessible, though there are some fairly large potholes that could damage smaller vehicles, and the road could become muddy after raining," cautions Jon H.
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