Looking for the best horse camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest? It's easy to find Gifford Pinchot National Forest equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Washington horse camping excursion.
The Campground sits along Panther Creek at the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail. Driving on FR65, 4.7 miles upstream from the campground, visitors can enjoy an easy hike to Panther Falls. __Campers can enjoy the privacy provided by a variety of shade-loving plants and a thick forest of cedars, ash, firs and alder.
Hikers have close access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,663 miles from Mexico to Canada. Outstanding scenic views are available all along this trail.
Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Panther Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Elevations here range between 1,200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a diverse array of habitats and natural features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.
Panther Creek Campground makes a great base to explore Mount Adams and the Columbia River Gorge. The town of Carson is nearby, which is known for its hot springs. It also has a golf course, restaurants and shopping.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
Walupt Lake Campground offers scenic views of Mt. Adams and the surrounding forest on the west end of Walupt Lake. The sites here provide plenty of privacy and ample shade form the surrounding hemlock, cedar and fir trees. Walupt Lake Campground is a great choice for visitors looking to fish, swim, boat or explore the numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the area.
Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Walupt Lake. Swimming and the use of motorized and non-motorized boats is also permitted. Numerous trailheads can be accessed from this campground. Walupt Lake Trail, Nannie Ridge Trail and Coleman Weedpatch Trail are popular hiking and equestrian trails.
Walupt Lake spans 384 acres and is the second largest lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The clear mountain waters are popular with anglers who come here to cast for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. This campground is surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness, named for the rugged peaks where numerous mountain goats are found. Scattered throughout the area are alpine meadows, lakes and ponds.
Walupt Lake's location between Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens makes it possible to explore any of these areas on a day trip.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
Forlorn Lakes, one of the most popular campgrounds in the southern part of the forest, offers 25 campsites scattered around the wooded shores of small, picturesque lakes. Swimming and fishing are possible in the larger lakes. Huckleberry bushes grow in the campground and surrounding area making this site very popular during huckleberry season. The campsites at a maximum 18 feet long are suitable for tent camping and small campers or RV's. The day use area has lake views, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is very popular, the camping spots fill early in the week. Forlorn Lakes offers nearby access to Indian Heaven via the East Crater Trailhead.
$10 - $20 / night
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.
Children play in the shallow swim area under the watchful eyes of their picnicking parents, anglers float on the lake, hikers and campers take quiet strolls in the woods. On sunny weekends, laughter fills the playground, lakefront and kitchen areas. Whether you've come for a rest or a family play day, time spent at Battle Ground Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle your life once again.
PARK FEATURES The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking, horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is attractive to swimmers and paddlers and is stocked with trout, making it a favorite of anglers.
The park has 35 standard campsites, six partial-hookups sites, 15 primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, two primitive equestrian sites, four cabins, one RV dump station, two restrooms and four showers. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
$37 / night
Campsite information The main campground has 28 standard campsites. It is an older camp in a forested setting suited more for tents than RVs. There are a limited number of sites that accommodate RVs over 20 feet. This campground closes seasonally.
The Woodard Creek Campground has five full-hookup campsites that provide electricity, water, and sewer. The sites have a maximum length of 40 feet. These campsites are open year round.
There are two standard equestrian campsites located at the equestrian trailhead that will accommodate a horse trailer each, a hi-line for horses, livestock water and a CXT vault toilet. There is no potable water and no electricity. Primitive camping fee applies.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m.
Winter facilities at the moorage area include two tent sites, one shower and one restroom. Overnight moorage and the boat launch are available year round.
The campground loop trail allows easy access to the main trailhead. A trailhead parking area, found at the east end of the campground provides parking for day use. Over 50 miles of trails and closed roads are available from the campground.
A higher elevation, wooded campground especially popular during huckleberry season as this site is located in a part of the forest with many huckleberry bushes. Squaw Butte Trail #21 leads out of the campground.
This campground features 16 pull-through campsites in a stand of lodgepole pine and mixed conifers and includes a mounting assist ramp and water trough. All sites have highline poles and long pull-through parking. The many trees provide plenty of shade, but not much space for portable corrals. There is also a day use trailhead for the Klickitat Loop Trail #7A within the campground. Heading south on the Klickitat riders can tie into to the Spring Creek Trail #115 and the High Lakes Trail #116.
Ranger
Stayed here a few days a couple years ago and it was a great place. The campsites are nice and spacious with good privacy from other campers. The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water. But it's a nice sandy shore so great for the kids swimming and the water is so shallow for a long way out so you don't have to worry about the kids. It's a beautiful lake and nice area.
Scout
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower. There's a country store 2 miles west of here you can get firewood and some supplies. Sites are a little less private and occasionally I heard train passing by from the nearby railway (bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper). Check our videos for details: https://youtu.be/BrSpGhdefQ0?si=dVS7YPTZX8AplUVL
Traveler
The hike is beautiful and the lake at the end is stunning. It was a great place to start gaze
Guide
They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.
Scout
A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites. Nice flat and level outlined areas for us tent campers. Only down side was that it was a bit of a hike to the restroom (the National Forest site map showed one near the entrance where there wasn't one). While I reserved, mid-week there were a number of open sites for those without reservations. Some of the sites are really large and can handle a bigger group. Some PCT hikers stayed here due trail closure further north due to forest fire. Would recommend.
Guide
Sites were super shaded. Lots of trees for some privacy. Easy lake access close by. Only complaint is that it’s deeep in the woods and took a while on a gravel road to get there but that’s not a real problem is it. Lots of mosquitoes in July so bring your bug spray. Toilets are vault toilets I’d bring extra TP just in case. And bring your paddle board or kayak!
Guide
Large sites, some with access to the River. Highway noise was pretty loud in some of the upper sites. Bathrooms (pit toilets) were very clean and the camp host was lovely! Nice recreation area nearby.
ScoutMy family and I have stayed at Bumping Lake for years. It’s off grid and the spots are large and private. The lake is great. There is a lot of hiking and biking trails.
ScoutCamp-side slide opens right upto the fire pit, cannot use it. Directions from the confirmation email were incorrect. People weren't kidding about the trains. T-Mobile signal is weak, 1.8 mbps down, 0.4 mbps up
GuideWe found a site right by the river. Some shaded sites are available too. Camp host was very friendly and helpful.
Guide
We came early June to try and hike near Mount Rainier. Unfortunately it was way too snowy and foggy to do any hiking. However, this campsite was incredible. Right by the river with bathrooms and clean sites.
Ranger
Stayed here for one night on spring break with my grandsons. Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington.
GuideThis park is huge! Lots of space to hand out and swim. There’s always kids running around so it is great for young ones. Bathrooms were clean and big.
ScoutVery quiet sprawling camp area
Traveler
Camped in dispersed campsite across from campground. Walked through campground. Has decent outhouse. Watering trough for horses. picnic tables and nice fire pits with grates in every campsite. Great picket lines for horses in each site. Use caution, since there is an abundance of bear in the area. And cougar have been sighted around the area
Legend
This is a beautiful campground! Lots of tall trees, & ferns. Feels like you are in Boreal forests . Several shower/bathrooms buildings throughout the park. It adjacent to the Mount St Helen’s Volcanic Preserve, but on the back end. We hiked into the NP to Cathedral Falls. It is convenient for exploring Mt. Saint Helen’s, and Mt Rainer.
GuideDeeply forested, gorgeous, well spaced sites, located up an easy road, nearest cell signal is about 4 toward Carson.
ScoutThe road is quite bumpy, and the river is dry. But there are plenty of spots to camp that are level with rock fire pits.
GuideWe hardly ever stay at State Parks due to we like less people. This visit was wonderful. Our site was very large and private. Campground was very quiet. We enjoyed the miles of hiking trails that were connected to the park. We really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful area!
GuideMy wife and I arrived on a Friday and left the following Tuesday with our 22’ travel trailer. We stayed in RV4 (one out of the five available RV spots) and it had full hookups. The scenery was amazing and I highly suggest the Beacon Rock/River to Beacon Rock hikes.
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. The sites are right next to the highway and train tracks as well, with trains running every 30 minutes or so.
All in all, we had a great time and it was a thoroughly enjoyable place to be. Would definitely return!
Traveler
There are 8 walk in sites and one drive up site, all first come first serve discovery pass required. Some sites are larger than others, but in ours we were able to fit two 6ptents and one 2p tent. All campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. You’ll still see and hear your fellow campers, but it does seem semi private. Make sure to bring toilet paper, the bathroom seems to never be stocked. Make sure to haul out all trash.
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. Also very close to Cougar for gas and supplies for emergencies. Driving distance to popular day hikes. No cell service.
ScoutWhen I was younger I used to come up to Bumping Lake with my grandparents. This lake had always held a special place in my grandpa's heart. Though it has changed much since my childhood camping trips with my grandparents this place still has that special something. This time around my cousin invited me and my brother along for a Memorial weekend camp out and I just had to accept. I am embarrassed to admit how long it'd been since I've been camping last so this trip was a must for mind, body and soul. We came up on a Saturday and totally lucked out cause we got the one space that wasn't reserved which had to be a blessing from our late grandpa smiling down on us. Being it was Memorial weekend I thought the campground as well as the lake were going to be crazy both in people everywhere and it being loud at night. Thankfully this was not the case. Sure all the campsites around us were filled but everyone was super quiet and respectful. There is a really nice day use area by the boat launch that is $8 for day use or free if you got a campsite. There are picnic tables as well as fire pits with grills to cook food. There can be a pretty good breeze on the water so make sure to bring a jacket or a hoodie cause it can get a bit chilly even on a nice day. We also got to see jets make a few passes while there on the lake which was pretty darn awesome as well. I was told they use the area as a training grounds and can usually be seen once or twice a day. The water was a bit to cold for myself but my younger brother and cousin jumped in numerous times and would usually both start and end the day with a dip. 2 of the 3 nights I slept out under the stars on a cot and it was amazing the sleeping bag along with my Eddie Bauer throw blanket were sufficient enough to keep me cozy all night which surprised me since it was in the mid 30's. Between the fishing, relaxing and exploring I had an amazing weekend and cannot wait to get out camping again. Thinking Bumping lake needs to become a yearly trip at minimum just wish my grandpa was still around to enjoy it with. Do yourself a favor and get out to Bumping lake you will not regret it.
GuideMy favorite type of campground! Feels remote, quiet, clean, well established with giant mossy trees and a river rushing through the camp.
The pit toilets were very clean and there were only 3 or 4 other groups camping.
The sound of the creek lulled us to sleep and we woke bright and early to the sound of birds and chittering squirrels.
We stayed in site 19. The sites have a lot of green space between them so I would imagine that even if there were a lot of people in the campground, it wouldn’t feel crowded. There were also lots of paths that led to the river.
10/10 would recommend and we’ll be visiting there again.
GuideI really enjoyed this campground and had a beautiful spot (see pics). We originally were assigned #1 and that was literally next to the parking lot. Because of a mix up (a car was parked in our spot) the ranger let us move to site #35. He was really nice! The campground host who greeted us upon arrival was friendly too. We came to this campground with friends on the first summer-weather like weekend. The lake was nice and just a little walk from the campsite. The only drawback and reason for 3 stars is the boulders in front of campsites. If you were in a tent no problem because everything would be on one side. The issue is that they are between the fire pit/picnic table and your rv/trailer! I fell over one in the dark and a camper in a group scratched his leg.
TravelerThis is a great little cozy location. Many beginner trails. Clean and respectful staff. However the parking machine was not working when o arrived.
Scout
This a a 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.
LegendDiscover pass required
Merrill Lake, just outside of Cougar, WA feels very remote, despite its relatively close proximity to the Portland/Vancouver area. This campground is best suited for tent camping, as there is only one RV site and sometimes it’s occupied by a camp host.
I met up with some folks who were in tents and occupied the tent spots and spent the night in the parking lot in my van. Several other folks did this as well. You're just a little ways from the campsites that have picnic tables and fire pits.
The lake is the real attraction here. Great for paddle boarding or kayaking. There's a boat launch. Best of all, it's free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gifford Pinchot National Forest is Panther Creek Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
