Horse camping opportunities near Goose Prairie, Washington sit at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet in the eastern Cascades. This region features a mix of pine forest and meadow terrain with seasonal creek access. Most equestrian camping areas remain open from late May through September, though higher elevation sites may have limited access until July due to snowmelt.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Bumping Lake Campground, riders have direct access to several trail systems. "It's got it all. Lake access. Trail access. Pristine wilderness. Horse trails. Hunting. Fishing. Scenery," writes Steve C. The trail network connects to multiple day-ride options under 8 miles round trip.
Mountain viewpoints: From Walupt Lake Campground, equestrians can access trails with panoramic mountain views. One visitor noted, "From the top of the hike we were able to see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier. It doesn't get any better than that!!" Most ridge trails require 4-6 hours round-trip on horseback.
Water access: Multiple equestrian sites provide lake or river access for horses. At Walupt Lake, campers report "Lake is pristine, calm and gorgeous. Easy to kayak. Easy trail access to hikes." The lake provides a water source and cooling opportunity for horses during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 80°F.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campsites offer good separation from other campers. At Soda Springs, a reviewer notes "Sites are pretty spread out offering a good amount of privacy, all are along the Bumping River." This spacing allows horses adequate room without crowding other equestrian parties.
Trail connectivity: The regional network of horse-friendly trails receives consistent praise. At Teanaway Campground, a visitor mentioned "If you are a mountain biker, this spot will not disappoint with the trail system right out of camp," noting the same trails serve equestrians well, with connections to higher elevation routes.
Vault toilet maintenance: Despite being primitive facilities, many campgrounds maintain clean vault toilets. At Soda Springs, a camper observed, "Bathrooms are Porta-Potties. They were kept fairly clean while we were there. The hosts kept the soap, water and TP full the whole weekend."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some equestrian campsites require navigating rough roads. At Hause Creek Campground, a reviewer warned, "Sites 9-12 are reservable, walk in and right against the river... The river was running high while we were there, so it drowned out most of the road noise."
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds provide minimal facilities. "This is a very small and primitive campground. There are a total of 24 sites with the camp manager. Some are nestled in the trees far away from everyone else," notes a Soda Springs visitor. Bring all necessary supplies.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation sites have limited seasons. At Soda Springs, a camper reported in late May, "You can drive to the 'Y' intersection for the camp grounds and horse camp, but the snow was so deep that walking is the only option."
Insect pressure: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity. A Walupt Lake camper warned, "I'd give this campground four stars but we battled mosquitoes constantly." Bring appropriate insect protection for both horses and humans.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Children enjoy the water features at many sites. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground noted, "Loved how quiet and small this campground is, and how much privacy the sites have. Many of the sites have river access, which was lovely in the heat."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to spot regional wildlife. One Bumping Lake camper shared, "Perfect place to go with the family! Bathrooms, fire rings, lots of space! I love boating to the little islands around the lake!"
Site selection: Choose larger sites when camping with children and horses. "Our campsite was right on the water side which made swimming and playing in the water so easy," explained a Bumping Lake visitor. Sites near water provide natural entertainment for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Pad conditions: Many horse camps can accommodate smaller RVs but have unimproved pads. At Teanaway, a camper observed, "Relaxing spot nestled within the Teanaway Community Forest. A few basic toilets dot the area and campsites are separated by picnic tables and fire rings."
Turning radius: Horse trailers require adequate space for maneuvering. A South Fork Snoqualmie River visitor noted, "A lot of the spots are on the smaller side, so we had a bit of trouble finding one that could fit our motorhome, but it was worth it."
Arrival timing: Arrive early to secure suitable sites. At Teanaway, a camper advised, "I showed up Saturday evening and found a spot no prob. It was crowded (and very loud) but most parties acknowledged the 10PM quiet hrs. By Sunday evening 90% of the crowd had left and it was heavenly!"
