Olympic National Forest and surrounding areas offer varied options for equestrian camping near Lake Stevens, Washington. Located approximately 45 miles north of Seattle, the region features terrain ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet elevation with dense evergreen forests and multiple trail systems.
What to do
Trail riding at Harry Osborne State Forest: Access extensive, well-maintained trails through working forest land. "Great place to bring your LQ (any size rig) and camp with your horses. There are a few non-equestrians, but we need to keep this a place for equestrians because we are losing more and more campsites," notes Elise M. about Harry O's Cowboy Camp.
Waterfall hiking: Find scenic trails leading to waterfalls within short driving distance of horse camps. At Collins Campground, "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," reports Asia M.
Overnight backpacking: Take shorter backpacking trips with horses or on foot to lakes in the region. At Lily and Lizard Lakes, "A good one or two night backpacking experience. There is no overnight parking at the top lot that is half way up the trail, so you have to park on Chuckanut drive," advises Audrey L.
What campers like
River access: Many equestrian and standard campsites offer direct access to water features. 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," shares Asia M.
Peaceful settings: Horse camping areas typically provide more space between sites than standard campgrounds. "Quiet and Lots of Space" is how Elise M. describes Harry Osborne State Forest, noting, "No water or electric at the camp, but you can drive down to a creek and pump or collect water for your horses."
Proximity to towns: Equestrian campgrounds often balance rural settings with reasonable access to supplies. "The campground is on a hill above the horse barn and arena, very convenient to the town of Langley, which is delightful," writes Christine about Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many horse camps require campers to bring water or filter from natural sources. "Note that this is a working forest and may have heavy log truck traffic at times...the gates will be locked otherwise," warns Deb E. about Harry Osborne State Forest, adding, "This is dry camping with no potable water or garbage."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote horse camps can be challenging. When visiting Collins Campground, Asia M. cautions, "the road from highway 101 to the campground has SO MANY potholes. Big ones that we had to navigate in our RV but nothing that made it too hard to access the campground."
Capacity limitations: Most equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season. At Lily and Lizard Lakes, Sean M. reports, "Only 4 campsites there and all really close to each other. All the sites had a fire ring, bench and a flat area to set up your tent."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple camping styles: Some facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping with horses. At Green Mountain, Ivy K. notes, "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."
Weekend availability: Some equestrian areas have limited operational schedules. "Only open on weekends," Ivy K. mentions about Green Mountain, which limits planning options for families with school-aged children.
Water safety considerations: Rivers and lakes near horse camps require supervision. "Enjoyed the sound of the river right there. Restroom was not too smelly, no tp when we arrived, but most of us prepare for that," advises Kathleen J. about Collins Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited services: Most equestrian campgrounds lack full hookups. "High-line poles are available to high-tie your horses. We set up a portable corral and were fine. Picnic tables and fire rings are also available," explains Elise M. about Harry Osborne State Forest.
Large rig access: Some horse camps can accommodate bigger setups. At Greenstone Farm Camping, Mark Q. reports, "We stayed here two week and loved it.. hated to leave! Host was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are well kept. Nice fire pit and Beer Garden area."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies at different horse camps. At Harry Osborne State Forest, Elise M. mentions, "There is a vault toilet and I got cell service on my phone," which can be important for emergency contacts.
