Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground offers primitive camping with vault toilets 25 miles from Lakewood, Washington. The campground requires a Discover Pass for vehicle entry, which costs $35 annually. Capitol State Forest contains over 100 miles of multi-use trails through second-growth forest, providing varied terrain for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.
What to do
Explore forest trails: The Capitol State Forest surrounding Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities. A camper reports, "There's hiking trails all around you!" The trail system includes an ADA-accessible trail that's "level for walking the dog."
Visit nearby Deep Lake: Just 30 minutes from Lakewood, Millersylvania State Park Campground provides lake access for swimming and boating. "The lake is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: The rivers near equestrian camping areas offer seasonal fishing. The Snoqualmie River at South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site provides river access. A camper mentions, "There was a nice long trail that took us to the river."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Despite being just 25 miles from Lakewood, Margaret McKenny provides peaceful camping. A visitor notes, "We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves every time we have called at Margaret McKenny! The camp hosts Steve and Ginny are helpful, kind and keep it maintained well."
Camp host assistance: The on-site hosts at horse-friendly campgrounds ensure clean, quiet stays. "Camp hosts went out of their way to make it comfortable, clean and quiet," shares one visitor at Margaret McKenny.
Spacious campsites: At Dragon's Gate Gardens near Tenino, campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, it's so private."
Free camping with Discover Pass: Several equestrian campgrounds near Lakewood offer no-cost stays with a valid pass. As one camper at Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp explains, "This is free camp ground if you have a WA 'Discover Pass.' It is a shady campground not great for solar."
What you should know
No water available: Most horse camps lack potable water. "No water or power. Bring sewer if able," advises a Margaret McKenny visitor.
Weather considerations: Campsites in Capitol Forest can be heavily shaded. A Sahara Creek camper mentions, "It is a shady campground not great for solar."
Registration requirements: Horse campgrounds use different systems. At Margaret McKenny, campers should "just register campsite upon arrival at front billboard or call ahead with questions or availability. First come first serve."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have nearby shooting ranges. A Sahara Creek visitor notes it "can be noisy at times as there is a shooting range not too far away."
Camping limitations: At Margaret McKenny, there's a "7 day (max)" stay limit. This applies to most Washington DNR sites, where you typically can't stay longer than "7 days in a 30 day period."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds for amenities: Families often prefer campgrounds with more facilities. Tolt MacDonald Park offers "the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions for those who want more of a 'GLAMping' outdoor experience."
Consider noise levels: Some equestrian campgrounds can be noisy. As one camper noted about Margaret McKenny, "Pet friendly but rules strictly enforced," which helps maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Look for diverse activities: Sites with multiple recreation options keep children engaged. At Millersylvania, families appreciate that there are "lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free."
Bring all supplies: With no stores at most equestrian campgrounds, pack everything needed. "No trash, no water, no hook ups so come prepared," advises a Margaret McKenny visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most equestrian sites near Lakewood are primitive. At Margaret McKenny, an RVer suggests, "Definitely don't recommend for a camper" due to the lack of hookups.
Solar considerations: If using solar power, site selection matters. "I chose a fairly sunny spot, but it wasn't enough to charge my batteries. Just a heads up," shares a visitor at one forest campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can be challenging. At Kammenga Canyon Campground, visitors find "nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers," but access requires careful driving.
Self-contained camping: RVers need to be fully self-sufficient. "No trash, pack it in, pack it out. Keep it clean," advises a Sahara Creek visitor, highlighting the leave-no-trace principles required at equestrian camping areas near Lakewood.
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