Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Longmire? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. With our help, you'll find the best Washington equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Bumping Lake Campground sits just off the forested shore of Bumping Lake in the Cascade Mountains east of Mount Rainier National Park, about 45 miles northwest of Naches, Washington. Fantastic peaks, high-country lakes and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique and surprising landscapes, making the campground an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking in summer and early fall, visitors can take advantage of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months. Bumping Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located in the lower section of the campground. The American Ridge Trail is a popular among hikers and equestrians, meandering through more than 26 miles of towering forests, mountain meadows and past high elevation lakes from the Bumping River to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Bumping Lake was created naturally by glaciers and is fed by snowmelt. It is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, wetlands and old-growth conifer forests. The area supports wildlife such as deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Bald Eagle, the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears also find havens in nearby ecosystems.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Visitors enjoy making a day trip to nearby Mount Rainer National Park, which offers sublime views of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
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.
$22 / 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
Soda Spring Campground is a small, rustic site located at the end of Forest Road 4510.052 in a stand of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and silver fir. The Campground has 6 sites suitable for tent camping, pickup campers, or smaller trailers. Summit Creek is nearby but not visible from the site but there are a number of dispersed sites along the creek in the area. Sites have moderate screening and are not crowded. There is one old-style double vault toilet and an information board. All sites have tables and fire rings with grill feature. This campground tends to be lightly used and quiet, with only minor local traffic. The access route is moderately steep single lane with occasional pullouts. Larger trailers are not recommended. The trailhead is located in the campground, providing access to the adjacent William O. Douglas Wilderness. Horses are prohibited in the site please use the nearby . Local attraction is a small soda spring, site of old bottling facility. No structures remain.
$37 / night
The Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, maintained by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, lies just a stone's throw from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The camp provides great access to the state-managed Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forests through the Nicholson Horse Trail System. Campground has 20 campsites, picnic tables, hitching rails, and vault toilets.
The Nicholson Horse Trail System has been maintained especially for equestrian use, with wide trails and sturdy bridges providing safe, enjoyable passage for all.
$30 / night
Welcome to Riffe Lake Campground, the perfect place to get away. Riffe Lake Campground offers a friendly area for you and your family, pets included (excluding our cabins)! Riffe Lake offers beautiful scenery for your weekend away. Whether you are looking forward to Riffe Lake’s miles of hiking trails, her beautiful waterfalls, or want to wet your fishing pole’s line, you are sure to have a vacation filled with memories. Our campgrounds are surrounded by striking pines to provide a measure of privacy. If you’re bringing a boat, don’t worry! We are located less than 3 miles from the boat launch. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit and is running distance to our playground.
Hause Creek Campground is located along the Tieton River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington's Northern Cascade Range. Warm summer days and and access to a multitude of recreational activities make the campground an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
Hause Creek Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year. River enthusiasts may enjoy a whitewater rafting trip on one of the many scenic rivers in the area. The Tieton River is especially exciting in September when the Bureau of Land Reclamation floods the Tieton Valley, releasing fast and furious water.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee is a unique National Forest, where high, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old-growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. Precipitation varies greatly thoughout the area, ranging from approximately 140 inches along the Cascade Crest to only 10 inches along the eastern edge. Visitors can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer and plenty of snow in the winter.
Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area. Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. The Goat Rocks Wilderness is nearby. Its peaks are remnants of an extinct volcano, taking the name "Goat Rocks," in honor of the fantastic mountain goats traversing this isolated region.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 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
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:
Camping
Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water
Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.
Campfires
Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches.
Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch.
Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire.
Human Waste
Choose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.
Wilderness permits are required. The self-issuing permits are free and are available at trailheads.
This trail begins at the Berry Patch Trailhead and may also be accessed via Snowgrass Hikers Trailhead. It ends with its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage.
From Forest Road 2150.040 at Berry Patch Trailhead the trail heads northeast through a conifer forest until crossing Goat Creek. It continues up switchbacks, through talus and timber, to a junction with Bypass Trail #97 (at mile 4). Snowgrass Trail #96 continues to intersect with Lily Basin Trail #86 and ends on the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. This trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage. Snowgrass Flats is a 10-plus acre subalpine meadow in a bowl near the headwaters of Snowgrass Creek. The area was named for a type of plant that stockmen called snowgrass.
The Snowgrass Hiker Trail #96A is designed for hikers. It begins on Forest Road 2150.405, enters the Wilderness, then connects with Snowgrass Trail #96 within a short distance from Chambers Lake.
ALERT: Please be advised that the Snowgrass/Goat Lake/Old Snowy area is the most crowded area in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, in the summer months. Expect to see a hundred or more people on the trails. Parking lots at the Snowgrass Trailhead and Berry Patch Trailhead fill early even on weekdays as do places to camp along the trail.
The fragile alpine meadows in the area are being heavily impacted by human use. Please help us in preserving the Wilderness character of the Goat Rocks by observing closures listed in the Wilderness Regulations and on your Wilderness permit, and by following Leave No Trace ethics.
If you value solitude as part of your Wilderness experience, please consider trying an alternate hike. There are many scenic hikes in the area that are less crowded.
For current weather conditions, please follow National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
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.
Traveler
Nice area by a creek, very peaceful and quiet during the day, a ton of people around and lots of passerby’s. As soon as it got dark, someone decided to sneak around my campsite with a flashlight and stand outside my tent for some time. Packed up quick and zoomed out of there, very uncomfortable and would not recommend for solo campers.
TravelerThe hike is beautiful and the lake at the end is stunning. It was a great place to start gaze
GuideVery cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby
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.
GuideA lit if 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. The place is beautiful. Super dark at night, and besides the sound from the interstate and cars driving up and down, it's quite. Even with the noise, it's peaceful and perfect for a little getaway. We have Verizon and have decent service, even with crappy weather.
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!
ScoutSo dark I couldnt even see my own hand in front of my face! I loved it. Quiet enough, could hear gentle highway hum but cant see anything but trees n nature. Earplugs ftw. Some bugs but nothing major. Plenty of spots along the road. U dont need to go all the way to coords. Just pick a spot along road n park. Some wild raspberries at our spot :) firepit nice, a little trash but not much. Thats the cost of free. Spot is free, the cost is picking up a few pieces of trash. Seems fair to me!
Scout
The bathrooms were filthy Quiet hours were not enforced The place is falling apart and looks decrepit: from fences to bathrooms The only dirt roads and sites(no gravel or asphalt anywhere) make everything filthy Site boundaries are practically impossible to determine as a number is the only way to see, no side lines Our site did not even have a picnic table
GuideWent up at the end of 4th of July weekend. Found a great spot but it was apparent that the group before us used everywhere to go to the bathroom and covered it with paper towels. PRO TIP: make the hole first for when you need it and you want have any excuse not to use it! PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van.
ScoutHad an amazing time staying at this campground with our family.
We brought our RV, but you can tent, or rent a Yurt or Igloo. Horses are welcome too! The new owners are doing a great job turning the property around. There is a large recent renovated cabin that fits up to 20 people you can stay as well.
There is a bar & cafe open as well on the weekend with amazing views. Highly recommend.
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.
TravelerYou can hear the road from most camping spots. When we arrived at our site there was garbage all over the place in a fire pit so we cleaned it up.
There was a nice long trail that took us to the river. That was nice. Cleaning up sucked because the floor got muddy.
Lots of mosquitoes.
Lots of camping spots. We left Friday evening and most spots were taken.
GuideThis spot was truly beautiful. Green as far as the eye can see, with a creek by that provides the perfect white noise to fall asleep to. 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. On weekends you might have to drive pretty far down the road to find an unclaimed spot, but I didn't have a hard time on a Tuesday night. There was some trash, including broken glass in firepits and a few beer cans spotted in the woods, but for the most part it was clean! The sites further down the road are definitely cleaner. No bathrooms, so plan on dropping the kids off at the pool before visiting. Seeing as there is water nearby, there are plenty of mosquitoes. Bring some bug spray! There are towns within 15 minutes of the road.
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.
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.
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
GuideMy friend slept in her vehicle(end of the road) and I camped next to the river. There were no other tent campers on this day; many RVs and campers on the way to the river. I highly recommend for peace and solitude.
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.
GuideThis is my second time. It is free good spaces to camp with a lot for trees. I always sleep on my car but people camp on tents on the forest. Dogs welcome
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.
GuideI 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, it is very close to the interstate so you’ll hear a constant hum of cars but it’s very nice to feel like you have your own slice of the mossy old growth forest.
Scout
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. Downsides - water is close to the entrance, so a bit of a haul, no cell service, and there wasn’t as much around as we expected (no trails from the campground, etc). We had hope to do the Boulder Cave Trail, but they recently switched to reservation-only and you can’t reserve day-of.
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.
Horse camping in Washington offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Longmire, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Longmire, WA is Bumping Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Longmire, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Longmire, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
