Equestrian Camping near Loomis, WA

Northrup Creek Horse Campground provides direct access to bridle trails throughout Clatsop State Forest. The rustic campground maintains three tent and RV sites separate from equestrian areas, offering smaller spots suitable for compact vehicles or tents. The facilities include vault toilets, hand pumps for water, and dish-washing stations strategically placed for camper convenience. Located within dense forest surroundings, the campground remains seasonal with operation limited to May through November.

What to do

Trail riding and hiking: Northrup Creek offers the "Big Tree Trail" that starts from the tent camping area. According to Daniel S., "There were trails one could take to explore around, and the road in was in great condition." This area provides multiple trail options for both riders and hikers with varying difficulty levels.

Visit coastal beaches: Screamin' Eagle Campground offers quick access to Pacific beaches. As Nicola M. notes, "Just a five minute walk from the beach," making it ideal for visitors who want to combine forest riding and ocean exploration during their trip.

River activities: Rainbow Falls State Park Campground provides options for water recreation. Kirstin K. shares, "We loved that this was right by the river and we could go swimming," while other campers mention fishing opportunities in the park.

What campers like

Secluded camping experience: The quiet environment stands out to visitors at Northrup Creek. Dexter I. explains, "We had the campground to our self midweek. This is a wonderful campground far enough off the beaten path and being listed has a horse camp most likely keeps the crowds down."

Clean facilities: Despite being a primitive campground, visitors consistently mention cleanliness. Jesse H. reports, "Pit toilets were very clean!" while Daniel S. described it as "a hidden gem of a campsite" with clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds.

Wildlife viewing: Perkins Creek Camp Ground offers animal encounters beyond just horses. JoAnna S. mentions, "lots of bunnies and a cute petting zoo very relaxing," providing additional activities for animal lovers.

What you should know

Limited space for RVs: The non-equestrian camping area at Northrup Creek has size restrictions. Daniel S. warns, "While primarily a horse-friendly campsite, there are few RV/tent sites, but definitely not friendly for larger RVs. My 2001 Tacoma with a RTT was perfect, but I don't think the sites are built for large-ish RVs."

Variable tent sites: Jesse H. points out, "Not all of the tent sites can easily accommodate a larger tent," suggesting campers should check site dimensions before booking or arrival.

Seasonal considerations: Snag Lake Campground experiences significant fluctuation in conditions throughout the year. Anna N. advises taking "the forest road that goes past the Naselle Youth Camp, which only takes about 15 minutes and is much friendly on our car," indicating access challenges in certain seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Open play spaces: Beyond horse trails, Rainbow Falls State Park offers recreational amenities for children. Ashley E. mentions, "Big open field for playing, horseshoe pits, small playground, river trail, and fishing," making it suitable for family activities beyond horseback riding.

Educational opportunities: Fort Stevens State Park Campground provides historical sites for family learning. Cadie H. shares, "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" showing the educational appeal.

Multiple activity options: Rainbow Falls offers diverse activities for different interests. Rich M. explains, "There is a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground. The river had a lot of great swimming holes for all ages," allowing families to split activities based on preferences.

Tips from RVers

Electrical reliability: When using hookups, check circuit capacity. At Screamin' Eagle Campground, Karin A. noted, "Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot," suggesting managing electrical loads during busy periods.

Site drainage: Screamin' Eagle faced infrastructure challenges that affected RV services. Rick M. mentioned, "One minus though was someone had driven all over the drainfield and destroyed it causing the dump station to be closed," highlighting the importance of checking facility status before arrival.

Site levelness: Screamin' Eagle Campground offers well-prepared RV sites. Rick M. noted, "Level gravel parking sites. Good Wifi. Very clean restrooms," which is particularly important for larger rigs and longer stays.