The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest region offers multiple options for equestrian camping near Mazama, Washington. Located in the eastern Cascades with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 7,000 feet, this area features both established horse camps and dispersed sites suitable for trailer parking. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during peak season, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions better suited for horse activities.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Harts Pass Campground connects directly to extensive trail systems including the Pacific Crest Trail. According to Christian N., it's a "Beautiful area (even with the eastern approach to it a burned down forest) and for most of the summer, there are super nice rangers at the cabin there."
Dirt bike/UTV routes: Many trails near Salmon Meadows Campground serve multiple purposes. B.T. notes, "Big, open sites. Quiet spot. Room to roam... Tons of dirt bike/side by side trails in the area" that can double as horse routes.
Alpine exploration: The highest passable road in Washington leads to Harts Pass Campground, where Ann P. cautions, "You need good weather, 4W drive and high clearance. Yep, sedans might be able to do it but they shouldn't, plain and simple. If you bottom out on this road, you have a LONG walk to town."
What campers like
Open meadows for stargazing: Joseph P. says about Salmon Meadows, "The gazebo is always awesome for a large family gathering and the views of the meadow are very peaceful" - perfect for nighttime sky viewing after a day on horseback.
Spacious campsites: At Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping, Emma found "Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors," which is particularly important for equestrian setups requiring more space.
Proximity to water: Several camps offer water access, with Emma noting Upper Bobcat is "Super close to the river" - convenient for cooling off horses after rides.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Ann P. found at Harts Pass in early July that "only two campsites were habitable due to snow" - an important consideration for spring horseback trips to higher elevations.
Bug populations: PJ H. warns about Upper Bobcat: "Was here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad. Left with more bug bites than I could count."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian sites have basic facilities. Teresa H. describes Cottonwood Campground as a "Typical NForest type campground with little visual privacy but decent space between spots!"
Tips for camping with families
Consider established campgrounds: Family groups often prefer Alta Lake State Park Campground for its facilities. Casey R. recommends sites in "Loop 2 on the right (on the lake side). It was away from the main area, parking lots, boat launch or store, so pretty quiet."
Plan for weather extremes: The area experiences significant temperature variations. Christian N. recalls "Woke up to snow on the summer solstice!" at Harts Pass, underscoring the importance of packing for all conditions when bringing children.
Budget for park fees: Costs vary between free dispersed sites and established campgrounds. Jonathan T. notes American Legion Park charges "$10/night (72 hours maximum)" with amenities like "free showers, free WiFi, bathrooms, water faucet, and water spigot."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Alta Lake offers multiple loops with varying privacy. Shay F. advises, "Our Basecamp is only 16 feet long and we can run off the grid, so we actually can take it along the lake in a tent spot. If you are going to attempt it, it is truly a tight fit."
Level sites important: Many horse campers need relatively flat ground. Shay F. continues, "Sites are small, pull off is more accurate than pull through, and we used a lot of blocks to level up."
Limited services: Most equestrian-friendly sites lack full hookups. Peter at American Legion Park describes it as a "Great place if you're just looking for a spot to spend the night or take a shower... There are no individual spots it's just a long parking lot with a grass area for tents."
