We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Mazama. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Washington campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Great views. Alpine meadows. This forested campground is located in the Hart's Pass Area, near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. No trailers allowed on Forest Road 5400 to Hart's Pass (very narrow road).
Along Thunder Creek Trail, the first open view is from a 1970 burn at about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). Here an emerging forest of young Douglas-fir and a profusion of seed bearing herbs and shrubs attract birds, rodents and their predators. Across the valley, note a newer burn from lightning strikes in 1990. Rock cliffs and McAllister Glacier provide natural fire breaks and a splendid backdrop for this evolving forest scene. The next backcountry camps, McAllister hiker and stock, are located at mile 6.7 (10.8 km) and are a popular overnight destination. Pass the stock camp first, with a view from a high cliff down Thunder Creek. This view was created in the massive floods of 2003, when the river below shifted course significantly and carved into the cliff, suddenly bringing trail and hiker into much closer proximity to the creek! Hikers continue a short distance and cross the roaring creek on a log bridge to access the spacious and green creek-side hiker camp. The far site is a group site. Smaller Tricouni Camp lies 1.3 miles (2.1 km) beyond McAllister, in a more open salal forest, just after crossing Fisher Creek on a bridge. From Tricouni, the trail begins its first real climb: a relentless 2.2 miles (3.5 km) gains over 1000 feet (305 m) to reach Junction Camps (hiker and stock) and a major trail junction. From the high ridge of the hiker camp, enjoy an expansive view of Boston Glacier and Tricouni Peak. From here, one may either take the Fisher Creek Trail 14.8 miles (23.8 km) over Easy Pass to SR 20, or continue on the Thunder Creek Trail to Park Creek Pass. Both ways lead to grand trail experiences.
Alta Lake State Park has 32 utility spaces, trailer dump, 4 restrooms (one ADA) and 12 showers. Maximum site length is 38 feet (limited availability). Dump station available year-round, dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.
This campground was originally established in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and boasts a picnic gazebo built by the CCC as well as an old registration booth. Fourteen campsites will accommodate tents or trailers. Two sites have horse corrals. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring.
$10 / night
Located near the Chiwawa River at Rock Creek this campground is approximately 15 miles up the Chiwawa River Road #6200. It offers 7 long pull-through spurs and horse facilities. It is wheelchair accessible. __The Basalt Ridge Trail #1527__and The Rock Creek Trail #1509 are accessed from this horsecamp.
Legend
Nice park beside very slow river adjacent to busy road. No dogs on grass. Garbage. Picnic tables. Shaded. Stay 72 hours. Warm shower. Flush toilet. $10/night/vehicle or tent
Scout
Camping is great for those who like to experience the atmosphere of the mountains and forests or resorts that also have camping. As the article above shows, camping is very fun if we have a happy spirit. So let's see the feedback experiences of customers when coming to the camping places on this website: https://suikagameonline.io
Guide
This place was so fun we plan to go back again in September! Even though the sites were close together, we still felt like we had a lot of privacy. There were lots of paths to take our kids for walks or bike rides. And the swimming area at the lake was really nice. They even had a snack shack! The only thing that was missing was a better playground. There was a slide, and that was about it.
GuidePersonally I really enjoyed this park and camping. The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful. Even with the few private homes nearby, it didn't really take away from the scenery in my opinion.
I camped in the upper loop in a site that backed to the hill side. The layout of the sites are very unique, no two sites (in the upper loop at least) are alike. My spot had a lower parking area with room for two cars. The you step up to the "living room" where the picnic table and fire pit were, then off of that area was a isolated tent pad area.
The next spot over on one side was up hill from me, so didn't really see them (but could hear them). The spot on the other side was closer and lacked a little bit of privacy, but as far as state parks go, it was still fairly spread out. I was also there for a Saturday and Sunday night, so Sunday the park completely emptied out and I think there were only 2 or 3 others in the entire upper loop, and not near me at all, which was nice.
I'm sure there are times when the lake gets overrun with motor boats and jet skis, but the weekend I was there (6/8 & 6/9) wasn't to bad at all. Paddle boards and kayaks outnumbers the boats with motors, and even those weren't racing around the lake, they were all fishing.
I mostly camp in dispersed camping areas, but this is a state park I would put on my short willing to return to list.
TravelerYou park really nervst the other, that’s why only 4 stars, hood for fishing, hook ups, great view, well maintained
ScoutCurrently, there is a 72-hour camping limit and is a city park, which means they don't accept any type of pass or discount such as the Discover Pass. The fee is $10/night (72 hours maximum). But you can still hang out here during the day-use hours until then, if you don't have the money.
I like this area very much. Nothing spectacular, but free showers, free WiFi, bathrooms, water faucet, and water spigot is hard to beat.
You can call them and ask any questions. The number is 509-422-3600
Ranger
Highest road in WA: Harts Pass. 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.
Camp: moderately sized sites. We arrived July 1 and only two campsites were habitable due to snow. A bear box would be nice. The landscape is a bit unusual due to beetle and fire damage.
TravelerWe had a tent site up on the hill that was semi-private with beautiful views. Plenty of birds to wake you with the sunrise. I could see how the lake could be busy in peak months but it wasn’t while we were here.
ScoutGreat place if you’re just looking for a spot to spend the night or take a shower. The park is sandwiched between a busy city street and the river. Bathrooms are old but clean. Possibly open all night. There are no individual spots it’s just a long parking lot with a grass area for tents.
Guide
The campground was in good shape, nice and clean.
LegendWe camped here in early October on Friday night. Only the lower loop was available. Our site was a standard one with no hookups. It cost $25 in the off season. There is a trail to the beach but not much of interest. There is a day use area if you want to swim or launch a boat.
We camped here because my grandparents used to camp and fish here.
It was quiet even though there were some private homes nearby
There were full hook up sites for the larger RVs so we didn’t have the sound of generators to bother us.
RangerWe we did enjoy staying here but two big things that were not so wonderful was the lake was very busy with skiers and tubers so anyone enjoying lighter vessels like kayaks had to watch out or go late in the evening when the big boats are off the water. The campsite had nice Landscaping but where stacked pretty closely together at least on the inner campsites. The rather short trail to the bluff behind the campground was rather steep in areas but well worth the trip when you did get to the top.
This Campground was good for a single visit for us but will likely not return in exchange for a quieter and less visited park.
RangerStarting spot for our PCT SOBO thru-hike in 2019. Woke up to snow on the summer solstice!
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. If you are a thru-hiker, theres oftentimes trail magic here!! Easy hitch down to Mazama.
TravelerThe campground is beautiful. Because of the fire that destroyed the campground, there is next to no privacy on each campsite.
Pros: -Stars were incredible- we saw the milky-way and a few shooting starts -clean flushable bathrooms -views, access to hikes -cool lake to swim in -cellphone service (although we opted to put our phones in airplane mode to unplug) -family friendly
Cons: -noise: during quiet hours there was zero enforcement of quiet time. We had a camp next to us partying until 1am and another group up at 6am putting up a canopy and being incredibly loud -no privacy at campsites -there is a fire ban, so if you are hoping for s’mores make sure to bring a propane stove (not a con for us, but may be for others) -bees: there were so many bees. If you are allergic I recommend staying away. We had a screened in canopy and still managed to get several inside -not a ton of shade, mostly because of precious fires
TravelerAlong Thunder-creek trail Junction is tucked away about 10 miles in. While the hike is relatively easy-moderate while passing through the other camps, once you get pass camp Tricouni you have 2.2 miles until camp Junction and it’s a strenuous hike up the mountain for about a mile. There are 3 campsites to choose from in Junction. Get there relatively early because there are only 2 with a view of the glacier, the third is nice and private and tucked away but you won’t see the mountain from the site. The pit toilet is tucked away in some trees to your left of the campsites with plenty of privacy and scenery. Junction great spot for camping or to break for lunch and take in the gorgeous views. I will add if you choose to visit during a warmer time bring bug spray and get a fire going ASAP to keep them at bay until the night air comes in.
ScoutVisited 7/26-7/31 2020 Loop 1 site 22 Pros- clean facilities, great day use area, some campsites (loop 3) are on the water. The lake is cool and clear. Nice staff. Kayak and paddle board rentals (not this summer due to covid). Close to Winthrop and Chelan.
Cons- extensive fire damage in 2014 has downed many trees and most campsites have zero or little shade. Sites are very close together, little privacy and weekends at lake are busy. My main issue was the out of date campsite photos. Our site showed 6 trees but we had zero (cut down I’m guessing due to fire). We knew it would be hot but we also thought there would be shade.
Guide
Several spots on both sides of Entiat River. Typical NForest type campground with little visual privacy but decent space between spots!
Guide
Dry camping with pack it in and pack it out! No organized camp spots just wide area pull off in National Forest but access road is good except for washboard sections.
Scout
This spot has been the 2nd choice for my family over the years, we typically camp at Kerr camp just down the mountain a little way but we have enjoyed this spot as well, awesome trails from this spot to ride Utv's. The gazebo is always awesome for a large family gathering and the views of the meadow are very peaceful. Wish there was more of a creek but I cannot play God.
ScoutBig, open sites. Quiet spot. Room to roam. I think there’s paddock to bring horses but I’m not sure. Tons of dirt bike/side by side trails in the area.
GuideGreat day park, not so great for camping. We stayed in spot 5 in loop 1, or the woods campground. There was a capped pipe that appeared to be waste water dump but was not. When we asked the park attendants why it wasn’t labeled or locked they had no answers. We ended up with an ant infestation in our camper and we camp very clean. It’s very barren and hot. The good was the camp was quiet and the sandy swim beach was nice, but only during the week. It was packed on the weekend.
TravelerWell besides the fact that the camping is literally site on top of site. Unless you like camping looking down on your neighbors camp an arms reach away. ( insert eye roll ) and the one guy ranger who “didn’t have time to talk to us” simply about switching sites because we booked online. And was sandwiched in between two large family sites. Anyways we ended up being helped by a nice lady ranger who made time and even checked on us later to see if we were all good. After changing sites. The campground was pretty empty btw and wasn’t a big deal to switch. Spending the day on this lake was Amazing!!! Warm water they had paddle boards and kayaks to rent by phone so that was a plus. So three stars for the lake. Two for the nice ranger and one for camp site layout. Flushing toilets and pay showers available but Should be expected for $40 a night.
GuideThe road to Hart's pass is carved into the side of a mountain and NOT for the faint of heart. But once you're up there, the views are great. It was pretty smoky in August of 2018 from all the wildfires and the campground itself was burned through in the not too distant past (not sure when) but it is still a gorgeous spot. It is the kick off for the last leg of the PCT before Canada and the start of a nice backpack South to Rainy Pass.
There is little or no shade or privacy because of the lack of trees but the sites are fairly far apart.
Great place for star gazing!
LegendI look forward to Alta Lake every year! I try to get my favorite spot on the end near the water and stay as many days as my life will allow. We take our kayaks and explore. Hiking trails are close by.
It can get crowded up in the RV section. People seem to enjoy themselves, it gets pretty loud and rowdy in the afternoon and evening. I am glad we have other options. 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. Be careful! Sites are small, pull off is more accurate than pull through,and we used a lot of blocks to level up. I wouldn't think this place is known for privacy, but I think it makes up for it with location. The bathrooms are nice and have showers too.
Lots of fish, birds, turtles, and little critters running around. The lake is lovely. There are motorized boats allowed, kayaks and swimmers be careful!
ScoutOne of the best campground I've ever visited. Lots to do and very well taken care of.
TravelerAlta Lake was perfect! Weather cooperated and gave us mid 80’s the 4 nights/5 days we were there. The area is beautiful! Peaceful and quiet the whole time.
LegendGorgeous backcountry campground, complete with firepits and privy -- makes roughing it even easier. Water is easy access from Thunder Creek, which is just down the hill. This site is about 10 miles south of the Colonial Creek Campground, a great basecamp option for this trek, as you start the hike through old growth forest. This is the perfect site for a large group, but it also has quite a few smaller “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc. The views of Boston Glacier (currently the largest glacier in the North Cascades National Park) and multiple waterfalls are fantastic. Bear canisters are required, as the predominant fir trees in the area are not conducive to hanging food. Cost=free! Permit required from NOCA Visitor Center.
Horse camping in Washington offers a unique way to explore the state's 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 set up camp and hit the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mazama, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mazama, WA is Harts Pass Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mazama, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Mazama, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
