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Sage Horse Camp stands as the primary equestrian campground near Mercer Island, accessible via drive-in, hike-in, or walk-in routes. The campground provides picnic tables, trash collection, and toilets for campers with horses. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the facilities, the camp is specifically designed to accommodate equestrians and their animals. Drinking water is available on site, and campfires are permitted with firewood provided at the location. Horse trailer parking is available with sufficient space for vehicles and equipment. The camp allows both tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different equestrian camping preferences. Trail riders will find the campground well-maintained and clean with access to surrounding riding areas.
Located approximately 47 miles from Mercer Island in the Olympic National Forest region, Sage Horse Camp connects to several bridle trails for day riding adventures. The campground operates on a reservation system rather than first-come, first-served basis, allowing horse owners to plan their trips in advance. Pets are allowed in the campground, enabling riders to bring dogs along with their horses. Seasonal availability may affect access to certain trails, particularly during winter months when weather conditions can limit riding opportunities. The campground's facilities include trash service, helping maintain cleanliness in the horse camping areas. While most equestrian campgrounds in the region lack dedicated horse corrals according to available data, riders often bring portable corral panels or use highline systems for containing their horses overnight. Most riders appreciate the natural setting and trail access that makes the extra preparation worthwhile.
"The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."
"The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."
"It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station. You are limited to 7 nights per month. It's right next to the fairgrounds so you have all the sounds that come with that."
"Notable considerations, near racetrack ongoing races and trials usually quiets down early evening this time of year. Great place to go adventure for the day. A couple major stores to stock up on."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Lovely area such beautiful surroundings."
"Very 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"
"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
"Located on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula, Collins campground is a bit off the beaten path, which was what I was looking for during peak season in August."
"Disclaimer: the road from highway 101 to the campground has SO MANY potholes. Big ones that we had to navigate in our RV but nothing that made it too hard to access the campground."
"It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water."
"A bit of a distance to the restrooms/shower. There is a close Port-o-let. It is located in an historic Fairgrounds with lots of charm...and bunnies! Good sunshine in summer. Not much shade."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to ORV trails. Expect lots of noise from off-road vehicles and music."
"We came here around 9pm on a Friday as we couldn’t get any first come spots elsewhere in the area. We don’t have horses but it was a pleasant area to stay in still."
from $20 - $30 / night
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TravelerNice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area. Only open on weekends.
RangerIt’s right in the floodplain, so it is only enjoyable when it is not rainy season. This campground is south of Duvall, which is an affluent town with shops and things to do. The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs. There’s not a lot of privacy for the campsites. Good location for parking and exploring the east side of Lake Washington cities or access to mountains and hiking on I90.
GuideWhat a beautiful place! The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids. All the RV sites are drive-through, with water and 20, 30, and 50-Amp service. (There is a privately-run RV dump on the way to the park.) The sites are wide because of the driveway. No trees between sites, but some bushes between sites offer some privacy for the back half of the sites. The 17 RV sites are around a huge lawn, with the restroom building at one end, and a path down the middle that is part of a long, level, paved bike/walking trail. There is a shower in each restroom, so the whole building is heated (which was really nice, since the lows were in the 30s in April, 2022) Access to both rivers is at the South end of the RV loop. There are tent-only sites to the North, and also yurts and more tent sites across a picturesque foot bridge over the Snoqualmie River. There are carts available to roll your stuff over the footbridge.
ScoutNice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails. Expect lots of noise from off-road vehicles and music.
GuideLangley is a great little town. I don’t know why they haven’t done more to develop the campground- all sites are first-come-first served. They did repair the electrical system this year and just reopened. It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water. There are accessible bathrooms and showers nearby. The campground is on a hill above the horse barn and arena, very convenient to the town of Langley, which is delightful. No camp host available, nobody you can call for assistance. Because the campground just reopened, we were the only ones camped most of the 6 days we were here. I love Langley but they are not as tourist-driven as many towns which have campgrounds like this.
GuideThis place is great if you plan to spend most of your time on the river, or trails, but not so much on at your site. The lots for most tents/trailers and RVs are pretty close together, not a ton of privacy.
On the plus side the river is beautiful, mostly slow, and shallow, and pretty clear. BUT BRING A LIFE JACKET, accidents happen all the time on this river and I wouldn't put my kids in with out a life jacket.
There are some cool yurts, cabins and platforms for tents on the other side of the river and plenty of hiking. Trails go along the water, and up into the woods behind the campground. As of now it is clear cut once you get over the ridge. This is sad in one breath, but gorgeous in very next. There is wildlife in the area so come prepared (black bears, bobcats, coyotes).
Overall a great place, but like most western Washington campgrounds it's better in good weather by a significant margin. It may flood in the winter, and when it's rainy it's pretty soggy.
Carnation is a neat small town that the park is at the very edge of. Plenty of options for groceries and laundry.
GuideWe came here around 9pm on a Friday as we couldn’t get any first come spots elsewhere in the area. We don’t have horses but it was a pleasant area to stay in still. Bill came by to check on us and make sure we were settled in okay the next morning which was nice. There is a community fire pit area as well as fire rings at each site. 2 porta potties. We were happy to have found this and glad we could get a site last minute! The area is beautiful and was a good base for a hike and going to the lavender farms in town.
GuideLocated on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula, Collins campground is a bit off the beaten path, which was what I was looking for during peak season in August.
The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites. There is a good amount of space between most campsites. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table. I was there the fire season, and while it was hard to escape the smoke pretty much anywhere in Washington, it was as bad at Collins.
I didnt see a campground host while I was there, Im not sure if they usually have one. Most campgrounds in the area were very full and quite busy, so I was very grateful to have found Collins . It Wass quiet and the few campers there were kind, quiet, and kept to themselves.
When driving to the campground on Duckabash road you will pass a cabin on your left side right before the paved road turns to gravel. Apparently that is the oldest structure built on on the peninsula. I thought that was pretty cool!
There are some great trails in the area as well. The Duckabash trailhead is a short drive from the campground and took two great hikes there during my stay. I hiked up river and found a lovely swimming hole, frigid, but beautiful.
I also found a great blackberry patch off the 101 which was so great having while I camped, hiked and in my morning yogurt :)
Cant wait to go back and explore more in the area!
TravelerDisclaimer: the road from highway 101 to the campground has SO MANY potholes. Big ones that we had to navigate in our RV but nothing that made it too hard to access the campground.
There are 15 sites and most are along a river with private access from your campsite. We loved staying here! There is a lot of privacy between each site too.
Bathrooms are very limited (just 2 outhouses) and obviously no hook ups.
There is a hike with a trailhead 2 miles from the campsite. We walked there and it was a milder way walk uphill to the trail head and then the .8 mile hike heads to a pretty waterfall which you can walk behind.
Sage Horse Camp serves as the primary equestrian camping destination near Mercer Island, Washington, situated in the Olympic Peninsula region. The camp sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with mixed forest terrain favorable for trail riding. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-75°F with minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for overnight horse camping trips.
Trail riding access: Tolt MacDonald Park offers varied terrain for day trips with horses. One camper notes, "It was quiet and peaceful," while another mentions the "suspension bridge is pretty cool, but hold onto your phones tight because it could slip through the holes into the river below."
Horse-friendly activities: Sage Horse Camp provides specific accommodations for equestrians. A visitor states, "There is a community fire pit area as well as fire rings at each site. 2 porta potties."
Swimming opportunities: Collins Campground features river access points. A camper explains, "Located on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula, Collins campground is a bit off the beaten path, which was what I was looking for during peak season in August. The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites."
River proximity: Most sites at Collins Campground offer direct water access. "We got an awesome river spot with our brand new set up. It rained but was a beautiful and oh so green area to camp," reports one visitor. Another adds, "There are 15 sites and most are along a river with private access from your campsite."
Privacy between sites: Campers value the space at many Olympic Peninsula locations. "Sites are spacious though they are grouped in such a way that 2-3 sites are open to each other. Would make for a great place for groups with multiple tents," one camper observed about Collins Campground.
Cell service availability: South Fork Snoqualmie River dispersed sites offer connectivity for those needing to stay in touch. A regular visitor notes, "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot."
Road conditions: Access roads to many horse camps require high-clearance vehicles. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn't recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."
Limited facilities: Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground offers basic amenities. A camper describes it as "a little primitive in its layout but fits the needs well. A bit of a distance to the restrooms/shower. There is a close Port-o-let."
Reservation requirements: Unlike some first-come sites, horse camps typically require advance booking. As one visitor to Sage Horse Camp mentioned, "We were happy to have found this and glad we could get a site last minute!"
Weekend popularity: Many sites fill quickly on weekends. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, campers advise, "There are a ton of really great sites along this road, although most of the drive-in sites will be taken if it's a busy weekend, so get there early!"
Fairground camping options: When traveling with children and horses, consider fairground campgrounds which often have both horse facilities and family amenities. Whidbey Island Fairgrounds is described as "located in an historic Fairgrounds with lots of charm...and bunnies! Good sunshine in summer."
Safety awareness: Check for hazardous plants in horse camping areas. At South Fork Snoqualmie, a visitor warns, "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings. But be very cautious as near one of the camp sites are very dangerous plants that are fatal and they are lined all around the campground so not recommended if you have children."
Alternative activities: Tolt MacDonald Park offers family options beyond horseback riding. A camper notes, "This park is big, beautiful, and very family friendly. I've been camping in this park a few times and the only complaint I have during a high traffic weekend is that there are not enough rest rooms!"
Fairgrounds for larger rigs: For RV users with horses, fairground facilities often provide better access. Evergreen State Fairgrounds offers "water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station. You are limited to 7 nights per month."
Pothole navigation: When bringing horse trailers to remote sites, prepare for rough roads. Regarding Kammenga Canyon Campground, a visitor mentions, "Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails."
Electrical hookups: RVers should note that most primitive horse camps lack electrical connections. At Tolt MacDonald Park, one camper reported, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mercer Island, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mercer Island, WA is Tolt MacDonald Park, WA with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mercer Island, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Mercer Island, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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