Equestrian camping near Ocean Shores, Washington sits on Washington's southwestern coastline, where the Pacific meets densely forested terrain. The coastal climate produces cool summers averaging 65°F and wet winters with 70+ inches of annual rainfall. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in this region operate between April and October due to muddy winter conditions, with some facilities closing entirely from December through February.
What to do
Beach riding: Access ocean beaches from Screamin' Eagle Campground where "the Screamin Eagle is a short walk from the ocean beach and has everything you need" according to Karin A. The campground connects directly to coastal riding trails open year-round.
Forest exploration: Venture through old-growth forests on marked equestrian trails near Campbell Tree Grove Campground. "There's even horse trails and a huge horse stall area for a group site/horse trailer," notes Socks S., making it ideal for overnight trail riding adventures.
River fishing: Combine riding with fishing at Williams Park Campground where "Beautiful grassy areas on the North Nemah River" offer excellent fishing access between trail rides, according to marlisa W.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the room to maneuver at Screamin' Eagle Campground where Rick M. found "Level gravel parking sites" ideal for horse trailers and equipment. Most equestrian sites offer 40+ feet of clearance for trailers.
Clean facilities: Riders mention the maintenance level at Rainbow Falls State Park Campground where "the campground is well kept" with "a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground," according to Rich M. This provides ample space for equestrian activities.
Management: On-site staff often make the difference for horse campers. At Screamin' Eagle, "Richard the care taker is an amazing camp host! He has always made our stay wonderful," reports Erica G. Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds have staff with horse experience who understand trailer parking needs.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most equestrian campgrounds near Ocean Shores operate limited schedules. At Screamin' Eagle, the season runs "Feb 1 - Nov 1," closing during the wettest winter months when trails become difficult for horses.
Reservation requirements: Horse-friendly sites fill quickly during summer. At Fall Creek Campground, "You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive," notes Samuel H. Similar requirements exist at most public equestrian facilities.
Trail conditions: Coastal trail systems often close seasonally due to erosion or wildlife protection. "We drove past 3 piles of bear scat along the dirt road into the campground," reports Socks S. about Campbell Tree Grove, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness when riding.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Children enjoy the water features near many equestrian campgrounds. At Rainbow Falls, "We loved that this was right by the river and we could go swimming. Also there was a giant field that was great for playing soccer and baseball with the kids," shares Kirstin K.
Playgrounds: Several equestrian-friendly sites include play areas. Rainbow Falls State Park has "Big open field for playing, horseshoe pits, small playground, river trail, and fishing," according to ashley E., making it suitable for families with both riders and non-riders.
Beach access: Ocean access matters for family enjoyment while some members ride. Nicola M. found Screamin' Eagle Campground convenient as it's "Just a five minute walk from the beach," allowing family members to enjoy shoreline activities while others ride.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: RV campers with horses should note potential limitations. At Screamin' Eagle, Karin A. reported "Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot," suggesting backup power options for horse-related equipment.
Site spacing: At Big Spruce Resort RV and Cabins, Harold C. observed "Our site is one away from from the toilet/bath house there are 6 combo rooms. There are 3 cabins, 12 full service sites, tent sites some w/ electric." Understanding site layout helps when positioning horse trailers and RVs together.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian campgrounds may challenge larger rigs. At Campbell Tree Grove, visitors warned "the road in is incredibly bumpy, we actually popped a tire on the way in." Similar conditions exist at many forest horse camps, so travel during daylight hours and carry tire repair equipment.
