Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground provides dedicated horse corrals in three distinct camping loops near Olympia. One loop is reserved exclusively for equestrian use Monday through Friday, with vault toilets available in each loop. The campground requires a Washington State Discover Pass for entry but does not charge additional camping fees. Sites remain primitive with no water hookups, trash service, or RV accommodations, requiring visitors to pack out all waste. Several hiking trails surround the campground, offering riders multiple route options directly from their campsites.
The Capitol State Forest trail system connects directly to Margaret McKenny, providing extensive riding opportunities on shared-use pathways. Trails accommodate horses, hikers, and in some areas, motorized vehicles, with clear signage indicating permitted uses. The shaded campground offers reasonable solar exposure for those using portable panels while camping. Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp represents another equestrian option in the region, featuring larger sites specifically designed for horse trailers and multiple horses per party. Both campgrounds maintain rocky soil conditions that can make tent staking challenging but provide solid footing during wet weather. Most equestrian sites accommodate multiple vehicles and trailers with ample parking space for horse transport.
$12 - $45 / night
"Great PNW experience minutes from Olympia! Campground review: First off this is not a primitive experience by any means."
"Can tell this place is packed on weekends, being so close to Olympia. Nice swimming area with snack bar. Many of the tent camp sites are not private and right next to their neighbor."
"There are 3 loops, one is dedicated to horses M-F. Both visits I arrived Sunday afternoon and found a few spots to pick from. There’s a vault toilet per loop."
"Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days."
"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, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so."
"We had our choice of campsites, near hiking trails and the creek. The road wasn't too rough to get there, and we were able to park nearby. What more do you need?"
"There are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them."
"There is a bunch of awesome trails with beautiful surroundings for every level of hikers and if you can find your way to Porter Falls, you definitely wont be disappointed with the view!"
$55 / night
"Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees."
$27 - $45 / night
"Forested campground with large playing field nearby. Willapa Hills hiking trail nearby, river access with some swimming available (but no designated areas or lifeguards)."
"27 for sites that are near the entrance. Nothing wrong with these sites, just that they are small and kind of close together and exposed, almost like overflow sites."
$12 - $45 / night
"There is lots to do around the campground you just have to venture out and find it. This is a pet and horse friendly spot. There is one hiker spot for first come first serve."
"To the west are these beautiful sites, facilities, and walking trails. In the morning, we hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey."
$65 - $71 / night
TravelerWent in the middle of the week and wasn't busy at all. Can tell this place is packed on weekends, being so close to Olympia. Nice swimming area with snack bar. Many of the tent camp sites are not private and right next to their neighbor. Overall a nice place to go during the week.
LegendThey have glamping! Or as the campground calls it: pampered camping. This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. Super easy to get our trailer in and out of the spaces and there was lots of extra parking for our larger group. A quick walk around the grounds offered a nice hike and showed us some pretty awesome sites Id like to stay at in the future. They are on a progressive price, meaning depending on the site is what your price will be.
The canvas tent option was one I didn’t know about until I got there. The tents are cabin shaped and have a few chairs and BBQ grill outside it. Great option for families.
The park also offers a cottage right next to the lake. This is a nice alternative to traditional camping. One thing that was great about the park was the various kitchens around the grounds. This offers a great way for larger groups to have a set space for meals.
GuideNice state forest with old growth. Lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free. Quieted down around 10pm. A bit pricey ($37 peak season) but very convenient if you're in Olympia and need a campsite late/on the fly. Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower! As someone who usually disperse camps, the amenities were a nice luxury. No bugs this time of year.
ScoutWe come here often as we live in Olympia.
Pros: close to the city in case you forget something or a little one has a meltdown, lots of varied activities: biking, light mtb, trail running, hiking, paddling & fishing ( there's a small lake).
Cons: can get crowded and the campsites are pushed up pretty close together so you'll likely get to know your neighbor.
LegendMillersylvania is located South of Olympia on Deep Lake. The campsites are nice, they have both RV, Yurts, and Tent sites. The RV loop does pack you in their like sardines. Deep Lake is a murky lake but is stocked with fish and has designated swim area.
ScoutWe decided to stay a night here on a whim. It’s a short trip from our home in Olympia. So glad we did the leaves are changing and the Corliss on the trails were remarkable.
RV sites were functional. We got lucky and found one in the trees. Some of the sites stay open year round
ScoutThis campground was amazing it was so well taken care of and the sites were spread out giving you enough room to not be on top of the next person. Wasn’t too far from the lake was easily walkable and taken care of swimming area was not covered in seaweed. Would totally recommend to anyone that asked me where to camp in Olympia and will definitely plan a trip there again.
GuideNot sure why it says $30, this place is free WITH your Discover Pass, 7 day limit in a 30 day period.
Vault toilets are pretty clean.
There is NO trash here, pack it in, pack it out. Keep it clean. Lots of horses here which is enjoyable. An ADA trail is level for walking the dog.
Shooting range is close by, doesn’t bother me but it’s pretty noisy. Can hear some highway noise, but again, hasn’t bothered me
I depend 100% on solar. There is deep shade in all camp spots, I chose a fairly sunny spot, but it wasn’t enough to charge my batteries. Just a heads up.
Will return if visiting rainier again :)
ScoutThis is a beautiful spot! I was recently needing a place to camp outside of Olympia on a roadtrip. It’s about 10 minutes from I-5 so perfect for a one night stop, not sure if I’d want to stay there for more than that. The campsite had very little privacy and unfortunately everyone was woken up by a screaming match at 2AM.
campsite pros: Beautiful forest and lake Well maintained facilities Right off I-5 - so perfect for breaking up long trips Has cell service
cons: No privacy Loud - cars, planes, trains, people playing music, and a couple screaming at 2AM when I was there Pricey - I paid $37 for one night at a campsite Has cell service
Dispersed camping areas near Olympia, Washington offer opportunities in the forested foothills of the Cascade Mountains and along the Chehalis River watershed. The region typically receives 50+ inches of rainfall annually, creating lush, dense forests with abundant undergrowth. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for wet conditions and temperatures that rarely drop below freezing.
Trail exploration: At Millersylvania State Park Campground, campers access multiple hiking paths through old-growth forests. "Lots of trails to hike but not as well marked as I would expect," notes one visitor who appreciates the park's natural setting despite navigation challenges.
Water recreation: Deep Lake swimming: The lake at Millersylvania provides designated swimming areas with no lifeguards. "The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," reports a camper who visited with family, highlighting the safety aspect of the contained waterway.
Equestrian camping near Olympia: Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground offers dedicated horse facilities. "There are 3 loops, one is dedicated to horses M-F," explains a regular visitor. This campground connects to multiple horse-friendly trails in Capitol State Forest.
River exploration: Porter Creek access: Visitors can wade and explore along the creek edge. "The river is gorgeous and fun to explore," mentions a camper who enjoyed the primitive camping experience alongside water activities.
Private camping spots: At Fall Creek Campground, campers appreciate the secluded settings. "Very pleasant campground. We had our choice of campsites, near hiking trails and the creek," writes one visitor who valued the selection of camping locations.
Spacious group areas: Millersylvania kitchen facilities: The park provides several outdoor kitchen structures for group gatherings. "One thing that was great about the park was the various kitchens around the grounds. This offers a great way for larger groups to have a set space for meals," notes a camper who utilized these facilities.
Horse-friendly accommodations: Equestrian campers near Olympia find dedicated facilities at Margaret McKenny. "Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days," explains a visitor describing the value and accessibility of this horse-friendly option.
Family-oriented recreation: Rainbow Falls State Park Campground offers developed play areas. "There is a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground. The river had a lot of great swimming holes for all ages," observes a camper who enjoyed the range of recreational options.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "It was pretty busy and there isn't much privacy but everyone was very respectful," reports a Rainbow Falls visitor, highlighting a common experience at popular sites.
Water quality considerations: Water advisories occasionally affect campgrounds. "There was a current e coli water warning which was displayed throughout camp on all water spigots," noted one visitor at Lewis & Clark State Park Campground, suggesting campers should check conditions before arrival.
Campsite privacy variations: Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. "The RV loop does pack you in their like sardines," explains a Rainbow Falls camper, contrasting with other reviews mentioning more secluded tent sites within the same park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Olympia, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Olympia, WA is Millersylvania State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Olympia, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Olympia, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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