Campbell Tree Grove Campground offers equestrian camping within Olympic National Forest at elevations between 500-700 feet. The campground operates in a climate zone receiving approximately 120 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions. Nearby trail systems connect to over 30 miles of horse-accessible routes throughout the surrounding wilderness.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 2 miles from Collins Campground takes visitors to scenic falls. "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," notes Asia M. from Collins Campground.
Beach exploration: 1.25 miles from Lyre River Campground. "There is an easy, 1.25-mile (2.5-mile round trip) walk to the beach—trailhead at the entrance to the campground—that is really nice," according to L & J L. at Lyre River State Forest.
Horse trail riding: Access extensive trail systems from several equestrian campgrounds near Olympic National Forest. "There are even horse trails and a huge horse stall area for a group site/horse trailer," reports Socks S. from Campbell Tree Grove.
Wildlife viewing: Bears and elk frequent the area. "We saw a heard of Elk up there and three bears," writes Michael W. at Enchanted Valley. Prepare accordingly with proper food storage systems when camping with horses.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Horse-friendly sites offer spacing for equestrian needs. "Very secluded, deep wood camping. About an hour on unpaved road until you get to the actual camp but the drive is gorgeous!" notes Socks S. about Campbell Tree Grove.
River access: Many campsites provide direct water access. "All sites except two have river or stream access," reports Lawrence F. from Collins Campground, making water available for both horses and campers with proper filtration.
Equestrian facilities: Dedicated corrals and staging areas accommodate horses near Olympic National Forest. "There are 15 sites and most are along a river with private access from your campsite," shares Asia M., describing the spacious layout beneficial for those traveling with horses.
Free camping options: Several horse campgrounds near Olympic National Forest offer no-cost options. "This campground is free with Discover Pass ($30 annual pass)," explains Shari G. at Sadie Creek Campground, providing affordable options for horse campers.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many horse campgrounds requires navigating rough forest roads. "The unpaved access road presents some challenges for horse trailers...the road in is incredibly bumpy, we actually popped a tire on the way in," warns Jess G. at Campbell Tree Grove.
Water availability: Most horse campgrounds near Olympic National Forest have limited water facilities. "Free designated camping areas include basic amenities like vault toilets but no potable water," according to Lawrence F. at Collins, so bring water for both personal use and horses.
Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity. "We drove past 3 piles of bear scat along the dirt road into the campground," reports Socks S., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage for both human supplies and horse feed.
Seasonal operation: Most equestrian campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "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," shares Heartworn H. from Dungeness Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Great for families and people with kids. There are playgrounds near the bathrooms," notes Melissa J. at Dungeness Recreation Area.
Protected campsites: Find family-friendly spots away from cliffs or water hazards. "There is a good amount of space between most campsites. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table," reports Shari G. at Sadie Creek, providing safer options for families with children.
Bathroom facilities: Campgrounds offer varying levels of restroom access. "Clean, camp host were helpful and cheerful," writes Khrys S. about Salt Creek Recreation Area, noting the well-maintained facilities important for families.
Wildlife education: Teach children about local wildlife safely. "There's river access and lots of trails to explore," shares Socks S., providing opportunities for nature education in managed settings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites for vehicle size. "Located a short walk away from bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia," explains Rachel G. about Dungeness Recreation Area, but notes limited accommodations for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Most horse campgrounds have minimal RV services. "There are 6 sites and every camping spot had table and fireplace. You can park next to the table and fireplace," reports Orsolya from Sadie Creek, describing the basic setup common to forest campgrounds.
Road navigation: Plan route carefully considering trailer requirements. "The drive to the campground crosses multiple small streams with old-growth forest lining the roads," notes one reviewer about accessing equestrian facilities with larger vehicles.
