Best Equestrian Camping near Olympic National Park

This hidden gem, just west of Port Angeles and North of Olympic National Park has the best tidepooling in PNW. You can easily put in Kayaks and SUP. Wide open space for RV campers, but wonderful forested sites for tent and car campers. Emaculate. Two hosts so there is always someone there to help with firewood. Over a dozen walk up sites so it’s a good one if traveling on the fly! Great hikes and waterplay options. And so close to Olympic Natl park.

This is another one of those late evening finds for us that makes this no reservations lifestyle work. Driving along Hwy 112 on the Olympic Peninsula can feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere and then this little gem pops up seemingly out of nowhere. 

There’s just a handful of sites situated in a line at the end of a large parking area for the OHV access trails nearby, but they are lovely. These sites are FREE with your Washington State Discover Pass ($30 annual pass), and we can imagine that it gets pretty crowded on popular weekends.  

Campsites we’re pretty packed together, with picnic tables and fire rings.  Pictures were taken on a Monday morning when everyone else had already left. : )  Had the place to ourselves for a couple of hours.  

There is a vault toilet and a fresh water tap.   We just stayed the night on the way to/from the west side of the peninsula back to the east side, so it was perfect.

Nearby OHV trails and dirt roads offer lots of recreation opportunities, as well as the nearby Olympic National Park. Driving distances in this area are pretty far, so plan accordingly. 

The closest town with all services is Port Angeles, but many gas stations, general stores and mom and pop restaurants can be found in the small villages through which you will drive.

Littleton Horse Camp is on the edge of the very popular Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park. It's hidden away from the crowds, but still super close and convenient to all of the ONP activities and hikes on the eastern part of the peninsula - and was a perfect place for me to really put my new OOFOS to the test.

Campground Review

The Littleton Horse Camp is a haven in the midst of summer national park chaos! There are only a handful of actual sites - but it is a horse camp, so the sites are HUGE, and well spaced out. Each site has a table and firepit as well as an area with the posts to tie up your horses (or your hammock). There were lots of trees as well for hammocking!

Since this campground is in the national forest instead of the national park, there is a lot more flexibility. In fact, if you turn up here and there aren't any actual sites left, you can camp in any of the green space here around the trail head. When we woke up, we found a lot more tents in the common area then we did when we settled in for the night. The campground itself is the trailhead for Muller Mountain.

The campground wasn't well maintained during the weekend of our visit, there was a giant pile of trash by the trash can (which wasn't ever picked up while we were there), the drop toilet was in the kind of state that you don't want to go into unless you really have to, no one was collecting the $10 fee for the sites, and there weren't any envelopes to register.

There is no running water - or any water source, so you have to pack everything in. You're also only 4 miles from the Fairholm camp store if you have to stock up on anything.

The campground is not marked from the road, but it isn't hard to find if you're looking for it. It's 4.4 miles past Fairholm (ONP campground) going west, up a forest service road. This campground works as a great base for Lake Crescent (especially is Fairholm is packed out- and it's 12$ cheaper per night than the NP campgrounds)

Campfires were permitted here in fire rings despite the overall ban burn in the area. This changes and will be clearly marked throughout the National Park and Forest.

Overall, the only thing about camping here that wasn't optimal was that it rained for almost our entire visit! So we didn't get as outdoor time hanging out around a campfire here liked we'd hoped. When the downpour started, we drove back to the Lake Crescent lodge, ate lunch on their covered patio and did the Marymere waterfalls hike.

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - at the LIttleton Horse Camp (and all through my week of Olympic National Park camping and hiking) I tested out the Women's OOMG Low Shoe from OOFOS.

I was excited to test out a pair of OOFOS, because their shoes are designed to relieve pressure and speed up the recovery process for your feet. I do a lot of hiking, and was planning to hike an average of 6-10 miles per day during my Olympics camping adventure.

OOFOS come in both flip flop / slide style and a full covered slip on shoe style. I picked the full covered shoe because I'm always cold when I'm camping and I hate having dirty feet in my tent and sleeping bag. I wasn't sure if I'd like the way they look on- but I'm not super stylish in the campground anyway, so I went with the black full shoe with white sole.

The biggest challenge I had with my OOFOS was getting my size right! I'm a 9-9.5 usually, and wear my running shoes a half size up in a 10. I mistakenly went with the 9 since I wasn't planning on wearing them with socks, and they were too small upon arrival. I had to send them back for the 10, and luckily I still got them the day before I left for my trip. (note: the return process was pretty easy, customer service actually called me back when I left a message, and I see now that OOFOS has added to their site that they recommend ordering up on half sizes)

What I loved (and learned) about camping with my OOFOS:

1. These are soooooo comfortable. I didn't wear them to hike, but I literally wore them every other moment of my trip (and I'm still wearing them every day a week later). The insole is soft, but supportive in all of the right places. It's like wearing properly structured marshmallows on your feet.
2. The full shoe slips on and off as easily as a flip flop. While my camping mate was struggling with setting up her tent with half of her body in and out so she didn't have to take off her shoes, I was able to easily slip mine on and off any time I wanted to pop into the tent or into the hammock. The easy on and off, also makes this super easy for changing in and out of clothes.
3. Because the insoles are made of the same recovery foam material as the outsole, wearing these sockless didn't feel super great in the rain. They felt much better in the rain once I put on some socks, and I learned to dry my feet off before I wear them without socks. (If you have sweaty feet, you'll want socks)
4. I got the white soled shoes because they seemed the most stylish option, but they got dirty very quickly in a mucky campground. They do clean up pretty easily, but if you don't want to clean the soles, black may be a more practical option for the outdoor lover.
5. I did a 14 mile hike the day these arrived in the mail, and they were amazing to put on my very tired feet and calves. I don't know the scientific reason that they work, but they made my feet happy. They will be the shoes I pack from now on to slip on when I take my trail shoes off.

We love this campground so much, I almost hesitate to write this review. Like a number of Washington State Parks, the plug-in sites are in a large field, with very few trees around and kind of look like a lot of other standard RV parks with three or so levels of close parking with lovely views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca between the US and Canada.

While the view is lovely, this is not where this park shines. Go further, into the primitive camping loops, there you’ll find paradise. The sites are small, and situated under a diverse coastal Washington beach forest. A few of the sites have some good solar opportunities, while others are completely under canopy. Most could only accommodate smaller rigs, but a few could get a mid-sized Class B, vans and smaller trailers aren’t a problem. 

Aside from reminding us of the kind of campsites we went to as kids, this place just feels like a great place to hang out and let the kids run feral. This park offers one of the most stunning tide pool experiences that these two naturalists have ever seen without getting in a boat. It’s so richly filled with creatures in the intertidal zone, that it has to be seen in order to be believed. Just a short walk from the campground, go armed with good footwear and the curiosity of a child. Trust us, just put it on the list. 

There’s lots of hiking within the park as well, from the short coastal path, to exploring the WWII ruins, and down to the sandy beach below the bluff on which the campground sits. Nearby Olympic National Park offers many recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, the hiking is particularly stunning there. 

Port Angeles is less than 20 minutes away where you can get resupplied, or treat yourself to dinner, or get more information about the National Park. The nearby communities have gas stations, general stores and convenience stores but only a few Mom and Pop diners/ cafes along state route 112.

Sadie Creek Campground west of Joyce on Highway 112 is perfect for a certain group of people, and not so amazing for another group of people.

If you enjoy Off-Roading or motorized anything this is the spot for you! With six spaces and plenty of parking for your trailer or RV, Sadie Creek has everything you could ask for. Also an extensive system of trails both on the northern and southern end of the highway will give days of riding through heavily wooded (and probably difficult) terrain. Also a great place for equestrians although if your horse spooks easily perhaps not.

If you are a tent camper or enjoy solitude as apposed to the social aspects to the great outdoors I would heavily advise against this campground. It's ok for a quick night's stay if a spot is open but the sites are practically right next to each other and expect to share the space with others that may not be so quiet. I would suggest Lyre River campground 6 miles to the east if that's what you're after.

Although there's no hook-ups there is a pit toilet on site. With a yearly Discovery Pass ($30) the campground is free. You have Murdock Beach down the road which gives great views of the Salish Sea. Closest town would be Joyce 10 miles to the east, with a great general store and through street to Lake Crescent. Multi-use trails run out from the north or south of the campground so great jump-off point for hiking or trail running in the Olympic National Forest.

I discovered Littleton horse camp out of necessity. I dont usually make reservations when I camp which proved quite difficult when journeying through the Olympic Peninsula during peak season. Most campgrounds I planned to go to were not only completely full, but has so many cars and campers on a frantic hunt for a place to stay for the night. Crescent Lake was no exception. All the campgrounds in the area were completely full, and while there is BLM land in the surrounding area, I was camping by myself and didnt feel comfortable doing dispersed camping.

Luckily, I found Littleton Horse Camp. The camp is intended for those with horses, but many people ended up car camping here due to a lack of anywhere else to go. There was no host there so it was kind of a free for all. I dont recommend camping here if there are other options but it was a good backup since there was no where else to go. There were about 5 groups of campers when I arrived in the afternoon, and when I returned from my day at the Lake, there were about 20 cars there. There is a put toilet, but no water. I found a place behind one of the horse posts where there was a little clearing ands set my tent up there. If you really need water and have a filter, there is a creek when you begin go on the trail to Mt Muller which is located along the road heading into campground.

Its about a 15 minute drive to Crescent Lake, and the trailhead to hike Mt. Muller is on the way into Littleton Horse camp. I highly recommend hiking up to Mt Muller for a great uphill butt-burner with spectacular views alongside beautiful fauna and cedar trees.

Glad to know about this place in case im in a pinch next time I come back to enjoy the beauty of the area.

Dungeness Recreation Area is known as the portal to the Dungeness Spit, but there is a lot more to discover before you arrive at the National Wildlife Refuge. Picnic on the bluff, watch the shipping lanes and catch a glimpse of Mt. Baker. Providing the starting point of a great adventure, the 216-acre Park offers many amenities. The virtues include a 1-mile long scenic bluff trail with picnic sites, a pocket picnic area, a group picnic area with shelter, and equestrian trails.

There is a 5.5-mile natural sand spit which is the longest in the country, and serves as a peaceful place to go for a walk along the beach. The narrow strip of land juts out from the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula and encloses the beautiful Dungeness Bay.

The Dungeness County Campgrund is clean and the camping spots are private. There are 66 campsites. No utilities at campsites. The campground is located on a bluff above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is open all year long. There was a picnic table and fire pit available at each site. Clean bathrooms and pay showers. There is firewood available to purchase from the campground host. (cash only).

Just go for a walk out the spit to get a unique perspective of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is a USFWS refuge and campground,so if your into seabirds, this is the place to go. Dungeness gets the least amount of rainfall for western Washington, so don't be surprised if it's sunny.

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. 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!

Took a 3 day backpacking trip alomg the quinalt river. Stayed the first night at oniel campground located about 7.5 miles in. 2nd day our group day hiked the remaining 6miles we had planned in our trip to reach the enchanted valley cabin and then proceded back to camp. There we plenty of campsites along the river most of the the trip and a few campgroudns with multiple sites and even a privy. Oniel had 3 fire pits along with wire to tie up any food (it is bear country out there) and a bathroom. Overall the site was great and not many people were there. No snow was present at the campground, it was intermittent on the trail however.

Everything about the Enchanted Valley is amazing. This was my first ever backpacking trip. I did it with my Dad when I was 8 years old and it has been a favorite ever since then. 

The valley has a Chalet that was originally built by the Olympic Recreation Company in 1931 and has amazingly survived all this time. In recent years the Quinault River has shifted threatening the Chalet. In 2014 the Chalet was placed on steel rails and pulled 100 using mules and a helicopter. 

The Valley is home to a herd of Elk as well as deer, bears and other wildlife. There are spectacular views of snowy mountains and you can hear the rumbling of avalanches.

From the Valley, you can continue on to Andersen Pass.

You get rewarded after the 20 mile hike into this valley with breathtaking views that reminded me of my times in Alaska. Don't plan on going on a 3 day weekends you'll find out the rest of Seattle had the same trip in mind. You have your pick of the meadow to set up camp.

Located 15 miles from Graves Creek Campground on a backcountry trail, this is a campsite that any true backpacker must experience. Located in a valley below mountains, cliff walls, and forests, you are treated to panoramic 360 views of mountains, waterfalls, and absolutely amazing scenery. Bear canisters are a must here as it is in prime bear country, even though we didn't see any. The campground is a little tricky as there aren't any designated camp spots, you just choose somewhere and you set up camp. All in all, this is one of the most amazing camp spots I have ever experienced.

This was my first backpacking adventure and I absolutely loved it. We took the trail past Enchanted Valley and up to Marmot Lake, up to Lake Lacrosse, hopped over Ranger Pass (extremely difficult), and back down into the valley. If you have some legs underneath you, I highly recommend making it to Marmot Lake and Lake Lacrosse. The views are absolutely spectacular up there.

The hike from Enchanted Valley Chalet to Marmot lake is about 12 miles. We decided that we would hike to the end of the Valley the night before to cut some of the miles down. From our campsite at the mouth of the mountain to Marmot lake was 9 miles. It was a tough hike but very manageable.

Camping on top of Marmot lake was the best part of the trip. Climb up on top of the rock to the right of the trail for some very amazing campsites. Ours looked out over a huge valley with mountains all around us and the lake to our back.

Instead of going out the way we came in, we decided to take a loop up to Lake Lacrosse and over Ranger pass. This cut our trip out by 5 miles but proved to be much more difficult. Lake Lacrosse basin has some of the best views on the hike. We saw a heard of Elk up there and three bears. There are some fun side trails up there that we decided to pass on.

Ranger Pass (found on the REI hiking map app), was a very difficult climb for two beginners. We ended up losing the trail and using GPS to guide us over the mountain. On the backside of the mountain there was a rock slide on a VERY steep slope. It took us 4 hours to get down .2 miles. Coupled with some intense fog, it was a pretty stressful hike back down. The end of this hike took us through a creek bed that intersected with the trail that took us up the mountain. It was tough hiking that day for sure.

Hiking to just Enchanted Valley is an easy hike though. There are three main campgrounds on the way into the valley, Pony Bridge (3miles), O'Neil Creek (8miles), and Pyrites Creek (~9.2miles). We stayed at O'neil creek on the way out and back in. However, if I were to go back I would take the extra mile hike into Pyrites Creek. Pony bridge is cool, but crowded, and is only 3 miles in.

The trees are MASSIVE on this hike. Everything is old growth rain forest that makes the hike truly enchanted.

Overall, the trip was amazing and I will definitely make it back to the Olympics in the future :)

It's impossible to say too many good things about the Enchanted Valley trail. Amazingly beautiful river, massive old growth, elk, bears, an abundance of huckleberries and blueberries, waterfalls... I could go on and on. This was my second time hiking the trail but my first time camping in the Enchanted Valley itself.

The campground is pretty spread out. There doesn't seem to be any "official" spots, but a lot of nice places to set up camp with fire rings already constructed. We probably saw at least 20 spots like this, and there's also plenty of camping on the gravel bar if the sites fill up.

There are 2 privies (bring your own TP!). Bear cans are required.