Green Mountain offers equestrian camping in Kitsap County near Port Orchard, Washington. The trail system provides varied terrain suitable for all rider skill levels. Horse camping facilities include stalls arranged in a common area that lets equestrians camp near their animals. The campground operates on a weekend-only schedule and connects directly to an extensive network of trails.
What to do
Trail riding networks: At Collins Campground, horseback riders can access nearby trails with varying difficulty levels. "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," notes Heartworn H.
Water activities: Millersylvania State Park Campground offers lake access for boating and swimming. "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock," explains Ellen T.
Wildlife viewing: Horse camps near Port Orchard provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "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," says Rich M. about one nearby backcountry option.
What campers like
River access: Collins Campground offers riverside campsites popular with equestrians and other campers. "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," reports Asia M.
Trail convenience: Equestrian campsites provide direct trail access from camping areas. "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles," writes Ivy K. about Green Mountain.
Clean facilities: Dungeness Recreation Area maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "Warm showers, flushing toilets, sparkling clean restrooms," notes Molly L., while Charlotte H. adds it's "a family campground with cheap and clean showers (50 cents/2 minutes)."
What you should know
Water access limitations: Some horse camps near Port Orchard have limited drinking water. "No drinking water access I could find and the directions said to get water from the nearby trail head pump but that pump is broken so bring water or a filter," reports Kaelin M.
Noise considerations: Kammenga Canyon Campground serves off-road vehicle users as well as equestrians. "Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails. Expect lots of noise from off-road vehicles and music," explains Tim.
Road conditions: Access roads to some equestrian campgrounds require careful driving. "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," warns Asia M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tolt MacDonald Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This park is big, beautiful, and very family friendly. There are plenty of huge camping spots that include fire pits, picnic tables, and room for your car," notes a reviewer.
Kid-friendly water areas: Some equestrian-friendly campgrounds include swimming options for children. "There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," explains Ellen T.
Animal attractions: Beyond horse riding, families can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities. "You are a short drive from the Olympic Game Farm, well worth a visit. Check it out online, the kids will love feeding the buffalo and elk," suggests Melissa J.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Horse campgrounds vary in site preparation. "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," notes Russ H.
Parking logistics: Equestrian campsites often accommodate multiple vehicles. "Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers," reports Tim about Kammenga Canyon, making it suitable for horse trailers and RVs.
Dump station access: Evergreen State Fairgrounds offers basic services for RVs. "It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station. The power pedestals is set up for 2 RV's per pole so it might be on the wrong side so you need to run an extra cord or hose," explains Adam A.
