Olympic Peninsula campgrounds near Quinault receive an average of 70-80 inches of rainfall annually, creating a lush environment for horseback riding and primitive camping. The surrounding forests consist primarily of western hemlock, Douglas fir, and western red cedar trees, with many trails traversing elevations between 200 and 4,000 feet. Most equestrian-friendly campsites in the area are accessible from May through October when trail conditions are optimal.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Collins Campground provides easy access to nearby waterfall trails. "There is some hiking nearby including a short hike to some beautiful waterfalls. Dosewalips State Park is close by for some ocean and river fun," notes Lawrence F. The trailhead is approximately 2 miles from the campsite with a 0.8-mile hike to a waterfall you can walk behind.
River exploration: Porter Creek offers excellent river access for fishing and exploration. "The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" reports Jessica A. Visitors can find multiple river access points directly from campsites, with several users noting the creek is clean and suitable for wading during summer months.
Beach access: At Lyre River Campground, campers can take an easy 1.25-mile trail to the shore. "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," shares one reviewer. The beach trail is accessible year-round and provides opportunities for surfing at nearby breaks.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Campers consistently praise the riverside sites at Collins Campground. "We got an awesome river spot with our brand new set up. It rained but was a beautiful and oh so green area to camp," writes Kathleen J. Most sites offer direct river access, though some are more marshy than others.
Privacy between sites: Enchanted Valley receives high marks for its spacious camping areas. "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," notes Lauren E. The valley accommodates at least 20 distinct camping spots with pre-made fire rings.
Equestrian facilities: Last Chance Camp provides basic amenities for horse owners. "Tent and RV sites. Some shade sites. Portable toilets for those not self-contained. Great rates. Host is very friendly and accommodating," reports Laurie. The camp serves as a convenient backup option for equestrian travelers who need accommodations after 6 PM.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several horse campgrounds near Quinault requires navigating rough forest roads. At Campbell Tree Grove Campground, one camper warns: "The road out to it is pretty treacherous also. Not for beginners, we had to help some people who put their car in a ditch by wrecking it." Another visitor mentions "VERY secluded and road in is VERY rough and ALOT of TREE'S down ACROSS road."
Wildlife presence: Bear activity is common in the area. "We drove past 3 piles of bear scat along the dirt road into the campground, which was fine. Our dog growled into the woods a couple of times while on some nature walk which was a little worrisome," shares a camper at Campbell Tree Grove. In Enchanted Valley, bear canisters are required, and visitors frequently spot elk herds.
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian facilities operate on limited schedules. "The campground operates seasonally from late May through September 30," according to information about Campbell Tree Grove. At Porter Creek, a visitor notes: "We arrived at the end of the road to find the campground closed," highlighting the importance of checking current opening dates.
Tips for camping with families
Beachfront options: Salt Creek Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities near the water. "Clean, camp host were helpful and cheerful," writes Khrys S. The recreation area includes a playground, tide pools, and private campsites suitable for children of all ages.
Horse-friendly campgrounds with amenities: When camping with children near Quinault, equestrian campgrounds with better facilities may be preferable. "Back for our first of several visits in 2021. It was chilly and windy but we still had a blast," shares David M. about Salt Creek, which provides warm showers (25 cents for 2 minutes) and flush toilets.
Raccoon precautions: Multiple campgrounds report active raccoons. At Lyre River, campers advise: "Beware though, I think the directions might be slightly wrong... the campground is on the east bank of the creek." Salt Creek visitors mention "very on the picnic table raccoons," suggesting secure food storage is essential when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Big Spruce Resort RV and Cabins provides electrical connections for RVs. "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," notes Harold C. The resort also offers laundry facilities with one washer and dryer.
Leveling and site preparation: RV campers should prepare for varied parking conditions. "Level gravel parking sites. Good Wifi. Very clean restrooms," reports Rick M. about Screamin' Eagle Campground. However, some sites experience drainage issues during heavy rain, with several campgrounds noting flooding concerns during wet weather.
Access limitations: Many horse campgrounds near Quinault have restrictions on larger vehicles. Campbell Tree Grove accommodates horse trailers but access requires navigating approximately one hour of unpaved roads. Before arriving with larger rigs, measuring clearance for low-hanging branches is recommended as several campers report downed trees blocking forest roads.
Ranger
