Equestrian camping options near Raymond, Washington provide access to forested trails through the Willapa Hills. The terrain features rolling hills and dense woodland areas with elevations ranging from 30 to 500 feet. Seasonal rainfall patterns affect trail conditions, with drier conditions typically occurring between July and September.
What to do
Explore old growth forests: Lewis & Clark State Park offers trails through ancient cedars just an hour's drive from Raymond. "We hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey," shares Jennifer Q., who found the park "gorgeous" with its "tall trees, lush foliage, immaculately maintained" grounds.
Swimming in natural settings: Rainbow Falls State Park provides river access for cooling off during summer rides. "The river had a lot of great swimming holes for all ages," notes Rich M., who found this park "well kept" despite its modest size. The park includes a "huge field to play in and a playground" for additional recreation.
Fish in stocked lakes: At Snag Lake Campground, anglers can cast for trout in a serene setting. "The lake is stocked with trout. We saw many fishermen catch a lot of fish in a short time," reports Anna N., who discovered this primitive campground offers two drive-in sites with the remainder being walk-in only.
What campers like
Large group accommodations: Millersylvania State Park works well for multiple families camping together. "We had a large group of four families and it accommodated us very well," according to John G., who appreciated the "spacious sites" and "very pretty and clean lake" facilities.
Privacy in forested settings: Porter Creek offers seclusion for those seeking a more natural experience. "Located in Capital Forest and upkept by DNR. It's first come no reservations. The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" explains Jessica A., highlighting the primitive camping experience.
Beach proximity: At Screamin' Eagle Campground, you'll find easy ocean access. "Just a five minute walk from the beach," notes Nicola M., who appreciated the owner/operator helping them find "the last dry camping site available" when they arrived late.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Some horse campgrounds operate on limited schedules. At Porter Creek, one visitor warns: "We arrived at the end of the road to find the campground closed," forcing them to abandon their plans. Check DNR websites before traveling during shoulder seasons.
Water quality notices: Watch for posted water warnings at campgrounds. At Lewis & Clark State Park, a visitor experienced "a current e coli water warning which was displayed throughout camp on all water spigots," causing concern about using facilities.
Road conditions vary: Access to remote horse camps can be challenging. For Snag Lake, Anna N. advises: "Met a local gentleman who told us to take the forest road that goes past the Naselle Youth Camp, which only takes about 15 minutes and is much friendly on our car."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: Rainbow Falls State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground," notes Rich M., making it ideal for families needing room for activities.
Educational opportunities: Fort Stevens State Park provides historic sites that engage younger campers. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" shares Cadie H., highlighting the educational value.
Camp host assistance: Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground offers helpful staff. "The camp hosts Steve and Ginny are helpful, kind and keep it maintained well," reports Rachel W., who "thoroughly enjoyed" every visit to this primitive camping area designated for horses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lewis & Clark State Park, RV sites vary greatly in quality and location. "The RV section had six spots. 3 of those spots back up to a busy paved road with traffic," warns Lisa P., suggesting campers carefully research site locations before booking.
Water and hookup availability: Fall Creek Campground offers basic amenities for smaller rigs. "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," reports Zin C., who found the location "quiet, relaxing, perfect getaway not far from town."
Hookup reliability concerns: Watch for electrical issues at some campgrounds. At Screamin' Eagle, one camper noted: "Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot," though they still rated the experience positively.
