1 campground with availability this weekend
Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp accommodates equestrians with multiple horse stalls in a common area. Located near Ashford, this free campground requires only a Washington Discover Pass for stays up to 7 days in a 30-day period. The campground features vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Most sites are reserved specifically for horse campers, with large spaces suitable for horse trailers. An ADA-accessible trail provides level terrain for walking dogs and horses. The campground sits near Mount Rainier, approximately 15 minutes from the national park entrance, offering access to numerous trails and riding opportunities. The rocky soil can make tent staking challenging, but the shaded sites provide a cool retreat during summer months.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to multiple hiking and horseback riding paths. The campground's proximity to Mount Rainier National Park creates opportunities for day trips to explore additional riding terrain. Riders should note that shooting range noise can be heard from nearby facilities, though most campers report this doesn't significantly impact their experience. The deep shade in all camp spots limits solar charging capabilities, which may affect those depending on solar power for extended stays. No water hookups or RV facilities are available, making this a primitive camping experience. Campers must pack out all trash as there are no collection services. The campground's spacious layout accommodates multiple vehicles and trailers at each site, allowing for comfortable group equestrian camping experiences while maintaining a quiet, natural setting.
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. "
Available this weekend
from $12 - $140 / night
"The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."
"The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."
"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
"Easy access to ORV trails. Expect lots of noise from off-road vehicles and music."
"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."
"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."
"Lovely area such beautiful surroundings."
"Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby"
"Horse camp but sites 21-30 are for non equestrian campers."
"Lots of horses here which is enjoyable. An ADA trail is level for walking the dog.
Shooting range is close by, doesn’t bother me but it’s pretty noisy."
from $30 / night
"There are hiking trails close by but be sure to do your homework because there are many trails that allow ATV, horses, bikes, and people on them."
"Theres also 2 trails in walking distance aswell. Most sites also have a table, and metal fab firepit. Theres also a few out houses for restrooms."
RangerVery nice! Horse camp but sites 21-30 are for non equestrian campers. Sites are wooded between and large with table, firepits/grill combo, and level wooded spaces. 2 clean, well stocked pit toilets are available. Water faucets available at several locations. WA discover pass but free otherwise. It is patrolled regularly.
TravelerI went here with my fiance in September. Went on a Friday and there was only 1 other group. Theres about 16 sites from what I saw. Its free as well but first come first served. Getting to it is pretty easy and straight forward aswell, heads up the road turns to gravel and it can get narrow. Most of the sites are along the creek which was very beautiful. Theres also 2 trails in walking distance aswell. Most sites also have a table, and metal fab firepit. Theres also a few out houses for restrooms.
GuideQuiet, but we were here mid week in late August….
RangerThis went from a four star stay to one star in the blink of an eye. There is a shooting range directly behind this campground, and the horse trails lead right past it. On August 8th 2026 around 2PM, someone’s horse was shot while they were riding less than a half a mile away from camp and when they called 911, animal control came but police would NOT come even to investigate. This was reckless use of a firearm, animal endangerment, and honestly should be a felony. There is no way to accidentally be shooting at the trails from the shooting range, you have to DECIDE to do that. Police are absolutely useless, and now I know especially in this area the cops don’t give a damn about anyone’s safety.
You can hear shooting nearby all day and all night despite the posted hours at the range. Although it’s a free stay with a discover pass, I will NOT EVER stay here again and would not recommend this place to anyone with horses.
GuideBeautiful well maintained sites with tables and fire rings. Washington Pass required. Plenty of room for RVs at many of the sites - it was mostly empty when we came.
ScoutArrived pretty late. In daylight sites are easy to find but a bit hard in twilight/dark but lots of open spots and an easy going camp hosts makes that better.
Think more tailgating than camping on event nights.
Back in camping, ADA portapotty, showers are well used but clean and great water pressure.
For the cost and same day late booking good option for a day to come Clean up yourself and the car.
GuideUSE AS A LAST OPTION ONLY - It's right behind the racetrack so if you like rednecks reving engines until midnight less than 100yds from your campsite you'll love it here! Didn't even bother with the restrooms or showers, everything looks pretty run down at the RV-2 site. Overall, a pretty crap operation. The other parks in the county are AMAZING, just steer clear of this place
GuideWe stayed at one of these dispersed camping spots memorial weekend. Wonderful spot. Plenty of room for our 3 dogs to play around in. Only one issue. Whoever was there before is pretty much emptied all their trash out there. We had extra trash bags so we bagged it all but we didn’t have a truck to load it and take it out. It was like 4 or 5 bags full and some random shelving. So weird. Why are some people like this.
Other than that it was a perfect spot for us.
GuideI camped here in spring. Minus two stars because the campsites are wrecked with trash. But still beautiful, and I had great reception. There were lots of open spots and I only ran to it two other campers.
Equestrian camping near Ruston, Washington offers access to numerous trails within a 60-mile radius of the city. The region experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers with average summer temperatures ranging from 65-80°F. Trail access varies seasonally, with some horse-friendly campgrounds closing during winter months due to snow and muddy conditions.
Trail riding near Mount Rainier: Access multiple riding trails from Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp located approximately 50 miles from Ruston. "There is also a nice picnic shelter with closable sides for in climate weather and lovely trails. It's also near Mount Rainier," notes Amy K. The campground's location allows riders to explore both local trails and nearby Mount Rainier National Park.
Waterfall hiking with dogs: Porter Creek offers trails suitable for hikers and their canine companions. "There is a bunch of awesome trails with beautiful surroundings for every level of hikers and if you can find your way to Porter Falls, you definitely wont be disappointed with the view!" shares Brittany E. The area provides moderate terrain suitable for day hikes ranging from 2-6 miles.
Swimming in natural settings: During summer months, seek cooling river spots at Collins Campground. "Amazing little campground all sites except for two or on the river quiet clean bathrooms," reports Tyler S. Lawrence F. adds: "We hiked up river and found a lovely swimming hole, frigid, but beautiful." The riverside sites provide direct water access for swimming and wading.
Riverside camping: The proximity to flowing water creates a natural soundtrack 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 feature private river access, creating secluded spots for tent camping and relaxation.
Deep forest shade: Many horse campers appreciate the natural canopy at Green Mountain. "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area," reports Ivy K. The thick forest coverage keeps sites cool during summer heat waves.
Family-friendly amenities: Millersylvania State Park offers well-maintained facilities for families. "Separated tent and RV sites, sites are spacious, a very pretty and clean lake, Beer Garden at the lake, clean bathrooms, shower requires tokens but shortens the shower time if you have to wait," says John G. The park balances natural settings with convenience features like potable water and electrical hookups.
Discover Pass requirements: Washington state lands require proper permits for overnight stays. "This is a free camp ground if you have a Wa 'Discover Pass' it is a shady campground not great for solar. It is a pleasant campground but can be noisy at times as there is a shooting range not to far away," explains GrandpaMoto B. about Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp. Annual passes cost $35 or $11.50 for day use.
Road conditions: Many horse camping areas have unpaved access roads. "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. about Collins Campground. High-clearance vehicles are recommended during spring when roads may become muddy.
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We arrived at the end of the road to find the campground closed, so we ended up abandoning our final night and driving home. DNR would do well to post closure information so that apps like The Dyrt can more easily pick it up," advises Phoebe B. regarding Porter Creek.
Beginner-friendly horse trails: When introducing children to horseback riding, choose camps with level terrain. "Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area. Only open on weekends," notes Ivy K. about Green Mountain. These facilities provide safe environments for young riders with mounting blocks and common areas for instruction.
Lake activities for kids: Millersylvania State Park Campground offers structured recreation options. "It was raining for nearly our entire time here, but we still enjoyed the close/easy access to bathrooms, showers, potable water, and hiking trails, not to mention the numerous activities available near the lake. We did some paddle boating, dipped our toes into the water, and purchased snacks at the small store," shares Geanna R.
Noise considerations: Camping with children requires awareness of environmental factors. "Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp" campers note: "Shooting range is close by, doesn't bother me but it's pretty noisy. Can hear some highway noise, but again, hasn't bothered me." Plan accordingly with campsite selection or white noise solutions for sensitive sleepers.
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian campgrounds near Ruston offer primitive camping. "It's such a bummer because the trail and creek are beautiful. (although plenty of litter). Also lots of random hikers/walkers coming through and walking through the campsites themselves to get to the creek and tossing more garbage onto the creek bed," reports E V. at Porter Creek. Bring sufficient water and power supplies for self-contained camping.
Spacious pull-through options: Tolt MacDonald Park accommodates larger rigs. "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. Nice setting lots of outdoor and indoor activities with in a short drive," writes Russ H. The park's layout allows for easier maneuvering of horse trailers and RVs.
Solar limitations: For RVers using solar power, site selection matters. "I depend 100% on solar. There is deep shade in all camp spots, I chose a fairly sunny spot, but it wasn't enough to charge my batteries. Just a heads up," cautions Fern about Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp. Plan alternative power sources when booking sites in densely forested areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ruston, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ruston, WA is Crista Ministries - Crista Camps- Island Lake Camp-Poulsbo with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ruston, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Ruston, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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