Best Equestrian Camping near Seattle, WA

We were eager to see Seattle, especially Jason Jr. who had been waiting a year to go. First, we wanted to make a stop at the REI flagship store downtown for some climbing gear. We circled the block several times unable to find parking that could accommodate our 45 foot length. There was another store, just outside of town at Redmond Town Center with plenty of parking and a Red Robin. Woo-Hoo! After some ropes, harnesses, D-rings, hiking shoes, pocket knife, climbing book, etc. our pocket book was a little sore. We were exhausted from the long day of driving and eager to get to the campground.King County Tolt MacDonald Park was on the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers. It looked like a very nice place to camp, fish, hike, etc. but we didn't intend on spending much time there. There were only a small amount of sites but they had full hookups which is always great. There were trails and a suspension bridge that went across the river. But our main reason for being here was to see Seattle. The next morning, we rented a minivan so it would be easier to get around town. Our first stop was the Space Needle. The elevator ride to the top was pretty quick. Then you could go out on the deck and walk around to see the views of the city and Puget Sound. Afterwards, we found a skate park around the corner for the boys to release some energy. In Seattle Center there were many cool attractions like the glass museum, children's museum and lots of parks to sit and relax. After skating for about an hour, we rode the monorail to the Pike Place Market downtown. We were hoping to see some fish being thrown around. We couldn't find the right spot but it was still a neat place to buy fresh produce, seafood and unique items from local vendors.

Langley is a great little town. I don’t know why they haven’t done more to develop the campground- all sites are first-come-first served. They did repair the electrical system this year and just reopened. It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water. There are accessible bathrooms and showers nearby. The campground is on a hill above the horse barn and arena, very convenient to the town of Langley, which is delightful. No camp host available, nobody you can call for assistance. Because the campground just reopened, we were the only ones camped most of the 6 days we were here. I love Langley but they are not as tourist-driven as many towns which have campgrounds like this.

This place is great if you plan to spend most of your time on the river, or trails, but not so much on at your site.  The lots for most tents/trailers and RVs are pretty close together, not a ton of privacy.

On the plus side the river is beautiful, mostly slow, and shallow, and pretty clear.  BUT BRING A LIFE JACKET, accidents happen all the time on this river and I wouldn't put my kids in with out a life jacket. 

There are some cool yurts, cabins and platforms for tents on the other side of the river and plenty of hiking. Trails go along the water, and up into the woods behind the campground.  As of now it is clear cut once you get over the ridge.  This is sad in one breath, but gorgeous in very next.  There is wildlife in the area so come prepared (black bears, bobcats, coyotes). 

Overall a great place, but like most western Washington campgrounds it's better in good weather by a significant margin.  It may flood in the winter, and when it's rainy it's pretty soggy.

Carnation is a neat small town that the park is at the very edge of.  Plenty of options for groceries and laundry.