Green Mountain offers horseback riders a practical camping option in Kitsap County with minimal amenities. The campground sits on forest terrain at roughly 1,750 feet elevation and remains accessible year-round on weekends only. The area features multiple trail connections suitable for horses, hikers and motorized vehicles.
What to do
Trail exploration: Green Mountain provides extensive trail access with routes suitable for horses, hikers and dirt bikes. A camper notes, "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles."
Oyster harvesting: At nearby Seal Rock, you can collect oysters without requiring permits. One visitor reports, "Seal Rock is also very close and you are allowed to harvest oysters without a permit. The beach area is quite pleasant and, surprisingly, the Sound is warm making for decent water play."
Waterfall hiking: Within the Olympic Peninsula region, trails lead to scenic waterfalls. A visitor to Collins Campground mentions, "There is some hiking nearby including a short hike to some beautiful waterfalls."
What campers like
River access: Many camps in the region offer water proximity. A reviewer at Collins Campground shares, "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. The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites."
Proximity to urban areas: For equestrian camping near Seattle, Washington, the short distance to metropolitan areas appeals to many riders. Tolt MacDonald Park receives praise for its location: "This park is super close to downtown Redmond so if you are looking for an easy trip, or something a little more remote on the other side of the bridge, this is the spot for you."
Diverse lodging options: Beyond traditional tent sites, some parks offer alternative accommodations. A Tolt MacDonald visitor notes, "They offer the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions for those who want more of a 'GLAMping' outdoor experience."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Reception can differ significantly between locations. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, one camper reports, "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot. I've come in twice on a Saturday afternoon and have been able to find an open spot with my 18 ft travel trailer, I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service."
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges in some areas. A visitor warns, "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn't recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak periods. One camper advises, "There are a ton of really great sites along this road, although most of the drive-in sites will be taken if it's a busy weekend, so get there early!"
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: When camping with children, be alert for potential hazards. A visitor to South Fork Snoqualmie River cautions, "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings. But be very cautious as near one of the camp sites are very dangerous plants that are fatal and they are lined all around the campground so not recommended if you have children."
Water activities: Many local sites offer water recreation opportunities. A reviewer at Enchanted Valley shares, "I hiked up river and found a lovely swimming hole, frigid, but beautiful."
Wildlife viewing: The region provides opportunities to observe various animals. An Enchanted Valley visitor notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Some sites offer unusually level terrain for RVs. A visitor to Tolt MacDonald Park notes, "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."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping near Seattle offers basic facilities. At Green Mountain, this means no drinking water or showers, requiring preparation.
Fairground alternatives: For RVers seeking hookups, fairgrounds can provide options. The Evergreen State Fairgrounds offers water and electrical connections but with noise considerations: "It's more of a place to park then a full on campground. It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station."
