Horseback riding trails wind through forested hills at campgrounds near Silverdale, Washington, creating ideal conditions for equestrian camping. Situated on the Kitsap Peninsula, this area lies west of Seattle with numerous trails through dense evergreen forests at elevations between 300-500 feet. Campsites often feature well-maintained trails connecting to hundreds of miles of multi-use paths through Department of Natural Resources land.
What to do
Trail riding through connected systems: At Collins Campground, riders can access miles of connected trails. "There are some great trails in the area as well. The Duckabash trailhead is a short drive from the campground and took two great hikes there during my stay," notes one visitor who enjoyed exploring the area.
Waterfall exploration: Take a short hike from camp to discover hidden waterfalls. "There is a hike with a trailhead 2 miles from the campsite. We walked there and it was a milder way walk uphill to the trail head and then the .8 mile hike heads to a pretty waterfall which you can walk behind," reports a camper at Collins Campground.
Multi-use trail access: Motorcycle enthusiasts share trails with equestrians at Kammenga Canyon Campground. A visitor explains: "Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails." This makes the area suitable for groups with diverse outdoor interests.
What campers like
River proximity: Many equestrian sites offer water access for cooling off after rides. "The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites. There is a good amount of space between most campsites," writes a Collins Campground visitor who appreciated the natural waterfront.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Tahuya River Campground provides ample parking for trailers. A camper notes it's a "Nice campground it's pretty open but nice and quiet," making it suitable for those traveling with horses and equipment.
Off-season availability: Horse camps often have openings when other campgrounds fill up. One visitor to Sage Horse Camp (formerly Layton Hill) mentioned: "We came here around 9pm on a Friday as we couldn't get any first come spots elsewhere in the area... We were happy to have found this and glad we could get a site last minute!"
What you should know
Access road conditions: Some equestrian camping areas have challenging roads. A visitor to Collins Campground cautions: "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."
Limited facilities: Many horse camps offer basic amenities. At Green Mountain, a camper reports: "Had a bathroom but no other amenities- drinking water, shower, firewood/ice for sale." Plan to bring everything you need.
Weather considerations: The Olympic Peninsula climate affects camping conditions. "It rained but was a beautiful and oh so green area to camp," mentioned a visitor who appreciated the verdant surroundings despite precipitation.
Tips for camping with families
Trail difficulty assessment: Before heading out with children, check trail ratings. A visitor to Tolt MacDonald Park suggests: "Located in walking distance to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge ($3 family admission/day or with National Parks Pass), we found this campground to be just what we were looking for! A family campground with cheap and clean showers."
Pack extra supplies: Facilities can be unpredictable. One camper at Collins Campground advised: "Really beautiful little camping spot. Whimsical river access. No drinking water access I could find and the directions said to get water from the near by trail head pump but that pump is broken so bring water or a filter."
Activity alternatives: Have backup plans for non-riding family members. A Sage Horse Camp visitor mentioned: "The area is beautiful and was a good base for a hike and going to the lavender farms in town," highlighting nearby attractions when not on horseback.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Choose spots with sufficient turn-around space. At Dungeness Recreation Area, a camper appreciated that "Campground was located a short walk away from bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia. Beautiful sunset views!"
Utility considerations: Most equestrian sites lack full hookups. One RVer at Dungeness Recreation Area noted: "The campsites do not have electricity, water or sewer but on the other hand are rather inexpensive ($26 a night). There is a dumpsite on the way out of the park convenient for RVers who dry camped."
Leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks as horse camps often have uneven terrain. "Dirt road, lots of potholes, lots of fun," commented a visitor about the access routes to Tahuya River Campground, indicating the need for proper preparation.