S
Susan L.
Guide
GuideSeaquest State Park Campground
Stayed Oct 1 to 4, 2026 Loved our stay. The park is beautiful, clean bathrooms, hot showers. The camp hosts Ted and Kathy friendly and informative. Perfect location to explore Mt. St Helen
Equestrian Camping near Tumwater, WA
3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground in Olympia features horse corrals for campers with equines, distinguishing it as the only designated horse-friendly campground near Tumwater. The facility accommodates both RVs and horses with basic amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and trash service. While the campground is designed for equestrian use, it lacks some conveniences, offering no electric hookups, drinking water, or shower facilities. A permit is required for camping, and pets are allowed to accompany horses and their owners. The campground maintains quiet surroundings without generators permitted, providing a peaceful environment for horses and riders.
The campground provides direct access to trail systems suitable for horseback riding, with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options available. Located within the Capitol State Forest, riders can connect to numerous bridle paths extending throughout the 110,000-acre working forest. Trail surfaces vary from packed dirt to gravel roads, accommodating different riding preferences and experience levels. Horse owners should bring their own water supply for animals as no drinking water is available on-site. The natural setting offers ample space for trailer parking, though facilities remain primitive compared to developed campgrounds. Most visitors use the campground as a base for day rides on the extensive trail network, which includes several loop options ranging from short 2-mile rides to all-day excursions.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Tumwater (20)
1. Millersylvania State Park Campground
"The feeling of camping under the old-growth canopy is so classic Washington, but the solar gain is pretty minimal."
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
33 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $12 - $137 / night
2. Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground
"There are 3 loops, one is dedicated to horses M-F. Both visits I arrived Sunday afternoon and found a few spots to pick from. There’s a vault toilet per loop."
"Completely dispersed tent or rv camping with a Washington Discovery Pass ($35 year) otherwise FREE for up too 7 days."
3. Porter Creek
"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."
4. Fall Creek Campground
"You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so."
"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. What more do you need?"
5. Dragon's Gate Gardens
"Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees."
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
6. Rainbow Falls State Park Campground
"Forested campground with large playing field nearby. Willapa Hills hiking trail nearby, river access with some swimming available (but no designated areas or lifeguards)."
"27 for sites that are near the entrance. Nothing wrong with these sites, just that they are small and kind of close together and exposed, almost like overflow sites."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $70 / night
7. Seaquest State Park Campground
"I love Seaquest for their beautiful campsites and the proximity to a wonderful forest to bathe in."
"I gave this park a high rating primarily because of its location."
36 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $12 - $70 / night
8. Lewis & Clark State Park Campground
"There is lots to do around the campground you just have to venture out and find it. This is a pet and horse friendly spot. There is one hiker spot for first come first serve."
"To the west are these beautiful sites, facilities, and walking trails. In the morning, we hiked the old growth loop prior to resuming our journey."
1 Site AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $12 - $297 / night
9. Majestic Mobile Manor & RV Park
Check Availabilityfrom $65 - $71 / night
10. Panhandle Lake Camp
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $100 / night
Drive Time
- 3 min from Olympia, WA
- 53 min from Bremerton, WA
- 58 min from Longview, WA
- 58 min from Seattle, WA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Tumwater, WA
8 Photos of 20 Tumwater Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Tumwater, WA
169 Reviews of 20 Tumwater Campgrounds
- KKurt M.
ScoutSeaquest State Park Campground
Great spot
Clean bathrooms, free showers, beautiful sites, and very friendly hosts. I had spotty signal but internet was available for free. Well worth the cost.
- Betsy W.
RangerSahara Creek DNR Horse Camp
Very nice!! All you need for great campiing
Very 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.
- JJ M.
TravelerPorter Creek
Perfect beginner and family spot
I 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.
- DDonna B.Guide
Millersylvania State Park Campground
Quiet.
Quiet, but we were here mid week in late August….
Lainey P.RangerSahara Creek DNR Horse Camp
HORSE WAS SHOT & SHERIFF WOULD NOT COME
This 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.
- Christina F.Ranger
Rainbow Falls State Park Campground
Lovely and quiet
This was our last stop after a trip down the Oregon coast. We spent two nights here. It's a lovely little state park along the Chehalis River. The "falls" are more of a rapids. There used to be a suspension bridge, but that was taken out in a flood in 2007. The campground is on the smaller side, but spaces are amongst the trees. Site 32, where we are, can accommodate a larger rig. The site is quite large and backs up to a hiking trail and the river, though there is a steep drop off. No playground for littles, but there is a large, open field where kids can play. No Verizon connectivity at all in the campground. I got one 5g bar over in the day use area by the houses. Also, the dump station is closed and looked like it had been for awhile so if you camp in a trailer and use your own bathroom, you'll need to go out and dump the tanks at one of the rest areas on I-5.
We do not have Starlink, but be warned if you do, there is heavy tree cover here. This park would benefit from the wifi pilot program that they are doing at some of the other WA state parks.
Jacquie B.GuideSeaquest State Park Campground
Nice state park
This is a very nice state park. Loved the Mt. St. Helens visitor center, drawback is they do charge to go in. Our campsite was full hook up pull through. The best sites to get are T15 and T16 if I remember correctly. I was at site T6 was fine. We were there during the week so it was quiet.
- CColleen B.Traveler
Kosmos Recreation Area (Tacoma Public Utilities)
Worth every penny
Perfectly fine, especially considering the low low price of $0. Sites no closer together (honestly, more spacious than) the average KoA I’ve paid $60-$90 to pop up a tent in.
I chose a spot closer to the road than the lake, but if I’d arrived before 7:45 other spots would have been available, I’d imagine.
Guide to Tumwater
Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground in Olympia provides specialized facilities for horse camping near Tumwater. This campground features proper horse corrals, which are uncommon among standard campgrounds in the region. The sites accommodate recreational vehicles while maintaining designated areas for horses. Facilities include toilets and picnic tables, though the campground lacks electrical hookups, water connections, and showers. Visitors can access the campground through drive-in routes, as well as by hiking or walking in. The campground maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing campers to bring dogs alongside their horses. Trails around the campground are well-maintained and suitable for riding.
Located within the Capital State Forest, the equestrian campground connects riders to an extensive network of multi-use trails ideal for horseback riding. The forest provides natural terrain varying from gentle slopes to more challenging routes through second-growth forest. Trail connections allow for rides of various durations, from short loops to full-day excursions. Horse owners should note that permits are required for camping, though the process is straightforward. The campground's 4.0 rating reflects its practical functionality for equestrian needs rather than luxury accommodations. Visitors should bring their own drinking water and supplies as amenities are limited. Seasonal weather conditions may affect trail accessibility, particularly during winter months when some paths become muddy and less suitable for riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Tumwater, WA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Tumwater, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tumwater, WA is Millersylvania State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Tumwater, WA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Tumwater, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Tumwater, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring