We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Vancouver. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. With our help, you'll find the best Washington equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.
Children play in the shallow swim area under the watchful eyes of their picnicking parents, anglers float on the lake, hikers and campers take quiet strolls in the woods. On sunny weekends, laughter fills the playground, lakefront and kitchen areas. Whether you've come for a rest or a family play day, time spent at Battle Ground Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle your life once again.
PARK FEATURES The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking, horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is attractive to swimmers and paddlers and is stocked with trout, making it a favorite of anglers.
The park has 35 standard campsites, six partial-hookups sites, 15 primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, two primitive equestrian sites, four cabins, one RV dump station, two restrooms and four showers. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
$25 / night
Situated along the scenic Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park is only 45 minutes from Portland. This beautiful park provides a variety of outstanding recreational opportunities. You can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.
Seasonal Camping (Mid-March – Oct. 31)
44 electrical sites with water (one accessible). Nine tent sites with water nearby Hot showers and flush toilets Three reservable group tent camping areas with water, flush toilets and fire rings Three hiker/biker campsites with water, lockers, solar charging station and fire pit RV dump station Click here to see a campground map. Water Play
River lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks. For fishing enthusiasts, Estacada Lake offers a boat ramp and an ADA fishing dock, and the Clackamas River has steelhead and Chinook runs.
The Clackamas Fish Hatchery is located at McIver Park, and self-guided tours of the hatchery guide visitors through the life-cycle of Chinook salmon and steelhead.
SUP and Kayak Rentals Rentals and guided tours are offered by Clackamas River Outfitters at Estacada Lake through contract with Oregon State Parks. Information: 503-586-3241 or clackamasriveroutfitters.com
Land Play Prefer to stay dry? You can hike or ride your horse over miles of trails. (Bicycles are allowed only on paved trails and roads, for the safety of all.)
Milo also sports a world-class, 27-hole disc golf course at the Riverbend Day-use Area. Discs are available at the park office to rent or buy.
$18 - $75 / night
Campsite information The main campground has 28 standard campsites. It is an older camp in a forested setting suited more for tents than RVs. There are a limited number of sites that accommodate RVs over 20 feet. This campground closes seasonally.
The Woodard Creek Campground has five full-hookup campsites that provide electricity, water, and sewer. The sites have a maximum length of 40 feet. These campsites are open year round.
There are two standard equestrian campsites located at the equestrian trailhead that will accommodate a horse trailer each, a hi-line for horses, livestock water and a CXT vault toilet. There is no potable water and no electricity. Primitive camping fee applies.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m.
Winter facilities at the moorage area include two tent sites, one shower and one restroom. Overnight moorage and the boat launch are available year round.
Far in the Northwestern corner of the United States lies a world of magic, splendor, and mystical beauty. Perched atop the historical Mount St. Helens, Seaquest State Park is the home-base for thousands of volcanic visitors year round. Most notable for its proximity to the Mount St. Helens Visitors Center, this park is the home base for hikers, explorers, tourists, and adventures alike. It’s not just the volcanic aftermath that makes this area so special. Even before the eruption, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest has always been known for its dense foliage, as well as its beautiful lakes, tributaries, and waterfalls.
When it comes to nearby attractions, the area is packed with them. Miles and miles of trails fork and wind throughout the park. Beyond the confines of the park’s boundaries are numerous additional trailheads, all offering something unique to those seeking it. Perhaps the most popular trail nearby is the Monitor Ridge trail. This 10 miles round trip excursion will have you climbing 2,000 vertical ft. through grassy meadows and winding forest paths. The last 1,000 feet are especially difficult due to the volcanic debris and soot that cakes your clothes. However when you finally reach the domed summit, you’ll be pleased with your efforts. Massive and expansive, the St. Helens dome is unlike any other scenic viewpoint in the US. Nowhere else can you see the true force and impact of Mother Nature’s wrath.
Nearby, the Mount St. Helens Ape Caves give visitors a chance to traverse through the labyrinth of volcanic caves left behind by magma runs during the the eruption. Today, the caves are a popular attraction for families and explorers. There’s two separate options, one which is well-lit and suited for families. The other option will send you through a pitch black adventure trekking the depths of the craggy, drippy tunnels. If planning to visit, be sure to bring a strong flashlight or kerosene lantern, as you’ll be unable to enter otherwise.
Camping in Seaquest State Park is relatively painless thanks to the 52 standard campsites, 18 partial-hookup sites, and 15 full-service sites. RVers, tent campers, van travelers, and anyone else with a form of shelter should have no issues finding somewhere to stay here. Aside from standard camping accommodations, there are also full-service Yurts available for rental, complete with heaters to stay warm if you’re visiting in the chilly months.
The Campground sits along Panther Creek at the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail. Driving on FR65, 4.7 miles upstream from the campground, visitors can enjoy an easy hike to Panther Falls. __Campers can enjoy the privacy provided by a variety of shade-loving plants and a thick forest of cedars, ash, firs and alder.
Hikers have close access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,663 miles from Mexico to Canada. Outstanding scenic views are available all along this trail.
Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Panther Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Elevations here range between 1,200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a diverse array of habitats and natural features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.
Panther Creek Campground makes a great base to explore Mount Adams and the Columbia River Gorge. The town of Carson is nearby, which is known for its hot springs. It also has a golf course, restaurants and shopping.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
This 280-acre secluded, forested site is a favorite among youth organizations and other groups. It's easy to get back to nature at this beautiful park, with 24 Adirondacks (3-sided camp shelters), numerous tent sites, and a rustic day lodge complete with cooking facilities to accommodate groups of up to 250 people. Take a big step up from a tent and check out our rustic two-room cabins. Bring your horse, ride the trails and camp in a horse corral tent site. Camp Wilkerson is located 16 miles northwest of Scappoose, Oregon.
Legend
I had researched this park quite awhile beforehand and was interested based on the reviews posted here. It looked pretty nice. Unfortunately when we were able to preview it by driving through I was surprised to find out it was not at all what I had seen in reviews. This place is on the edge of a small town and it looks like it is occupied by long term tenants with a lot of paraphernalia and personal belongings strewn about. For us, traveling for vacation and sightseeing it would not be a place we'd wanna stay. We did have dinner and really enjoyed it in the little town of Vernonia where it is located and that was great. The park is also adjacent to a fantastic walking biking trail and it's next to a city park.
Scout
The "cabins" are essentially shed conversions on a flatbed and wheels that rock and sway. Not ada accessible. They have electricity but no insulation and the water reeks of sulfur. The loft style beds seem like they are for children.
The host Joann is money hungry and inflexible. Be sure to get travel insurance and read all rules and reviews on other platforms prior to stay to be well informed of issues and not be blindsided by uncharges here. She will enter your space as she sees fit. There are no boundaries for her but tons for guests with rule signage plastered everywhere on the grounds.
Campground is covered in rabbit feces, so parents with small children beware. I would never stay here again. For the headache of dealing with the host alone it made the entire experience one of an utterly uncomfortable inconvenience.
This place looks nice from an outside view but staying here is an entirely different story.
Also the fact that a Joanna left a 5 star reviews here when all other platforms have complaints is a bit questionable.
Scout
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower. There's a country store 2 miles west of here you can get firewood and some supplies. Sites are a little less private and occasionally I heard train passing by from the nearby railway (bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper). Check our videos for details: https://youtu.be/BrSpGhdefQ0?si=dVS7YPTZX8AplUVL
Scout
A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites. Nice flat and level outlined areas for us tent campers. Only down side was that it was a bit of a hike to the restroom (the National Forest site map showed one near the entrance where there wasn't one). While I reserved, mid-week there were a number of open sites for those without reservations. Some of the sites are really large and can handle a bigger group. Some PCT hikers stayed here due trail closure further north due to forest fire. Would recommend.
Traveler
Nice and peaceful, I always appreciate a campground with quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside. Additional plus that dogs weren't allowed to disrupt the wildlife and bark at the Deer etc.
TravelerLarge 36 acre peaceful Rv Park on the Clatskanie River. 2 miles on SWEDETOWN road. lots of bunnies and a cute petting zoo very relaxing.
Guide
I gave this park a high rating primarily because of its location. It is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration, with a Washington State Visitor Center you can walk to from the campground. We had hookups but our site was very close to the site next to us and we had no privacy there. If you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the loop that has 32 - 54. These were much more private and actually had better Wi-Fi than our location. Bathrooms are convenient and have free showers. There was better hot water at the bathroom on the loop with sites 32 - 54.
ScoutSeaquest has something for everyone. My campsite was not close to the road , but I stayed when Johnston Ridge was closed, so maybe road noise would be a factor at other times.
Some pluses here include: some private sites, lots of trees, bathroom / showers, playground, open areas, close to other points of interest. And for those who can’t live without it: WiFi.
Although bathrooms were clean, I believe they could use an upgrade. Showers in particular.
Guide
A very nice campground, close to Portland. Well maintained, bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground.
ScoutFantastic place. Long trailers might have trouble
ScoutCamp-side slide opens right upto the fire pit, cannot use it. Directions from the confirmation email were incorrect. People weren't kidding about the trains. T-Mobile signal is weak, 1.8 mbps down, 0.4 mbps up
GuideVery nice campground. Large, clean sites. Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails within the park and a regional rail to trail runs through it.
I really appreciated other Dyrt reviews that said the shadier, more private sites are numbered below 40. We were in 38.
The walk in sites in Dairy Loop surround a meadow, so less private. The other walk in sites on the other side of the visitor center are very sweet. Just little sites carved out of the woods. They are a longer walk from the car and have a pit toilet instead of flush. But very sweet.
ScoutI very much liked the facilities, camp host, campsite.
I’m a light sleeper though, and could hear cars and trucks driving till 1am. I was in a tent though, if you have a camper I’m sure it is far less noticeable.
TravelerI biked to this campground from my house in Portland. It was a lovely ride. There is a long, long downhill to get to the campsite, but wow, is it beautiful! Very peaceful. Lots of wildlife. I watched a woodpecker breaking open a log for over an hour. It was such a peaceful getaway. It gets you out of the hustle of city living, even if just for the night. The downside is that dogs are not allowed, but I don't take them on my bike anyway.
TravelerThis place was amazing! The camp ground is in the middle of the forest. They have hot showers, flushing toilets and every site has a fire pit. There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center. Awesome location just 30 minutes away from Portland.
Travelerthis was so awesome.. we used the walk-in camp sites that had been closed till the moment we asked after closing due to a tree falling in one of the bathrooms.. so me and my friend were the only ones out there.. but the walk in and out is nothing but a hill. but that was a small price for the beautiful seclusion. I doubt it will ever be the same when I go back..
Ranger
Stayed here for one night on spring break with my grandsons. Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington.
ScoutShowed up in the dark & rain, no reservations in February. Lots of room at each site, very clean, nice bathrooms, quiet. Easy onsite reservation/payment.
TravelerWe really enjoyed this state park. We were tent camping in November, so we knew what we were getting into. We reserved a full hookup site and packed heated blankets (site had electricity) and plenty of blankets. Overall the park is very clean, well maintained, and very quiet. Lots of hiking to be had. Would recommend bringing bikes along if you have the chance. We’re definitely planning on coming back during the summers months. The biggest bonus is that it’s really close to the metro area. It was a 30 minute drive for us.
Traveler
Really nice and peaceful until it got late. Some group behind us blared heavy metal, yelled etc and decided 1am would be a great time to start. Ranger was really good at telling them to stfu. Water was accessible, nice fire pit. Look forward to doing some winter camping.
LegendAs we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG). What we didn’t do was read our 2019 review on whether we needed to stop at the park building that sits down the hill from the main road. The way it looks from the road, there isn't any RV parking, but as we rolled past the exit, we saw there actually was RV parking. The next road happened to be our loop, Daisy Creek, so we went ahead and backed into our site, 52, with FHUs. The pad starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig. After setting up, we walked down to the park building, and the rangers had just opened their check-in windows. Since we were pre-registered, we could have printed out our confirmation email and placed that on the dashboard. However, they gave us a rearview mirror tag so we wouldn't have to print off our confirmation. The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi. We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we’d get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon. There is a good variety of sites for RVs, large and small. There are also tent sites to include a walk-in tent area near the main building where you register. Since we were here last time, they now have an off-leash fenced dog area. What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park. The CG is close to Portland, but you'd never know you were that close to a major city.
GuideWe stopped here on our way south from Washington. Had a nice stay. Campsite was so clean, even the gravel was raked. Plenty of room at each campsite. Bathrooms were old but very clean and well kept. Showers were also very clean. Camp hosts were very nice and helpful. Some nice hiking close by. I would definitely stay again.
ScoutThe hosts for the month of September (Freddy & Kim) are obsessed with leaf blowers and driving around in loud, diesel off-road buggies when an electric golf cart is an option. The leaf blower stuff is just extreme though. I’ve had to ask them to stop (after literal hours of it mostly on and some off) both of the weeks I’ve camped here. You can’t think, read/write, nap, etc.
While I appreciate the fastidiousness of keeping a clean area, it completely ruins being in nature. Especially when you spend the money and time to be in it. There should be rules around noise for park hosts, as well…they were substantially more disruptive than all of the other campers, combined. Just zero consideration around people that spend time/money/gas to enjoy getting away from all of the city noises. Wish I could get my money back.
With that said, the actual park/forest/river are amazing. Just be prepared for it to be noisy while you try to enjoy it. Oh yeah, great restrooms and showers.
GuideThis campground is adjacent to a couple of really awesome bike paths, so I parked here for day use. I haven't camped here YET but I thought I could add some photos! The camp host was professional, and everything was pretty clean.
ScoutWe went over Labor Day weekend with a small group and had two adjacent campsites. The sites were large and well graded. They were also well separated from each other with lots of vegetation dividing them. Bathrooms seemed to have been recently upgraded and were some of the nicer state park bathrooms we’ve come across. Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program and the Mt St Helens visitor center across the road has great exhibits on the eruption. About a 40 minute drive to Coldwater lake where you can access a number of trails closer to the volcano.
GuideDeeply forested, gorgeous, well spaced sites, located up an easy road, nearest cell signal is about 4 toward Carson.
Scout
Talked to the owner/operator who said he sold this property a year ago and that this campsite is no longer available.
Horse camping in Washington offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vancouver, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vancouver, WA is Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vancouver, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Vancouver, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
