The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Waterville, WA

101 Reviews

Chiwawa Horse Campground accommodates equestrians with tent and RV sites in the Wenatchee National Forest. Located approximately 36 miles from Waterville near Leavenworth, this seasonal campground operates from Memorial Day through November 1. The campground features drinking water access and vault toilets with trash collection services. Sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate space for both camping gear and equine companions. The campground remains fairly peaceful even during peak summer months, with most visitors focused on trail riding rather than recreational activities.

Trail access connects riders directly to the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest trail system, offering multiple route options for day rides. The surrounding forest provides diverse terrain suitable for riders of various experience levels. Water for horses is available from Chiwawa River, which runs near the campground. While the campground lacks dedicated horse corrals, riders commonly use highlines or portable corrals at their campsites. Lake Wenatchee State Park, located within the same region, offers additional recreational opportunities when not on horseback. Early fall provides some of the best riding conditions with cooler temperatures and fewer insects, while still offering reliable water sources for horses throughout the trail system.

Map showing campgrounds near Waterville, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Waterville, Washington (12)

    1. Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 763-3101

    "The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington."

    "_We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road."

    2. Alta Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Pateros, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 923-2473

    "The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful."

    "Alta Lake is a nice, clean park with decent tent sites. We had a site in Loop 2 on the right (on the lake side). It was away from the main area, parking lots, boat launch or store, so pretty quiet."

    3. Nason Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 763-0700

    $27 / night

    "Being surrounded by the tall Washington trees and a distant sound of the babbling creek felt like a dream."

    "We stayed 1 night at site 57 near the river on our way over the pass and it was a nice stay. Lots of campsites spread out among several campgrounds."

    4. Teanaway Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cle Elum, WA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 925-8510

    "There are walk in (50 to 100 feet walk) sites as well as horse camping sites. Pit toilets are clean, don’t smell, and have TP. Road in campground is in good condition with pretty new gravel."

    "I was able to come stay here in the fall, and hike Lake Ingalls. It was absolutely gorgeous! Hands down the best decision my friends and I have made. The campground was actually somewhat busy."

    5. Cottonwood Campground

    1 Review
    Stehekin, WA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 784-1511

    6. The Oasis

    1 Review
    Ephrata, WA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 750-0499

    7. Chiwawa Horse Campground

    1 Review
    Stehekin, WA
    40 miles
    Website

    8. Lake Valhalla Backcountry Camping

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    49 miles
    Website

    "This was a gorgeous hike along the pacific crest trail (PCT) that ended at a beautiful alpine lake."

    9. Barn Valley - closed

    2 Reviews
    Cle Elum, WA
    47 miles
    +1 (206) 963-5243

    $25 - $75 / night

    10. Lake Janus

    1 Review
    Skykomish, WA
    49 miles
    Website
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Waterville Contest

Enter to Win

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Waterville, WA

101 Reviews of 12 Waterville Campgrounds

  • p
    May. 12, 2023

    Teanaway Campground

    Beautiful Campground in Forest

    Beautiful campground with several dispersed spots, most with picnic table and fire pit. There are walk in (50 to 100 feet walk) sites as well as horse camping sites. Pit toilets are clean, don’t smell, and have TP. Road in campground is in good condition with pretty new gravel. Large frisbee golf course borders campground to east. River runs along southern edge. Verizon 1-bar LTE on east side. WeBoost made it a very usable 3 bars. Starlink works too - most sites have good openings to sky.

  • Susan L.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Stunning scenery, great location!

    The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington. The deep lake is glacier fed, the campgrounds are well loved by locals. Nice pay showers, and the outside campsites in the north part of the campground feel more secluded. Mosquitos are thick in June, but leave due to dry hot weather in July. Huckleberries sling simple hiking trails. Nearby “Enchantments” hikes are more challenging and spectacular.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Indian Camp Campground

    Free range cows

    Camp here for free for 7 days with a discover pass! 2 pit toilets, fire ring and picnic table at each site. Big areas for RVs, horse trailers and group sites. No water hook ups or dump stations. River access and lots of trails for nature walks. Very beautiful area! I had phone service and I use Sprint.

  • Amanda E.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Nason Creek Campground

    A serene setting.

    After camping here for the maximum two week period, I was absolutely in love. Being surrounded by the tall Washington trees and a distant sound of the babbling creek felt like a dream. An easy ten minute walk led you to Lake Wenachee, the most amazing alpine lake with a great beach and camp store where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and get ice cream. The campground hosts were very friendly and there are flush toilets and running water as well.

  • Beverly M.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road. I always have the best time and have the best memories here.

  • M
    Oct. 28, 2020

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Amazing campsite great for family and friends!

    We love Lake Wenatchee and it has become an annual trip with a couple other families that we camp with.  The sites are roomy and well taken care of.  The bathrooms are clean and accessible.  There are some great trails that you can walk to and more if you're up for a drive.

    The lake is beautiful, though it gets really windy in the late afternoon, so you'll want to spend you time there earlier in the day.

    The town of Plain is close by and has a really useful grocery store with great ice cream and a good selection of emergency supplies.  There is also a laundromat behind the grocery store, just in case!

  • Jason G.
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    One of the nicer state parks

    Personally I really enjoyed this park and camping. The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful. Even with the few private homes nearby, it didn't really take away from the scenery in my opinion.

    I camped in the upper loop in a site that backed to the hill side. The layout of the sites are very unique, no two sites (in the upper loop at least) are alike. My spot had a lower parking area with room for two cars. The you step up to the "living room" where the picnic table and fire pit were, then off of that area was a isolated tent pad area.

    The next spot over on one side was up hill from me, so didn't really see them (but could hear them). The spot on the other side was closer and lacked a little bit of privacy, but as far as state parks go, it was still fairly spread out. I was also there for a Saturday and Sunday night, so Sunday the park completely emptied out and I think there were only 2 or 3 others in the entire upper loop, and not near me at all, which was nice.

    I'm sure there are times when the lake gets overrun with motor boats and jet skis, but the weekend I was there (6/8 & 6/9) wasn't to bad at all. Paddle boards and kayaks outnumbers the boats with motors, and even those weren't racing around the lake, they were all fishing.

    I mostly camp in dispersed camping areas, but this is a state park I would put on my short willing to return to list.

  • Casey R.
    Jun. 3, 2016

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    Great tent site with essentially a private beach area.

    Alta Lake is a nice, clean park with decent tent sites. We had a site in Loop 2 on the right (on the lake side). It was away from the main area, parking lots, boat launch or store, so pretty quiet. Our site was sweet, it had a trail down to a small open sandy stretch of beach that was basically our own private beach. Took the cooler and a pop up tent and enjoyed the beach all day. We went in August and it was hot, the lake was super refreshing! (photo from WA State Parks & Rec commission)

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Average campground but access to lake is great

    Site was adequate. The picnic table was super close to the fire pit and a huge rock but you can’t move it. The table is chained to the ground. The site has decent shade during the day. But enough exposure to dry clothing and tents. Baths are okay. The shower rooms were clean. $0.50 for 3 minutes. Water was close by. Garbage and bathroom were a short walk.

Guide to Waterville

Horse camping in Washington offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine companions. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse owners, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Chiwawa Horse Campground provides a clean and well-maintained environment, perfect for equestrian campers looking for a comfortable stay.
  • At Nason Creek Campground, you can enjoy sites that are close to the creek, offering a refreshing dip for both you and your horse after a long day of riding.
  • Teanaway Campground features spacious areas suitable for RVs and horse trailers, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The scenic trails around Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground provide excellent riding opportunities with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.
  • Alta Lake State Park Campground offers various paths for horseback riding, allowing you to explore the area while enjoying the natural beauty.
  • The trails near Indian Camp Campground are perfect for nature walks and horseback riding, providing access to stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Tips for equestrian camping near Waterville, Washington

  • When visiting Cottonwood Campground, be prepared for limited facilities, as it does not offer electric hookups or showers, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
  • At Lake Janus, ensure you have a permit, as it requires one for camping, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from the crowds.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Lake Valhalla Backcountry Camping, where you can hike in with your horse and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterville, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterville, WA is Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 46 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waterville, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Waterville, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring