Salmon Meadows Campground accommodates equestrian travelers with spacious sites and horse corrals in the Okanogan highlands near Conconully. The campground is situated at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, experiencing hot summers and cold winters typical of northeastern Washington's mountainous terrain. Equestrian camping options around Wauconda provide access to extensive trail systems through diverse landscapes including pine forests and open meadows.
What to do
Trail riding adventures: The network of trails accessible from Salmon Meadows Campground offers diverse terrain for equestrians. "Tons of dirt bike/side by side trails in the area" that can be used for horseback riding according to camper B T., who found the campground to be a "quiet spot" with "room to roam."
Stargazing opportunities: Nighttime skies provide excellent viewing conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. At Iron Mountain Ranch, camper John W. noted the "night sky was awesome with NO lights in any direction except the stars!" The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution create ideal stargazing conditions.
Water recreation: Lake Roosevelt offers water activities for campers seeking refreshment. Justice K. describes the area as a "beautiful little cove on lake Roosevelt" where visitors can "fish, kayak, float a sun island" and enjoy water-based recreation during summer months.
What campers like
Open spaces: The campgrounds in this region feature generous sites that accommodate horse trailers and camping equipment. At Cloverleaf Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting with "spots are clean with fire pit and tables" and "dirt trails on the water."
Wildlife viewing: The Wauconda area provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. At Iron Mountain Ranch, John W. "watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin" and "saw deer in the driveway," highlighting the rich wildlife viewing opportunities.
Gathering facilities: Group camping facilities accommodate larger parties traveling together. Joseph P. notes that at Salmon Meadows, "the gazebo is always awesome for a large family gathering and the views of the meadow are very peaceful," making it suitable for equestrian groups traveling together.
What you should know
Limited water access: While some campgrounds offer water amenities, others have restricted access. Joseph P. mentions about Salmon Meadows: "Wish there was more of a creek but I cannot play God," indicating limited natural water sources at the campground itself.
Variable amenities: Facilities range from basic to more developed across horse campgrounds near Wauconda. American Legion Park offers more amenities where Jonathan T. notes, "free showers, free WiFi, bathrooms, water faucet, and water spigot is hard to beat," though this park is better suited for overnight stops than extended equestrian camping.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. American Legion Park has a defined season "from April 15 to October 15" according to the listing information, while most backcountry equestrian sites have limited winter accessibility due to snow.
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: Children will need activities beyond horseback riding. At Dreamswept Farm Resort, Rebecca S. notes "there are equipment rentals that are reasonably priced," providing additional recreation options for families with children of different ages and interests.
Safety around wildlife: Prepare children for encounters with local wildlife. Justice K. mentions opportunities for "bird watch, critter watch" at Cloverleaf Campground, but parents should establish clear guidelines about maintaining safe distances from wild animals.
Choose appropriate sites: Select campgrounds with amenities that match your family's needs. Rebecca S. highlights that Dreamswept Farm Resort "has whatever you are looking for in a campground" including "outdoor or private indoor showers" and it's "ADA accessible," making it suitable for families with varied requirements.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers traveling with horses, identifying adequate space is crucial. B T. noted that Salmon Meadows has "big, open sites" that provide ample room for both RVs and horse trailers in the same camping area.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Wauconda offer minimal or no hookup options. While American Legion Park provides some services where DL M. notes "$10/night/vehicle or tent" with "garbage, picnic tables, shaded" areas and "warm shower, flush toilet," most horse-friendly campgrounds offer fewer amenities.
Seasonal road conditions: Mountain access roads can be challenging during certain seasons. The region experiences significant snowfall in winter months, and spring thaws often create muddy conditions that can be difficult for larger rigs pulling horse trailers.
