Margaret McKenny Equestrian Campground serves as a starting point for horseback riders seeking trails in Capitol State Forest, located approximately 70 miles from Westport. This area receives about 70 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush, fern-filled forests ideal for trail riding. The campground sits at an elevation of around 400 feet, with trails climbing to viewpoints up to 2,600 feet.
What to do
Trail exploration by horseback: Capitol State Forest offers over 90 miles of equestrian-friendly trails accessible from Margaret McKenny. "Entire campground has decent roads but go extra extra slow in areas," notes Jody S., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere during a 7-day stay.
Fishing at Snag Lake: Located about 45 minutes from Westport, this small lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. "Lake is great for small floats and rafts, but too dirty for swimming. It's stocked with trout. We saw many fishermen catch a lot of fish in a short time," reports Anna N. from Snag Lake Campground.
Beach activities: Just minutes from the Pacific, Screamin' Eagle Campground provides easy beach access. "Just a five minute walk from the beach," says Nicola M., who appreciated the campground's convenient location when looking for Screamin' Eagle Campground accommodations.
What campers like
River access: Many campgrounds feature creeks or rivers perfect for cooling off. At Porter Creek Campground, "The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" according to Jessica A., who appreciated the primitive camping experience available at this DNR-managed site.
Open play areas: Several campgrounds offer fields for sports and games. At Rainbow Falls State Park, "There is a large field with a playground, pavilion, and playground. The river had a lot of great swimming holes for all ages," according to Rich M., making it ideal for families with children.
Horse facilities: Beyond Margaret McKenny, other equestrian camping options exist within driving distance of Westport. "We have gone and stayed in many of their sites. Very roomy sites... plus equestrian friendly... this is where we always stay!" writes Erica G. about Screamin' Eagle Campground, noting its suitability for horse owners.
What you should know
Campground conditions vary: Some sites require Discovery Passes or have specific registration procedures. At 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," warns Samuel H.
Weather preparation: The coastal climate brings frequent rain, even in summer. Be prepared for wet conditions and temperature fluctuations. Coastal fog can roll in quickly, particularly in morning hours.
Reservations not always available: Many of the smaller campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. "It is first come no reservations," notes Jessica A. about Porter Creek Campground, reflecting the common policy at DNR and Forest Service sites in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Kids enjoy playing in natural water features throughout the region. "Kids really enjoyed the creek nearby and it was great for our tent camping. We were able to hike around and had water, and restrooms that were clean," shares Mayna M. about Fall Creek Campground.
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. "We loved that this was right by the river and we could go swimming. Also there was a giant field that was great for playing soccer and baseball with the kids," recommends Kirstin K. from Rainbow Falls State Park.
Bathroom access: When camping with children, facilities matter. "The bathrooms were clean and the camp host was very friendly," notes Rachel from Rainbow Falls, something particularly important for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check reviews for information about access and site size. At Campbell Tree Grove Campground, "The road out to it is pretty treacherous also. Not for beginners, we had to help some people who put their car in a ditch by wrecking it," warns Cheese H.
Power concerns: Be aware that electrical hookups may have limitations. "Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot," reports Karin A. about Screamin' Eagle Campground, highlighting the need to monitor electrical usage.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds near Westport require driving on unpaved roads. "The road in is incredibly bumpy, we actually popped a tire on the way in," cautions Jess G. about Campbell Tree Grove, suggesting travelers bring spare tires and drive slowly.
