Equestrian camping near Kirkland, Washington offers access to several trails through western Washington's temperate rainforest environment. Most horse camps sit at elevations between 800-1500 feet, receiving approximately 45-60 inches of annual rainfall. Trail conditions typically remain muddy through early June, with dry riding conditions from July through September when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Trail riding at Green Mountain: Located about 45 minutes west of Kirkland near Bremerton, Green Mountain has "multiple trails and logging roads" open to horses. One visitor notes, "Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area" and is "only open on weekends."
Swimming with horses: Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation provides river access where riders can cool their horses during summer months. A camper observed it's "great for steelhead + salmon fishing" and "located right smack in the middle of carnation so on a nice sunny day you could walk out of the park to get pizza, ice cream or even mexican food."
Explore wooded terrain: The trail system near Sage Horse Camp includes moderate inclines through diverse forest ecosystems. According to visitors, "The area is beautiful and was a good base for a hike and going to the lavender farms in town."
What campers like
Convenient town access: Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground offers equestrian camping with "close proximity to Langley, a very quaint town with great coffee! The marina and beach are very accessible. There are good restaurants, a grocery with deli, pubs and winery."
Privacy between sites: Collins Campground provides spacious sites for trailers and horses. A camper mentioned, "There is a lot of privacy between each site" and "There is some hiking nearby including a short hike to some beautiful waterfalls."
Cell service for planning: For riders needing to coordinate trail meetups, South Fork Snoqualmie River dispersed sites maintain good connectivity. One visitor confirmed, "I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service, it is very close to the interstate so you'll hear a constant hum of cars but it's very nice to feel like you have your own slice of the mossy old growth forest."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Spring visits require rain gear for both riders and horses as trails frequently feature standing water. Summer brings drier conditions but increased dust, especially on popular routes.
Equipment requirements: Most equestrian camps expect riders to provide portable corrals or high-line setups. Bring sturdy tie-out systems, water buckets, and feed containers.
Reservation timing: Tolt MacDonald Park fills quickly during summer weekends. Campers note it "offers the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables" and "they even provide you with garden carts to help you get your stuff across the bridge."
Trail conditions: Early season riding often encounters muddy sections, while late summer brings harder, more compacted surfaces. Properly shod horses recommended for rocky trail sections.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly areas: For families with less experienced riders, look for gentle trails with minimal elevation changes. Camp hosts often provide guidance on appropriate routes.
Non-rider activities: South Fork Snoqualmie River offers activities for non-riding family members with "a ton of really great sites" and "a nice long trail that took us to the river."
Safety protocols: Establish clear rules about approaching unfamiliar horses, maintaining safe distances, and proper trail etiquette. Many trails are multi-use with hikers and bikers.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary in atmosphere from quiet to active. One family mentioned, "Green Mountain campground is a bit off the beaten path" but "can be noisy due to dirt bike traffic."
Tips from RVers
Access road quality: Horse trailer access varies significantly between campgrounds. One RVer cautioned about Green Mountain: "the road from highway 101 to the campground has SO MANY potholes. Big ones that we had to navigate in our RV but nothing that made it too hard to access the campground."
Trailer parking setup: At Sage Horse Camp, campers should "come here around 9pm on a Friday as we couldn't get any first come spots elsewhere in the area" and noted "we don't have horses but it was a pleasant area to stay in still."
Utility connections: Most equestrian camps offer minimal hookups for RVs and trailers. Water is typically available for horses but electricity and sewer connections are uncommon, requiring self-contained systems for overnight stays.
