Road 90 into Lewis River Horse Camp earns its reputation. Reviewers describe it as rough, with deep dips that reportedly discourage many horse trailer rigs from making the trip, which means the camp often sits emptier than its designation might suggest. The site sits within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, managed by the USDA Forest Service, and is open to all campers, not just those arriving with horses.
Amenities are minimal. No potable water is available on-site, so campers need to bring their own supply. Pit toilets are present, and Kelly K. notes they were "clean enough" during an early April visit. The camp runs free during shoulder season when the reservation system is inactive, and fees otherwise top out at $15 per night. Trails depart directly from the site, routed for horses and mountain bikes but also usable on foot, with access to the Lewis River corridor and its series of waterfalls, including the frequently visited Lower Lewis Falls. Bugs can be aggressive in warmer months. Bring repellent.
Nearby, Lewis River Campground and Lower Falls Campground provide more conventional setups if the horse camp's basic infrastructure doesn't fit the trip. Campers who arrive in early spring or on short notice may find the horse camp the only open option in the area, and the lack of competing traffic on the rough access road can mean more quiet at the site itself. No pets are allowed.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Campsites may not be reserved in advance. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Visitors can pay by cash on site, or by using Scan and Pay. Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before you arrive at the campground, and pay through your phone using the Scan and Pay QR code which is located on site.
Recreation
This rustic horse camp has access to many mixed use trails. There is a highline in each site and a stock only water trough with access to the Quartz Creek Trail and Lewis River Trail. There are nine camp sites and parking for 10 trailers and 15 vehicles.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (509) 395-3402.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLewis River Horse Camp is located in Washington near Trout Lake
Directions
From Cougar, Washington drive east on Forest Road 90 past Lower Lewis Falls Campground to Forest Road 93. Turn left on Forest Road 93 and go 1/8 mile to the horse camp on the right.
Coordinates
46.18553 N
121.85007 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 14 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 15 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 17 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 18 min from Portland, OR
- 3 hrs 4 min from Olympia, WA
- 3 hrs 4 min from Olympia, WA
- 3 hrs 50 min from Yakima, WA
- 3 hrs 51 min from Yakima, WA
