Overview
Cayuse Horse Campground sits in the foothills of the Cascade mountains in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. A favorite among horse enthusiasts, the campground is nestled in a mixed-conifer forest. In close proximity to snow-capped peaks, high elevation lakes, scenic rivers and several wilderness areas, this campground offers visitors opportunities to experience both the serene and wild aspects of the area.
Recreation
The Cayuse Horse Camp provides visitors access to a wide variety of trails. Rugged peaks, sparkling lakes and forested area provide the backdrop for many of these rides. Equestrians may want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of America's premier National Scenic Trails. The PCT showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. Wilderness passes (available at the trailhead) are required for this trail.
Facilities
This campground is open to stock users only and offers 14 large equestrian sites. There is a single corral for each site, with a maximum of 3 horses per single site and 4 horses per double site. The corrals are not near the campsites, but located in a common area with two water troughs on opposite sides of the corrals. Picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and ample room for parking vehicles and trailers are available at each site. Drinking water is also available, and there is access to vault toilets. This horse camp is open after snow levels recede, and access to trails is available.
Natural Features
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.
Visitors to the area can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer, and winters with clear skies and plenty of snow.
The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy farmers markets and antique shops in the nearby communities of Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg. Popular events in the town of Ellensburg over Labor Day weekend include the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area