The US Forest Service operates Carter Meadows Horse Campground within Klamath National Forest, designed specifically for equestrian camping from mid-June through October. Sites accommodate tents and small trailers but exclude RVs entirely, with a maximum vehicle length of zero feet. The forested setting near creek and river access provides water sources for horses, while picnic tables and campfire rings serve basic camping needs.
Reservations help secure spots during the $50-per-night season, and pets join camping parties alongside horses. Fishing opportunities exist in nearby waterways. For additional options in the area, campers can explore places to camp around Callahan or check Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground just two-tenths of a mile south.
Description
Overview
The Carter Meadows Horse Group Campground lies at the southern edge of the Klamath National Forest on the South Fork of the Salmon River. Designed for large groups with horses, the camp's proximity to the Trinity Alps Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail makes the site popular with riders and hikers.
Recreation
The Carter Meadows Horse Group Site is adjacent to the Trinity Alps Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail. From this site, groups can ride to three trailheads that access several wilderness lakes and many miles of trails. Fishing is available in nearby streams and wilderness lakes.
Facilities
The Carter Meadows Horse Group Site is designed for up to 25 people and 25 horses. It includes an area for dispersed tent or trailer camping and three sections of corrals of varying sizes: seven one-horse corrals, three 2-horse corrals and three 3-4 horse corrals. The site also includes a gravel parking area, a gated entrance, a hitch rack and a mounting ramp.
Natural Features
The Klamath National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres of land straddling the California and Oregon border. The Klamath is a vast array of mountains, streams and lakes and, at elevations ranging from 450 to 8,900 feet, is home to diverse plant life and nearly 400 animal species. The partially shaded campground sits at an altitude of 5,800 feet.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive away, the Carter Meadows Summit is accessible for day hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to Hidden and South Fork Lakes.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCarter Meadows Horse Campground is located in California
Directions
From Interstate 5 near Yreka, California, take the south Yreka exit onto Highway 3 south and continue for 23 miles. Turn right on Highway 93 toward Cecilville and continue 12 miles to Carter Meadows Summit. Approximately 1/2 mile beyond the summit, turn left on Road 39N08. The Group Site is another 1/4 mile on the right.
Address
11263 N. HWY. 3
Fort jones, CA 96032
Coordinates
41.222 N
122.911 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
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 18 min from Redding, CA
- 3 hrs 7 min from Medford, OR
- 3 hrs 34 min from Grants Pass, OR
