Horse riders find dedicated facilities at this forested Bureau of Land Management campground, though pets are not permitted on the grounds. The established sites provide access to equestrian amenities within the managed public lands east of Bakersfield.
Several nearby alternatives cater to different camping preferences, including Aholul Group Campground just south and Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground to the southwest for those seeking standard camping options.
Description
Nestled by large oak trees and located near the Nuckahee Learning center, the Equestrian Campground offers a large parking area for trailers, and corrals available for horseback riders. A short 1/4 mile bypass trail connects you to the main trail head that leads to the other trails in the management area.
Facilities
The Equestrian Campground offers 3 accessible campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and wood grill. Drinking water is available via a paddle style spigot next to the corrals. Garbage collection is available, and an accessible restroom is on site. Reservations for this site are not accepted and it is a first come-first serve basis. No electricity is provided, and cell service is typically nonexistent. Please practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles to recreate responsibly on your public lands.
Parking
The gravel parking area is large enough for 2-3 trucks with horse trailers and provides enough space to turn around. Please do not block access for others when parking.
Restrictions
A permit is required for campfires, and campfires must be in designated fire rings in the campgrounds.ADA Access: Yes, the campsites and restrooms are accessible
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEquestrian Campground is located in California near Prather
Directions
The San Joaquin River Gorge is located approximately five (5) miles northwest of the town of Auberry. The visitor center is located at 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California. Google Maps accurately locates the visitor center at it's actual location. From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the Y onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it into the recreation area.
Address
Bureau of Land Management
Bakersfield Field Office
35126 McMurtrey Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Coordinates
37.0859 N
119.5518 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Equestrian
Features
Drive Time
- 51 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 25 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 28 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 29 min from Merced, CA
