Best Equestrian Camping near Alturas, CA

Equestrian camping options near Alturas, California are limited, with no dedicated horse corrals identified at the available campgrounds. Stough Reservoir Campground, located in the Warner Mountains near Cedarville, permits pets but lacks specific equestrian facilities. The campground features 8 primitive sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. Small patches of snow may remain in early May with temperatures dropping to 26 degrees in spring mornings. The dirt and gravel access road extends approximately 2 miles to the campground, with some sites able to accommodate trailers up to 26 feet in length.

Riders exploring the Modoc National Forest region should note the seasonal accessibility of Stough Reservoir, typically open from May through October. The small reservoir provides water access, though no drinking water is available at the campground. Modoc Camp offers an alternative with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options for tent and RV camping, but also lacks dedicated horse facilities. Both locations permit pets, suggesting horses might be allowed with proper management. Snow conditions can block access roads in early spring, requiring vehicles capable of navigating uncleared paths. The $15 per night fee implemented in 2023 at Stough Reservoir replaced the previously free camping arrangement.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Alturas, California (2)

    1. Stough Reservoir Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cedarville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 279-6116

    $15 / night

    "No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained."

    "Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c."

    2. Modoc Camp

    Be the first to review!
    McArthur, CA
    19 miles
    +1 (509) 608-8487

    $50 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Alturas, CA

5 Reviews of 2 Alturas Campgrounds


  • Tom N.
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Primitive

    Not far from Cederville on 299 towards Alturas you can find a DNR campground at Stough Reservoir. The road is 2+ miles of dirt - gravel to the CG.

    The campground is sparse and lacks flushing toilets, pit toilet is available. Check the area sign for fire restrictions or warnings of large animals in the area. Keep your food locked up or hanging in a tree.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Small but great and free

    Camped here in June 2020 and got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet. Snowed when we were there in June. No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained. Beautiful Warner Mountains all around.

    If you keep going up the forest road there are dispersed camping spots at higher elevation with great views but roads only suitable for small rigs. There’s both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview. Would camp here again.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2023

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Roads not cleared at this time! (early May 2023)

    Not much to report here, other than be aware of snow in May. We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c. The website lists the status for this campground as “area not cleared,” so presumably if you have a vehicle that can get through the snow, then you’re ok to go camp here. 

    Also as of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free. Zero cell service here.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2021

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Second Time here....Still a Jewel

    I swung thru this camp on a previous ride, and remembered it fondly. (dunno why I didn't review it then).

    Up a decent gravel road, only about a mile in.  A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites.  I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet.  No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company.  Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Small pond in a peaceful setting

    We did not camp because we were doing a campground recon. There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer. 

    During our visit there was only one family using the facility. It is  a small campground, vault toilets and was clean when we were there. 

    We plan to come back in the future. We visited on a Sunday afternoon.


Guide to Alturas

Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horses

  • Stough Reservoir Campground provides a serene environment with access to water and picnic tables, making it a great choice for horse camping.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Modoc Camp features reservable sites and allows pets, ensuring that your horse can accompany you on your adventure.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and access

  • Stough Reservoir Campground is located near beautiful trails, perfect for horseback riding while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Warner Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alturas, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alturas, CA is Stough Reservoir Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.