Dru Barner Campground serves as a central hub for equestrian trails and activities within Eldorado National Forest. The campground remains accessible year-round but requires visitors to bring water for both personal use and horses due to inconsistent water supply. Located about 15 minutes from Georgetown, the area provides both solitude and access to necessary supplies.
What to do
Panning for gold: Nearby Ruck-A-Chucky Campground offers gold panning opportunities along the American River. "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" reports Jason A., who also recommends bringing "kayaks and rafts" for water activities.
Waterfall hiking: The short Otter Creek Trail near Dru Barner provides moderate elevation changes ideal for day hikes. For more waterfall options, visit Sly Park Recreation Area where "there is a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It's just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area," according to camp host Michell C.
Lake activities: Jenkinson Lake at Sly Park Recreation Area offers excellent kayaking and paddleboarding. "Jenkinson lake is beautiful to kayak or paddleboard on and you can also rent for $20/hr + $10/hr after that," notes Bea I., who also mentions "plenty of space for social distancing" along the shore.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near Applegate provide ample space between campsites. At Loon Lake, camper Erin O. found that despite the campground being full, "the campsite I stayed at (45) was tucked far enough back from the loop road and had tons of bushes, so I felt like I was the only one there."
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding equestrian camping areas are rich with wildlife. At Dru Barner Campground, camper Lily S. reports, "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds" can be spotted while exploring the area. The mixed oak and pine forests create ideal habitat for diverse wildlife.
Stargazing opportunities: The elevation and minimal light pollution make this region excellent for astronomy. "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part," shares Carly D. about Sly Park. "It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Across equestrian campgrounds near Applegate, water access can be limited. At Dru Barner, "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises Cheri S. Plan accordingly by bringing containers for both human and horse consumption.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Check current fire regulations before arrival. At Pine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area, Jordie G. notes the campsite has "potable water, fire ring, grill, recycling stations and large dumpsters," but fire rules can change during high-risk seasons.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require careful navigation on unpaved roads. At Ruck-A-Chucky, Jason A. advises to "bring extra cash in case you need a tow out of there. (Happened to me. Was $100 to get my rig out of there)," though he notes that "small cars made it down there without difficulty."
Tips for camping with families
Choose lake-adjacent sites: For family activities, waterfront sites provide convenient recreation. At Hilltop - Sly Park Recreation Area, Lloyd C. recommends "Spot 117 is one of the best on Hilltop. Decent amount of shade and large area to park and set up tents."
Pack sun protection: The open exposure at many sites requires preparation. At Beals Point Campground, Lizzy C. advises, "The Sacramento area gets very hot in the summer, and this campground provides some but not a ton of shade... bring plenty of sunscreen!"
Select weekday visits for quieter experience: For families seeking less crowded conditions, timing matters. Michell C. suggests, "If you would rather not deal with the 'Weekend Warrior' type of campers, book your stay for mid-week (Mon-Thurs) and probably avoid camping in July altogether."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: When bringing RVs to equestrian camping areas, careful site selection is crucial. At Mumford Bar Trail Campground, Eric D. notes it's an "excellent spot if ya wanna get away from crowds and don't mind less amenities," though the remote location means limited RV facilities.
Limited hookups available: Most horse campgrounds near Applegate offer primitive camping without full hookups. At Beals Point Campground, Brian A. reports, "Dry camping spot 28.00/per night," and mentions, "Very green early in the season, lake extremely low, warm evenings already. GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars."
Narrow roads require caution: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. Kevin W. notes about Ruck-A-Chucky, "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'," suggesting caution when selecting an RV-appropriate equestrian campground in this region.
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