Best Equestrian Camping near Auburn, CA
Ruck-A-Chucky Campground offers limited horse access in the Auburn State Recreation Area along the American River. The campground consists of five tent-only sites located at the end of a 3-mile dirt road that can be challenging for trailers. Sites are situated directly on the riverbank, providing water access for horses. The terrain is steep, requiring careful consideration for horse handling. Vault toilets are available, but no drinking water or corrals are provided, making this a primitive option for experienced equestrians. The campground operates seasonally from October 15 to April 15.
The surrounding Auburn State Recreation Area provides approximately 100 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding, with varying terrain and difficulty levels. Trailer parking is available at designated trailheads, though not at the campground itself. The three-mile access road requires four-wheel drive during wet conditions. Most riders prefer to trailer to nearby equestrian-friendly trailheads rather than camp with horses at Ruck-A-Chucky itself. Several staging areas throughout the recreation area offer better facilities for day rides. Folsom Lake State Recreation Area provides an alternative nearby option with more accessible terrain and facilities, though also without dedicated horse corrals.
