Best Equestrian Camping near Avery, CA

Equestrian camping opportunities near Avery, California are limited, with none of the campgrounds in the data specifically offering horse corrals or dedicated equine facilities. Most dispersed camping sites like Top of Arnold and Forest Route 4N39 allow pets but lack horse-specific amenities. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping provides access to numerous trails suitable for day riding, though campers must bring their own portable corrals or highlines for overnight horse containment. The dirt roads leading to many of these sites can be challenging but are generally navigable with proper towing vehicles and horse trailers.

Established campgrounds in the region such as Glory Hole Recreation Area and Lake Amador Resort offer more amenities like drinking water, showers and toilets but similarly lack dedicated horse facilities. Trail access varies throughout the region, with Bear Valley offering the most extensive network of riding opportunities. Forest Service roads in the area typically permit horseback riding, creating potential loop options from dispersed sites. Summer temperatures in lower elevation sites can reach 110°F, making spring and fall better seasons for equestrian camping. The surrounding Stanislaus National Forest contains numerous Forest Service roads and trails where riders can enjoy day-use opportunities even when camping facilities are minimal.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Avery, California (32)

    1. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Arnold, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 532-3671

    "Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"

    "Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."

    2. Glory Hole Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Angels, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 536-9094

    $18 - $22 / night

    "Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."

    "The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"

    3. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fall River Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 536-9094

    "The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."

    "Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."

    4. USBR Tuttletown Recreation Area Oak Knoll Group Site

    1 Review
    Fall River Lake, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 536-9094

    "We were able to rent a boat for tuning on the lake, which made the trip."

    5. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stanislaus National Forest, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 459-9238

    6. Lake Amador Resort

    12 Reviews
    Ione, CA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 274-4739

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Fabulous lakeside camping.... We’ve been in March, May, July and September..... July, just too hot but we love being able to just get up and fish... The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish."

    "Lake water level was super low at end of summer & lake is hard to access. Unless you got a boat. Saw deer & wild turkeys. This park is huge."

    7. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

    "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

    8. Woodward Reservoir

    16 Reviews
    Oakdale, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 847-3304

    "Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."

    "Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"

    9. Spicer Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bear Valley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 795-1381

    "We got one close to the walking trail down to the lake, which took just a couple minutes. The lake is nice but better for fishing than swimming/paddle boarding/kayaking."

    "Great swimming and hiking around Elephant Rock and Union Res too. An easy weekend away!"

    10. Sly Park Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 295-6810

    "There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!)"

    "It's a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Avery, CA

146 Reviews of 32 Avery Campgrounds


  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 11, 2016

    Clark Fork Campground

    Clark's Fork: A modern campground away from civilization.

    Clark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent “double sites” makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends. The 25 sites on Loop A offer vault toilets and cost $19 an night. Loop B sites offer flush toilets and cost $20 a night. There are also 14 nice family-sized equestrian sites and one group equestrian site. Sites are within easy walking distance of the water. No matter what kind of camping you want to plan, Clark's Fork offers options. A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful wooded campground is on the Stanislaus River, recommended for your fishing and scenic pleasure.

  • Reese F.
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Highland Lakes Campground

    It’s a long bumpy road to get here, but you won’t want to leave.

    This place is amazing. I’ve been five times since I discovered it late last year. This campground is about an hour’s drive to any kind of amenities or cell phone service. The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across, but I had no problems driving a 2wd Honda Fit compact car up. This park didn’t even open until late July this year due to all the snowfall. There is 1 vault toilet and an old-school hand pump for water, which isn’t always functioning so bring plenty of water. All of the sites are first come first served, each has a fire pit with grill plate, and a picnic table. No dumpsters for trash, pack it in and pack it out.

    There is plenty of hiking, both steep and moderate. Folger peak trail can be very challenging due to all the loose shale. There is an equestrian trail that is more flat going the other direction which is less steep but still a very scenic hike. Ranchers bring their cattle up to graze during the summer months so you’ll hear their cowbells all day long. There is a weather station in the valley and it’s fairly accurate so you can get the forecast before you go, just google weather Highland Lakes. I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little to cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek the last few nights.

  • Tiffany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Sly Park Recreation Area

    Best camping trip ever !

    This is a well-kept and forest-dense camping spot. There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!), kayak, fish, sun bathe, swim, play games at your camp, if you have a horse- camp with your horse in one of those sites). It just really is amazing that this gem is only (approx) 1 hour from Sacramento! I cannot wait to go again!

  • Carly D.
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Sly Park Recreation Area

    Best views of the stars

    Our group has been camping at Sly Park together and respectively since 1996, and we can't ever get enough. It's a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find.

    They have several different campsite areas, and we typically frequent Pinecone Strip in the 30+ numbered sites. They have several water view sites, and many others deeper into the area. The lake is GORGEOUS and amazingly cool during the summer, and we also love winter camping in the snow as well. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and the reservation page has detailed descriptions of each site for you. Lots of hiking, biking, and equine camping which is so fun to see.

    The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance. That said, they also follow fire season safety and you should plan for that.

    There's a little general store across the street from the entrance with essentials and camping basics, and loads of places nearby for firewood and more specific purchases.

    Access to the lake is relatively easy, and they have a day use area separate from the camping areas.

  • Russell L.
    Sep. 4, 2018

    Woodward Reservoir

    Located just outside of oakdale. Great local camping.

    Located just outside of oakdale, very similar to that of Modesto reservoir as it is managed by the same people. Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping. Boat docks and tables located near the water good for bbqing and having a relaxing weekend close to home but away from crowds of people. They do have late festivals in the fall so plan accordingly

  • Esther Y.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

    Group event camping

    Stayed here for 2 nights during the 2019 Pursuit Norcal Event (outdoor adventure camp for adults). Due to the nature of the event, we were very close to other campers but the site itself had a lot of tree cover, shade and probably awesome camping at any other time. There is open field adjacent that was used as the event hub. Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking.

  • Craig & Linda  L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2022

    Ghost Mountain RV Campground

    Close to our home. Just over 2 hr

    We had just bought our trailer and went there with check it our with our daughter and son-in-law as a day trip to mountains. It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool. Great showers, basketball courts, volleyball, you can bring your horse. Trails to ride a mountain bike ride or hike. There is a nice dump station. There is also a honey bucket truck that comes around to all camp sites Mon, Wed, and Fridays to dump your gray and black tanks. Breakfast Lunch and dinner are available at clubhouse in the ghost town great price. About 20 minutes down Hy50 is the Red hawk casino. We were not going to buy in to the CRA Colorado River Adventures membership. But it came with a Coast to Coast membership. So with our CRA and Coast to Coast memberships we can stay up to 14 days in one campground for free. Figuring say $50 a night that would be $700 saved for a 14 day stay.

  • Jay B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2019

    Wrights Lake

    Tranquility

    At the top of the Sierras, El Dorado national forest, tucked in away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stunning views, and blue skies, campground is well maintained and accessible. Rvs and tent camping. Shallow lake that warms up a little for kayaking and swimming. Great family lake.

  • Amanda R.
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Chimney - Sly Park Recreation Area

    Camp here twice.

    We live close by so going to camp in Sly Park, seems weird. However, I have had at least two kids camping trips here. Sly Park lake is great! We love kayaking on it, especially to the waterfall. It has vault toilets and they are pretty clean. I like that Chimney is close to the water however, this location really does not have a beach. It can be quite busy at times as it is also a day use area.


Guide to Avery

Horse camping in California offers a unique way 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 saddle up and enjoy nature.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • The Miner's Camp RV Park features pull-through spots suitable for larger RVs and offers easy access to nearby trails for horseback riding.
  • At the Lake Camanche North Shore, you can enjoy a well-maintained environment with facilities that cater to both horse and rider.
  • The Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche provides a family-friendly atmosphere with ample space for horses, making it an ideal spot for group camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Avery, CA is Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Avery, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 equestrian camping locations near Avery, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.