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Horse Creek Campground provides limited options for equestrians near Badger, California. Located approximately 30 miles from Badger in Lemon Cove, this established campground accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups with boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access. While the name suggests horse facilities, the campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals according to available amenity data. The campground offers basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, trash collection, toilets, and water hookups. Sites accommodate larger vehicles with big-rig friendly access, though equestrian-specific infrastructure is minimal.
Horse Camp Campground in the Sequoia National Forest region operates seasonally from June to October. Accessible primarily for tent camping, this small campground lacks equestrian-specific facilities but allows access to surrounding forest trails. Most campgrounds in the region require horses to be kept at designated hitching posts or temporary corrals brought by campers. When planning horse camping trips near Badger, contacting rangers directly about current equestrian policies is recommended as regulations may change seasonally. Nearby national forest areas generally permit dispersed camping with horses where visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles including proper manure management and adherence to feed restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of invasive plants.
"Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."
"Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"Typical California foothills hardpan and dead grass sites - large and able to accommodate very long combo rigs and have enough width to disconnect and park adjacent to the towable."
"There are many ways to arrive here, but the most direct and easiest is on California State Highway 180. The park is open, but the office is not, so it’s find a spot and check yourself in."
from $40 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms."
"The tap outside the building didn't work and neither did the water fountain. The host was not there for check-in."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The sites themselves are nice, located in a grassy meadow around a reservoir This is the most grass we have seen in several months."
"Some of the sites (75, 76 etc..) look out on Lake Kaweah. It’s clean and well organized. Some highway noise."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It’s a great spot, this pin location gets Verizon signal along with some of the higher sites if you pull off the road."
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."
"Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."
from $34 - $95 / night
Check Availability"This is one of my favorite here in sequoia national park south entrance by gen hi way. Park rangers were so helpful at the entrance and they are well organized."
"The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off. Plenty of tree coverage for both some shade and to hang your food."
GuideGreat for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!
LegendWe didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.
GuideI agree the road out is pretty scary I don't advise trailers but I have seen them while driving in. It is one lane and you must pull out for opposing traffic. But definitely one of my most favorite places in the Sierras. The views are amazing, I recommend giving yourself extra time to stop and get out for the views a few times on the way in.
Once in the campground/resort area there are two separate loops to camp in as well as cabins to rent and a small dispersed camping area there is also a general store, bath house, and small Cafe that are all seasonal since the road is closed most of the year. So open and close dates vary depending on snow. You can get firewood, drinking water at the store but it can be a little pricey, so I recommend bringing your own. The baths/showers are usually included for anyone paying for a campsite, but this may have changed. It is very cheap for day use persons to use the showers though. The sites are all very nice and surprisingly private though some are pretty close together. All provide a firepit, table, bear box, and parking space. I love that there are bear boxes at such a remote place! There are vault tiolets and dumpsters for trash. The river runs along one side of the campsites so about half of the sites are on the river. Bring extra bugspray for these sites as you are close to the water.
Most important if you made it this far reading 😅😂 there are multiple NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!! There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot. They also pump the natural mineral water to the bathhouse for the showers! The springs are the main reason to come out and camp. There are also tons of hiking trails and other lakes in the area including 2 thermal lakes and tons of breathtaking views. I highly recommend this place. 🏞🏕
Also: I have not personally stayed in the cabins or dispersed camping area only the paid sites along the river, but I have been here several times and have seen them. There is also a corral area for horses so I'm not sure if that qualifies it as an equestrian camp but there is a spot for the horses.
GuideBy far the best campground I've been too.
I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead
GuideWe are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms. A number of large groups around the site which looks fun but it felt more like an urban park than being in nature.
GuideVery pleasant rv campground. Typical California foothills hardpan and dead grass sites - large and able to accommodate very long combo rigs and have enough width to disconnect and park adjacent to the towable.
We had electric service issues and camp hosts, Carlos and Luz, we on it within 20 minutes at 10:30 at night. They worked as a team and showed pride in their park.
Our 4 night stay was pleasant - the park is very quiet and road noise minimal. Water, power and sewer as advertised. If tent or dry camping, showers at the office building.
LegendBottom line....Make sure if you are following your gps, you key in Sequoia RV Park and not the one with RV resort. There are many ways to arrive here, but the most direct and easiest is on California State Highway 180. The park is open, but the office is not, so it’s find a spot and check yourself in. The manager Carlos stopped by a few hours after we were set up. The park staff is super friendly. Will be stopping by here again if we are over this way again. The views from the park are postcard beautiful
GuideAbsolutely loved Kings Canyon! Nice sites however not many are level. Lots of bathrooms but no showers. Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available.
GuideWe decided to come in the off season in February and we got lucky with weather. Low tonight is only supposed to be in the upper 30s. Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal. One bathroom is still open and the general store and restaurant are right around the corner. Plus, only $10 a night!
Near Badger, California, camping options span elevations from 1,200 to 7,000 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow at higher elevations. Most dispersed camping areas require vehicles with good ground clearance, especially during spring when seasonal creeks can create muddy conditions.
Hiking near Whitney Portal: Whitney Portal Campground offers access to several trails without requiring summit permits. "There are tons of trails immediately accessible from most camp sites, and a short walk from the rest," notes Connor N. about nearby Azalea Campground. For less strenuous options, "I highly recommend the Lone Pine Trail, which leads up to an alpine lake, which is absolutely gorgeous," suggests Elise F. from Whitney Portal.
Fishing at Lake Kaweah: Horse Creek areas provide fishing opportunities when water levels are suitable. "This spot is great if you want to be right by the water. The campsite is sometime filled with water so it is a seasonal thing," explains Angel C. about Horse Creek. Fishing is best from late fall through spring when temperatures are moderate.
Stargazing at higher elevations: The mountain campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing. "The stargazing is beautiful. There is some limited light pollution emanating from the other side of the foothills, but because you are surrounded by foothills you get some good, dark surroundings to really appreciate the stars," reports Brittney J. about her stay at Horse Creek Campground.
Large, spaced-out sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer sizeable camping areas. "We are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot," mentions Jim M. At Whitney Portal, "it feels like every campsite is its own little mountain. It's so desolate and quiet here, definitely for those that want to be completely submersed in nature," describes C N.
Water features: Creeks and lakes enhance many camping locations. "Whitney Portal is a magical place. There is a creek that runs throughout the campground that provides perfect background noise. Even though the sites are pretty close to each other, we could not hear a neighbor once because of the sound of the creek," shares Elise F.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced rates. "We decided to come in the off season in February and we got lucky with weather. Low tonight is only supposed to be in the upper 30s. Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by... Plus, only $10 a night!" reports Lydia H. from Azalea Campground.
Limited equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near Badger, California often lack dedicated corrals. While camp names may suggest horse-friendly environments, verify facilities before arrival.
Water availability varies: Water sources are seasonal and sometimes shut off. "We chose this campground to be an easy 'getting back to camping' campground since it was supposed to be developed and even have showers. The central restrooms/showers have been non-operational for over a year based on the maintenance log of the porta potty," cautions Brittney J.
Bear awareness required: All campgrounds in the region require proper food storage. At Whitney Portal, "bear boxes are provided at each campsite," notes Elise F. Another camper mentions, "this area is allegedly infested with black bears, but we didn't see any this time."
Road conditions: Access to mountain campgrounds can be challenging. "You have to drive up a winding road up 5000ft thennnn you have to drive up on cliff side and down hills to get to the area," warns Cyndy & Selena R. about Hume Lake Rd Overlook.
Choose sites with amenities: For family camping, look for established campgrounds with reliable facilities. "This is a great Corp of Engineer Campground just minutes from Sequoia National Park. Sites are big and well spaced from each other. No hook up but fresh water and a dump station are available at the campground," recommends Rob E. about Horse Creek Campground.
Watch for hazards: Know local wildlife concerns before bringing children. "Be careful for snakes in this area," cautions Angel C. about Horse Creek.
Look for level ground: Many mountain sites have uneven terrain. "Most campgrounds in the region require horses to be kept at designated hitching posts or temporary corrals brought by campers," notes Tricia F. about Azalea Campground, adding "Nice sites however not many are level."
Length restrictions on mountain roads: Large RVs face challenges on narrow, winding mountain roads. Check specific campground access before driving large rigs to higher elevations.
Full hookup alternatives: Sequoia RV Park offers options for those needing utilities. "Lots of room to get around. Grassy large spots with full hook ups. Close to King Canyon and other attractions," notes Rick L. Another camper mentions it has "the full range of services, easily accessible and level sites, an onsite laundry and showers, free WiFi and FREE firewood."
Seasonal operation: Many mountain campgrounds close in winter. "Horse Camp Campground in the Sequoia National Forest region operates seasonally from June to October," requiring RVers to plan accordingly and check reservation systems for availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Badger, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Badger, CA is Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Badger, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Badger, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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