Best Equestrian Camping near Benton, CA

Eastern Sierra Tri County Fairground in Bishop offers horse corrals for equestrians camping with their animals. The fairground provides full hookup and no-hookup RV sites in a level gravel area with clean showers and bathrooms. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though spaces are small and tightly arranged. Fires are permitted only in enclosed metal containers. The fairground's central location provides easy walking access to downtown Bishop's coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. Campers report that the campground is well-maintained despite its utilitarian layout, though some mention the strict enforcement of rules by campground hosts.

Located near numerous riding opportunities, the fairground serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. The White Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Bristlecone Pine Forest in Inyo National Forest offer diverse terrain for trail riding. Mono Hot Springs, though requiring a challenging drive to access, provides another option for horse enthusiasts in the region. The campground there includes a corral area specifically for horses. Visitors note that Kaiser Pass Road leading to Mono Hot Springs is steep, narrow, and features blind corners, making advance condition checks with the Prather Ranger Station advisable for those traveling with horse trailers. The surrounding area offers numerous trails suitable for day rides, with several lakes and meadows accessible directly from the campgrounds.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Benton, California (13)

    1. Sage Hen Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable."

    2. Twin Lakes Campground

    13 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 934-5795

    $34 / night

    "Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras."

    "Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous. You'll have plenty of hikes to choose from, go fishing, or hit the slopes (biking during the summer and snowsports in the winter)."

    3. Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    9 Reviews
    Mammoth Lakes, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 924-5500

    "Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles.

    All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."

    "Easy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance. Nicely secluded but not many great open views in the area since it is in the Forrest among the trees."

    4. Silver Lake Campground at June Lake

    15 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 934-5795

    $32 - $64 / night

    "This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors.  I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD.  Most of the folks were in RVs. "

    "The nearby lake was beautiful, especially in early morning, and it provided an entry and exit point to the quieter side of the CA wilderness, such as Ansel Adams Wilderness (for when you don't want to"

    5. Reds Meadow Campground

    6 Reviews
    Devils Postpile National Monument, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-2400

    "After driving around every overcrowded campground in mammoth lakes we were lucky enough to find this campsite on Dyrt. It had many open spots even in July with beautiful views of nearby mountains."

    "It’s within walking distance to Lake Sotcher as well as Reds Meadow Pack station and trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile."

    6. Eastern Sierra Tri County Fairground

    3 Reviews
    Bishop, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 873-3588

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Very close to downtown. It is an open field, some might feel a bit exposed. Very nice staff & clean facilities."

    7. Mono Hot Springs

    10 Reviews
    Mono Hot Springs, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 893-2111

    $37 - $78 / night

    "    I 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."

    "Our campground was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect."

    8. Agnew Meadows Group Camp

    2 Reviews
    June Lake, CA
    34 miles
    Website

    $50 - $99 / night

    "These sites are well maintained and include fire pits, bear lockers and close access to restrooms, water and dumpster. Tree cover helps keep it cool."

    "Some of the sites offer nice privacy and are tucked into trees and meadows. Only downside was the mosquitos but I know they are everywhere."

    9. Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    5 Reviews
    Mono Hot Springs, CA
    42 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Thousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave."

    "Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California."

    10. Sample Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 855-5355

    "It is a beautiful campground located off Kaiser Pass Road. Even in June there was so many wildflowers and vibrate green. There was bathrooms and each site had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box."

    "When I visited some people had buried human waste next to the campsite and I cleaned it up.

    Most easily accessed via Kaiser Pass. Be aware that the road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Benton, CA

2 Photos of 13 Benton Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Benton, CA

71 Reviews of 13 Benton Campgrounds


  • Mollie M.
    May. 4, 2020

    Mono Hot Springs

    Beautiful and quiet and OUT THERE.

        I 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.

  • Mark G.
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Granite Creek Campground

    Worth the trip

    If you wanna get away and camp next to a river and down a trail and shoot your gun or go fishing you can freedom you can horseback ride if you have horses he can fish there are fish there trout it's beautiful peaceful.

  • Hannah V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    Hike in is Worth It

    Thousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave. This view is absolutely beautiful, and it changes rapidly with the rising and setting sun so make you have your camera ready for it. This is completely back country so you gotta pack it all in. There are some rules you have to follow while camping at this lake, 30 feet off of the trail and then another 100 feet away from the water. This can be hard to do as your camp may be on a slant or in the wide open, however you have plenty of space to choose from at this location. There is another rule about camping past a certain peninsula but from everyone we talked to they had no idea which peninsula the map was actually referring to, so you just walk past a couple of them and hope you’re in the right spot. The water is very cold but still feels great after a long hike all day.

    There are multiple routes to getting to this lake, you can come. The John Muir trail and the PCT lead to this location, also Mammoth California has a trail that leads here as well. We even encountered mule train options on our way in if you prefer that type of transportation. But this is definitely somewhere you want to visit.

  • Eli C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside

    Great location near Mammoth Village

    Get there early enough to find a spot. Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles.

    All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick.

    Mammoth Village was a short drive away.

  • Spencer L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2020

    Agnew Meadows Group Camp

    Close to Mammoth

    These sites are well maintained and include fire pits, bear lockers and close access to restrooms, water and dumpster. Tree cover helps keep it cool. You are very close to mammoth lakes and devils postponed and rainbow falls. The drive in features great views of the mountains n the distance.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    Solitude, Splendor, Serenity!

    Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California.

    If you desire 360 degree mountain beauty, a cool lake to fish, float, swim or reflect by, epic sunrises and sunsets, star-filled night skies...or just desire the unearthly quiet of being unplugged and being a speck in rugged vastness...this is for you!

    This incredible dispersed backcountry camping area must:

    1. Be hiked into
    2. Possess a permit
    3. Use approved bear canisters
    4. Leave No Trace

    There are a few methods of getting to Thousand Island Lake...all involve backpacks and hiking. First, if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will at some point of your journey reach Thousand Island Lake. Second, if you are hiking the John Muir Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will reach Thousand Island Lake during your journey. Third, you can choose a beautifully scenic 14.3 mile out and back from Mammoth, CA...the shortest of the three options. Fourth, there are horseback/mule train options.

    We happened to reach Thousand Island Lake as part of our August 2018 SOBO John Muir Trail attempt.

    Choosing to hike in by any of the options takes planning and preparation. This is beautiful country, but it is also rough and unforgiving. The trails are wonderfully cared for, but not groomed and flat...know this and adequately prepare.

    Every hiking/camping group must possess a permit, which for a short hike directly into Thousand Island Lake is secured through the Inyo National Forest office. PCT and JMT permits are primarily lottery based (although several walk-in permits are granted each day on site...but that's a gamble).Inyo National Forest website page states: "Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1."

    This is active black bear country, so you must use approved bear canisters for food and odoriferous items (toothpaste, soap, lip balm, insect repellent, etc). Stiff fines by rangers (and they do backcountry patrols) await if you foolishly ignore this law...worse yet, you might receive a catastrophic visit from Yogi or Boo-Boo. We did not see any bear or evidence of their presence but I’m sure they saw us.

    Leave No Trace...pack it in...pack it out. Yes, that means everything. Know the rules and abide by them. Nothing more distasteful and damaging to pristine wilderness are those that believe they are the exception to this rule and leave trash...worse, waste and TP dotting the landscape. Unfortunately, I found myself burying selfish stranger's waste. So bring a small shovel (www.tentlab) and a Ziploc freezer baggie to pack out your TP.

    There is signage at Thousand Island Lake advising where to camp, which is far away from the main JMT trail. Again, abide by the rules and camp at least 40 feet away from the trail and 100 feet from the lake. Read and obey the list of rules on the website.

    We camped on the northwest area of the Lake. Numerous hikers were there, some groups that hiked in for a day or two, others were thru-hikers. I enjoy the "community" of backcountry backpacker's. Day hikers can bring "Fido."

    It is unnecessary to pack in hordes of water, as there seems to be streams and lakes aplenty. I'd recommend a reliable water filter or boiling the water to ensure a parasite free thirst quencher. We used a simple Sawyer Squeeze, which was both lightweight and effective.

    Once camp is set, hike around the trails of this pristine wilderness and soak it all in...or just pull out your sleeping pad and relax.

    I have read and been admonished to use 100% DEET for the mosquitoes on the JMT...particularly June-July, and though prepared, we experienced none in mid-August, nor at this elevation. The elevation should not be bothersome healthwise, as it is not above 10,000 ft. As Floridian Flatlanders, we had no adverse altitude maladies...other than being out of breath while climbing passes. June and early July hikers may experience snow at this elevation depending on the winter accumulations.

    Several notable peaks shadow Thousand Island Lake, Banner Peak being one of them.

    For those securing a day hike permit, search out several websites/blogs for the best starting locations (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thousand-island-lake-pct).

    If you are looking for the best bang for your buck in backcountry short trips, file this one away as a "must do!" There are others in the eastern Sierra Nevadas...but that's for another post.

  • Erin M.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Twin Lakes Campground

    Absolutely Fantastic Family Camping

    Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras. This Review is specific to the lower loop which is on the east side of the lake just past the tamarack lodge and store. The store (open 7-7) offered a variety of amenities from clothes to souvenirs. Also available at the store were showers ($6 per person and from 7am to 6pm) and boat rentals($20 per hour) . The restrooms had sinks and flushing toilets that were immaculate!We had an awful bear Problem during our visit with other campers not securing their food in the provided bear boxes but other than that we had a truly enjoyable time! The Campsites are very spacious and shaded. The amount of shade in the campground did keep things on the cooler side all day. There is Plenty to do in the area from a lengthy bike path that covers the entire lake basin to the numerous hiking trails that cover the mountain sides. You’ll want to make sure you check out the visitor center as you come into town for a fascinating history lesson and tips to make the most of your trip! Mammoth mountain itself offers a variety of entertainment during the summer from concert series in the village to zip lining across the mountain. You’ll want to head to Main Lodge for any ticket purchases for mammoth mountain activities. In my pictures you’ll find the transit schedule for the free trolly that runs up around the lake basin and throughout the town of Mammoth along with a map of the campground!

  • Natasha M.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Reds Meadow Campground

    Lovely / not overrun campground

    After driving around every overcrowded campground in mammoth lakes we were lucky enough to find this campsite on Dyrt. It had many open spots even in July with beautiful views of nearby mountains. Close walking distance (about .5 miles to a mile depending one where your site is) to a lake and a hiking trail up to devils postpile. We also went to try the hot spring there at night but it was so hot you had to bring up buckets of water from a nearby creek to use it, we heard it is better in the early mornings. Also there are a lot of bears in the area and they are relatively comfortable around humans, one walked through our site and other campers sites while we were there so make sure to keep all food and items that may have scent in the bear boxes provided and not in your vehicle or tent!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Sage Hen Dispersed

    Beautiful, near Mono Lake

    The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd. There was still snow on the dirt road at this time of year (in mid April) so be aware,  and there are also low hanging branches that might make it tough for taller rigs. 

    This spot is a large flat area with zero amenities so bring water and pack in and pack out. 

    Good for a night or two if you want to hike or bike along the plethora of forest service roads. There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any.

     Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable.


Guide to Benton

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 that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and water access

  • Agnew Meadows Horse Campground provides a designated area for horses, ensuring your companions are well accommodated during your stay.
  • Sage Hen Dispersed allows for horse camping and offers ample space for your horses to roam while you enjoy the surrounding pines.
  • Twin Lakes Campground features facilities that cater to horse campers, including easy access to trails and nearby water sources.

Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities

  • At Reds Meadow Campground, you can access numerous trails leading to stunning views and natural hot springs, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • Mono Hot Springs offers a variety of hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it an ideal spot for both you and your horse to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Granite Creek Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to trails that are great for horseback riding, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mammoth Lakes, California

  • When visiting Agnew Meadows Group Camp, be sure to bring bear-proof containers for your food, as wildlife is active in the area.
  • At Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside, check the road conditions before heading out, as some areas may require higher clearance vehicles for access.
  • Always pack out what you pack in at Sage Hen Dispersed, ensuring you leave the natural beauty of the area undisturbed for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Benton, CA is Sage Hen Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Benton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.