L
Lani B.
Guide
GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Loads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
Equestrian Camping near Big Creek, CA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Horse facilities near Big Creek, California require visitors to bring their own portable corrals or high-lines. Sweetwater Campground, while not offering permanent horse corrals, permits equestrians to set up temporary containment for horses, with ample space between sites for trailer parking. The campground features potable water access, toilet facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings that accommodate camping with horses. Sites can be accessed via drive-in routes suitable for horse trailers, with both tent and RV options available. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, requiring visitors to check current conditions before arrival. Sites are flat and reasonably sized, with enough space for portable corrals to be erected a safe distance from camping areas. Several sites near Big Creek feature cleared areas appropriate for temporary horse containment.
Trailheads accessible from the Big Creek area provide routes for day rides, though specific bridle trails are limited. Riders must follow forest service regulations regarding horse use on trails, with some areas restricting equestrian access. Water access for horses exists at creek crossings, but riders should verify seasonal flow conditions before relying on natural water sources. Sample Meadow Campground offers additional horse-friendly camping within reasonable driving distance, with sites spread far enough apart to feel secluded. Bear boxes are essential as this is bear country, and visitors should secure feed appropriately. The mountain roads accessing horse camping areas can be challenging with trailers, featuring steep grades and narrow passages that require careful navigation. Weather conditions change rapidly at higher elevations, necessitating appropriate preparation for both riders and horses.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Big Creek (31)
1. Sweetwater
"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $43 / night
2. Mono Hot Springs
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 - $78 / night
3. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
4. Fish Creek (CA)
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $43 / night
5. Sample Meadow Campground
"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."
"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."
6. Thousand Island Lake Backcountry
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
7. Portal Forebay Campground
8. Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $32 / night
9. Twin Lakes Campground
"Stayed at shaded site 4 next to main road between main lodge and store. Site was a little sloped for 24' RV. Clean flush toilets with sinks. Easy walk to store and main lodge."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $34 / night
10. Sequoia RV Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $55 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 51 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 52 min from Merced, CA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Big Creek, CA
2 Photos of 31 Big Creek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Big Creek, CA
264 Reviews of 31 Big Creek Campgrounds
Rav H.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
This is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Nick B.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great dispersed spot
We came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
Samantha M.GuideTwin Lakes Campground
One of my faves
Clean and spacious. Water was just a short walk away. Amazing views all around the campground. Restrooms were always clean.
Jen F.
TravelerAzalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Bring your levelers
CONS: Most sites need some (or a lot) of level help. No RV dump. Pretty popular (so don’t expect privacy). PROS: sequoia is beautiful. You can find some amazing trails.
Zack P.
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Beautiful Campsite
I had a huge campsite site-one camping spot over from the lakeside. the whole back of the site open to forest-46a (this is a prime cluster of sites). Close to what are probably the cleanest, best maintained bathrooms in the park system (cleaned twice daily). The Mamouth lakes area is not for campers seeking solitude, it's just too popular an area for that. However, despite a lot of people around, it is beautiful and stunning area nevertheless!
There is one thing to note-don't forget to bring clothes to layer up with as it can turn cold and windy without a moment's notice. In fact, because of a relentless, daily wind, it was the only camping spot I felt compelled to fully stake down my large Wonderland Tent. all summer...
Another highlight of Mamouth is there are plenty of fish at nearby lakes-this area is considered one of the best regions in USA for trophy trout. The Lakes are also stocked with plenty of good-sized trout for eating; however, Twin Lakes is not the best lake for shore fishing-you need a boat or float to get to the best spots-plus, it is a very weedy as well.
Besides GREAT FISHING, you are nearby to a dozen FANTASTIC day hikes and there are many more great hikes for a bit longer drive- this is a day-hikers paradise!
If the lack of solitude doesn't bother you (find it by hiking), it is also nice camping area for extended stays because you are so close to the town of Mammoth Lakes-it has good restaurants, bakeries, ice cream, and a Vons supermarket (best price on ice here),
All in All, it was a great place to pitch my REI Wonderland Tent for a week and I highly recommend it.
- LLeonard H.
RangerTwin Lakes Campground
Near Paved Bike / Hike Trail
Stayed at shaded site 4 next to main road between main lodge and store. Site was a little sloped for 24' RV. Clean flush toilets with sinks. Easy walk to store and main lodge. Paved bike/walking trail a big plus. Showers were closed at store. Water available. A little windy and chilly on lake but site protected under trees. Free shuttle stops nearby if want to visit town or upper lakes.
Hans V.RangerAzalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Restrooms too far
We had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
- Hans V.Ranger
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close to Yosemite
Many spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
Guide to Big Creek
Equestrian camping sites near Big Creek, California sit within Sierra National Forest at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet. The area features mixed conifer forest with Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 75°F during day, with sudden afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Hiking with horses: Several trails branch out from Sample Meadow Campground, providing both day and overnight options for riders. "The Campsites are far enough apart to feel like you are all alone in the woods! The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids and you are close enough to trail heads for the adventure seekers in your group," notes Regina P.
Fish local streams: Anglers should try Kaiser Creek near Sample Meadow or bring horses to more remote fishing spots. "The river runs right close to the campsites and it is amazing fishing, I was told that it gets stocked often," shares Heather P. about Mono Hot Springs.
Visit thermal springs: Riders can transport horses to Mono Hot Springs for unique bathing options. "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," explains Mollie M.
What campers like
Secluded camping: Horse campgrounds near Big Creek offer significant privacy. "The sites are pretty close together and the campground is right on the highway so the noise is pretty bad," cautions Darrin L. about Sweetwater Campground, making more remote equestrian sites preferable for those seeking quiet.
Natural water features: Creeks and lakes provide natural water for horses with proper filtering. "We drove in after a long day of hiking in Yosemite. This campground is right off of Hwy 120 and makes for a super convenient stop the night before or after visiting Yosemite," reports Fidel about Sweetwater, noting its convenient location for riders transitioning to other areas.
Wilderness immersion: Equestrian sites offer immediate access to undeveloped wilderness. At Twin Lakes Campground, "The campground is right on the lake for great views and incredible sunsets and rises. You can boat, fish and just play in the water," notes Mary C., describing amenities available near equestrian camping areas.
What you should know
Weather variations: Mountain elevations mean rapid temperature changes, requiring adequate horse blankets. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer," warns Jonathan G. about Twin Lakes, advice applicable to all high-country equestrian sites.
Bear precautions: All equestrian sites require proper feed storage. At Goat Meadow, "Coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" reports Alexander Mark C., highlighting why secure containers for both human and horse feed are essential.
Road conditions: "Taking a fly fishing trip in the morning and figured I would camp the night. All campsites were taken. But there are tons of other sites that you can just set up camp," explains Heather P. about Mono Hot Springs, noting the flexibility needed when traveling with horses.
Tips for camping with families
Meadow activities: Kids enjoy exploring meadows while horses rest. "This campground is clean and each site had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. Creeks ran though many of the campsites," shares Darlene M. about Sample Meadow Campground.
Water play options: Schedule creek exploration for afternoons when horses need rest. "My wife and I took a trip up for just the weekend... Dog friendly which is huge for my wife and I sense we take Teddy (our dog) everywhere with us," notes Bryce B. about Mono Hot Springs, indicating pet-friendly policies that also accommodate horses.
Wildlife viewing: Plan dawn rides for best wildlife spotting opportunities. "We always sea bald eagles here! Fishing is really good!" shares Taylor about Twin Lakes Campground, pointing to wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Trailer parking strategy: Position trailers on level ground away from trees with adequate turnaround space. "We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between," explains Kevin T. about Goat Meadow, where dispersed camping allows flexible setups for horse trailers.
Generator considerations: "Tent camping for the night and were kept awake by our loud neighbors in their RVs who were playing loud music until 1am," cautions Alyssa K. about Sweetwater Campground, highlighting noise concerns that apply to generators at equestrian sites.
Supplies planning: Stock extra hay and feed as local resupply is limited. "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," notes Mollie M., emphasizing the seasonal limitations that affect all services in the Big Creek area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Big Creek, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Big Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Big Creek, CA is Sweetwater with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Big Creek, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Big Creek, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 equestrian camping locations near Big Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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