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Meadow View Equestrian Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers near Doyle, California, approximately 45 miles north of Calpine. The campground features horse-specific facilities alongside standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Sites are designed with ample space for horse trailers and camping equipment. Most spots provide enough room for horses and camping gear without feeling cramped. While drinking water is available, the campground lacks electric hookups, showers, and trash collection services. The campground sits near multiple riding trails that connect to larger networks in the region.
The equestrian trails surrounding Meadow View provide varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Trail access begins directly from the campground, allowing horse owners to start rides without trailering to separate locations. Most paths follow established forest routes with moderate elevation changes suitable for day rides. Riders often encounter wildlife including deer and various bird species while on the trails. The campground's location offers a quieter alternative to more crowded horse camping destinations near Truckee. During peak season from mid-April through mid-September, weekend reservations are recommended for horse campers. The primitive nature of the facilities appeals to experienced equestrians who appreciate direct trail access more than luxury amenities. The campground functions as a base camp for exploring the surrounding forest lands and mountain terrain.
"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception. is spotty ."
"It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before."
from $23 - $75 / night
Check Availability"But most stay in other "dispersed" camping, and there aren't nearly as many vehicles as you might see, for example, in a Nevada dunes off-road park."
"First, it's quite an adventurous (read: bumpy) drive to get to it from the nearest paved road. Once you arrive, you'll be amazed at how much space there is between the sites."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"I think there's good privacy even though you can see that there are other campers around. There are tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and bear boxes."
"camp spots (fairly level), beautiful area with lots of trees, a lovely creek running through the back of of the campground, clean bathrooms, just 25 minutes from Reno and three miles from Frenchman's Lake"
from $34 / night
Check Availability"Fun historical place a nice hike away from Castle Peak and far enough away that you don’t get the crowds. Kitchen, firewood, fireplace, and a bunch of bunks"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses."
"Officially this is listed as an equestrian campground. We were there during the off season so no one else was around. The campground was quiet and peaceful."
"The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."
"We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability"I guess it’s a 5 minute uphill walk from the PCT and is hidden (plus not on PCT maps) so it’s relatively unused for non-locals. Always find something fun here left behind. 8 bunks."
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
from $30 - $160 / night
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GuideThis campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses. Spots are well spaced out and never filled up while we stayed for 4 days. Tons of horseflies late morning and early afternoon. Pit toilets, and drinking water available. Easy to stay with trailers and rvs. Road is dirt/gravel on way in but easy to navigate.
GuideIf you like Bird Watching (or wildlife in general), Boating, Fishing, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Equestrian Activities, Camping or BBQ's, or even history, then this is a place you might enjoy.
The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one. Sometimes when it has been extremely dry, the larger of the 2 lakes dries up either partially or entirely, leaving the smaller one as a valuable water source for Wild Mustangs who live in the area. (which is a great opportunity for photographers).
When the larger lake bed dries up a little, it extends the hang gliding / paragliding landing zone. (take off point is up on the hill on Eastlake Blvd, which is also a good view point of the lakes).
During the wetter years, the larger lake fills up, allowing water activities such as boating to take place on both lakes, and provides you with the opportunity to bird watch at any of the wildlife viewing areas provided. The smaller lake also provides bird watching opportunities (Osprey and other birds of prey like to fish there) You can also fish at the smaller lake, just don't eat them, the area was once used for the processing mills during the mining boom.
Also if you are into wildlife, there is the occasional coyote hunting the area, owls, hawks, bald eagles, and if you want to see deer, take a little drive up Eastlake Blvd towards little Washoe Lake, and one of the fields on the right often has huge herds of Mule Deer, and the occasional wild horse. Talking of Wild horses, you are requested not to feed or harass the wild Mustangs anywhere in Nevada (Washoe lake park included). Horses can be defensive, especially when they have young foals. Also feeding them anything other than what they naturally eat in the wild, not only causes a high number of deaths in the herds, it also creates dangerous situations on the roadways when horses come to retrieve the food. (it can also cost you thousands of dollars in fines) There are people who regularly monitor the interaction visitors have with the horses. But if you want to interact with a horse, why not bring your own for a ride around too, people often bring their horses down for a trot around the grounds.
There are restrooms available throughout the park, and facilities for camping. It is a good place for dogs, though it is requested that you clean up after them. There are doggie clean up stations available, and containers for waste.
The land the park sits on was once owned by one of Nevada's wealthiest men Theodore Winters, who was a prominent businessman and politician in early Nevada history. He once owned some of the most famous racehorses in the world, and his cheese was world renown. His Ranch is still around, and you can find it located just on the other side of the lake (Old Route 395), not far from the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory (which is great if you get a hankering for something sweet), and Old Washoe City.
The lake's history goes back even further than that, the area was once inhabited by the local tribes people, and before the early pioneer's came and settled here, they used hunt ducks on the lake, and fished here. There is probably still the odd chance you might come across old Native tools and arrowheads, but the State of Nevada does ask you to leave artifacts where they are found. Check the local and federal laws before attempting to remove anything.
It has some lovely sunsets here, the view can be spectacular at times and changes according to season and weather, and the wildlife seem to enjoy it. Nice place to go and hang out with family and friends, and if you happen to forget to bring anything, you are only a little drive from Carson City :)
GuideThis is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. Although this is a horse camp, anyone can camp here. It is primitive, but if you have your own toilet you'll be ok. Otherwise, you can use the old pit toilets provided. Because this is a horse camp, the sites are spacious. Kick back and enjoy.
GuideWe stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City. Access to Casinos and Restuarants nearby(10 minute drive or so). The Park has showers and bathrooms as well as water and electricity hook ups. The camp host was nice and provides us with a huge bundle of firewood for only a $5 donation.
LegendOfficially this is listed as an equestrian campground. We were there during the off season so no one else was around. The campground was quiet and peaceful. Website stated that fees are not collected at this time. There are only 6 sites here and it is a compact little campground. The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site.
The road in was fairly smooth with some areas of washboard, managed fine in our 26’ Class C. Water is available from an hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground, website states non potable but we drank it and it was fine and in fact tasted really fresh. There is no garbage so pack in and pack out.
The bathrooms were open. Each space has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table all in good condition. Sites were relatively flat and a mix of sun and shade.
There is hiking and biking on the main dirt road and on the multiple side roads. There was a few vehicles coming and going but not so busy as to be annoying.
The view of the huge meadow was nice and just before you reach the campground there are a few buildings that are open and some horse corrals.
Zero cell service from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
ScoutForest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.
GuideBeautiful spot 1/2 mile walk to lake, wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean.
LegendThis place is a great place to camp with or without horses.
Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore.
There is a water but must be hand pumped from the well and boiled.
Only 6 sites here, not very level but easy to fix with blocks. This campground is in an area that burned but no damage to the campground. Plenty of tall pine trees, hang a hammock and chill.
There are corals for horses near the campground.
We were the only people there on a Friday afternoon.
Came in from Frenchman Lake and out on Doyle Grade Rd. Of the two we will go back on Doyle Grade Road, not as much dirt road and in better condition.
ScoutHost was very nice n helpful very quiet horses are beautiful n lovely views
Meadow View Equestrian Campground sits approximately 45 miles north of Calpine in Doyle, California. The region consists primarily of high desert terrain between 4,500-5,000 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures ranging from 45-85°F. Winter access becomes limited due to snow accumulation at higher elevations, with most equestrian campers visiting between mid-April and mid-September.
Trail riding options: Riders at Lookout Campground can access the Crystal Peak trail directly from the campsite. "The trail from the campground to Crystal Peak was great. It's more like Crystal knoll. The history of Crystal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere. Really nice views from atop the knoll too," notes Ray B.
Lake activities: Fishing and swimming opportunities exist at nearby lakes. "Beautiful campgrounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots. Access to the Pacific Crest trail & many other hiking routes," reports Anthony K. about East Meadow Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times in the meadows. "We saw a deer, boat ramp a mile away," mentions maricarmen P. at Logger Campground, where campers regularly spot local fauna.
Spacious sites: East Meadow Campground provides well-separated camping areas. "Sites have plenty of space," confirms Julie B., adding that "they have flush toilets and bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp."
Privacy between spots: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at smaller campgrounds. "So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by," writes Aliona C.
Accessibility to water: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. Ron G. notes that Logger Campground has an "easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unmaintained roads. At Lookout Campground, S K. advises, "This north route is easier, but either way you go, there will be tougher sections. It is just an unmaintained (or rarely maintained) dirt road that has ruts, especially in uphill/downhill areas where the water runs across the road."
Water availability: Water sources vary between campgrounds. Meadow View Equestrian Campground has limited facilities. "Water is available from a hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground, website states non potable but we drank it and it was fine and in fact tasted really fresh," reports Laura M.
Site layout considerations: Some campsites have unusual configurations. Ron A. notes about Logger Campground: "First time there and we reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy."
Beginner-friendly riding: Horse trails suitable for children and beginners can be found at multiple locations. "This place is a great place to camp with or without horses. Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore," shares Patricia N. about Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Lake recreation for kids: Loon Lake provides safe swimming areas. "Warm, clear water with sandy/grassy beaches all around," describes Jordyn A., noting that the "campsite was clean and flat enough for one tent."
Bear safety preparation: Teach children about proper food storage. "They have flush toilets and bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp," mentions Julie B., highlighting the importance of using provided bear boxes when available.
Site selection for trailers: Backing into some sites requires careful planning. At Washoe Lake State Park Campground, Dan M. notes, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs, clean bathrooms and shower. Convenient credit card pay system. Also a dump station."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options are limited in the high country. "Winter camping is available on Loop A with full power hookups on a first come, first serve basis. Bathrooms are open all winter," reports Andrew R. about Washoe Lake State Park Campground.
Trailer parking at equestrian sites: Meadow View provides dedicated areas for horse trailers. Samantha T. notes, "This campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses. Spots are well spaced out and never filled up while we stayed for 4 days."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Calpine, CA is East Meadow Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Calpine, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Calpine, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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