Bogard Campground near Cassel offers equestrian sites with dedicated horse corrals directly at several campsites. The free campground features well-spaced sites in a serene setting among aspen trees, with each equestrian site equipped with sturdy corrals suitable for multiple horses. Standard amenities include picnic tables, steel fire pits, and vault toilets. The campground remains quiet even during peak season, with typically no more than three to five other campers present. During summer months, mosquitoes can be abundant, so adequate insect repellent is essential for both horses and riders.
Pine Creek runs behind the campground, providing water access for horses, though campers should bring sufficient drinking water as the hand-pumped water source may be unreliable, particularly in late season. The campground connects to multiple riding trails through the surrounding national forest land, with several routes suitable for day rides. Horse owners can access the area via Bridge Creek Springs Road, which becomes snow-covered and impassable for RVs and horse trailers during winter months. While the campground technically remains open year-round, it is not maintained during winter. The road conditions improve significantly by late spring, allowing easy access for vehicles with horse trailers. Sites can accommodate trailers up to 25 feet in length, though the actual sites appear spacious enough for longer rigs.
"Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."
"Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"
"Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."
"Stayed at Butte Lake for two nights in late June 2022. None of the campsites has an unobstructed lake view, but it’s a short walk to the day use area on the shore."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 / night
"Not far from highway but little noise even if you go just a 1/4-1/2 mile in."
from $50 / night
ScoutIt’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
RangerGreat overnight dispersed sites. Open areas or under trees. Area is pretty level. Some cows in area. Not far from highway but little noise even if you go just a 1/4-1/2 mile in.
GuideGreat CG, bigger than expected but spots are spread out. Cool pine forest, pretty lake, Cinder Cone Hike worth the sweat for the views. Stayed in site 8, not super level for a van, but made it work.
GuideNice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP
LegendNice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!
We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park for closed for the season and what a nice surprise. They had a little grocery store with ice cream..we had some ice cream. It was delicious.
They had the cutest little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area. Great little spot! We would absolutely come back. Internet on my phone was hit or miss outside. They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day. 12 minute drive to Park entrance. Otherwise, you are in the middle of nowhere. 20 minutes to a grocery store. Beautiful spot!
GuidePerfection. It was early October, and while the AM Temps dropped to 32°F. I wanted to stay one more day. The toilet needed pumping out, to be expected at the end of the season. The water pump didn't produce, I had plenty. I recommend bringing enough to wash with as well as drink. This time of year, the creek was a babbling brook. For the 5 days I stayed, at most 3 campers, and one only stayed one night. Very peaceful, just what the doctor odered. Road is very easy to get down. I look forward to going back. However, I am posting a picture of a notice posted at the entrance. I would not pay for this campsite. It was perfect for what it was. If they do start charging, then I believe it would not be worth it.
GuideIt's a great place to camp out of the way from all the other campgrounds in Lassen Park. Just beware of the 5 mile gravel road into camp. The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water.
RangerThis was a very peaceful campground, given it was in a popular National Park. The setting is very open, with tall pines and no undergrowth, but the sites are far apart. There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits. The latrines are very nice with running water and toilets. The toilet houses are the only place you can get drinking water and there are only about four locations. There is no way to hook up a hose, even with a water robber, so you have to fill jugs and carry from the sink. There is a campground host, but we had no interaction.
I was there in late July and the lake was great (cold, not numbing) for swimming. Several people launched kayaks and lots of people did the many hikes around the area. Not really a place for riding bikes.
The campground is at the end of a six-mile gravel road. Not too dusty or bumpy. Maybe that is why it wasn't so populated.
For those looking for boondock sites, the first five miles are National Forest with several side roads.
GuideLarge campsite with fire pit and large trees. There are toilets but I didn't see any showers. If you visit after the summer season it is dry camping meaning there is no drinking water available so keep that in mind. The campground is near the lake, and cinder cone trailhead.
Equestrian camping near Cassel, California offers access to diverse terrain within the Shasta-Trinity and Lassen National Forests at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 5,000 feet. The volcanic landscape creates distinct riding environments across seasons, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during daytime hours. Winter snowfall makes many horse-friendly routes inaccessible from November through April.
Trail riding to volcanic features: The Butte Lake area provides access to unique volcanic terrain for riders seeking geological interest. "Cinder Cone is very close to here, and while it is quite a journey to get to the top, it offers spectacular views of the nearby lakes, lava beds, and painted dunes," notes Steven H. about Butte Lake Campground.
Creek fishing from camp: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities within walking distance of horse-friendly sites. "We caught trout all morning" reports Frank P. about his experience at Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, adding "Hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning."
Winter snowshoeing trails: While most horse trails become inaccessible during winter, some areas remain open for snowshoeing with well-marked routes. The main road access points close after first significant snowfall, typically by early November.
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campgrounds in the area provide adequate spacing between campsites for horse trailers and gear. "The sites had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," explains Jason D. at Hat Creek Resort.
Direct water access: Multiple camping areas offer direct creek or lake access for both horses and humans. "The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats," reports Jeff B. about Butte Lake, noting "You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water."
Remote locations with minimal crowds: Several horse-friendly campgrounds remain uncrowded even during peak summer months. "This was a very peaceful campground, given it was in a popular National Park. The setting is very open, with tall pines and no undergrowth, but the sites are far apart," writes Bill T. about his Butte Lake experience.
Seasonal lake conditions: Water quality varies significantly by season and location. At Eagle Lake Resort, one camper noted seasonal challenges: "The lake was dismal. It smelled like sewage and there was an algal scum floating all over the surface." Water conditions typically improve in spring and early summer.
Access road limitations: Many horse-friendly campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "The road getting in you need a suv not a car. It's very bumpy lots of pot holes," cautions Sarah F. about the Butte Lake access road.
Limited services: Most equestrian sites offer minimal amenities beyond horse corrals. "There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits," explains Bill T., adding "There is no way to hook up a hose, even with a water robber, so you have to fill jugs and carry from the sink."
Wildlife awareness preparation: Teach children proper food storage protocols for bear country. "Make sure to read the signs about the wildlife and take the advice of how to store food seriously. We saw a bear just a mile outside the campground," warns Moni R. about Butte Lake Campground.
Age-appropriate hiking options: Several trails are manageable for children when planned properly. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," shares Laura F.
Prepare for insects: Mosquito activity intensifies near water sources, particularly in June and July. "Mosquitoes were HUGE so don't forget bug spray!" emphasizes Laura F., specifically regarding the Butte Lake area.
Water supply planning: RVers should arrive with full tanks as water sources may be unreliable. "There are only about four locations. There is no way to hook up a hose, even with a water robber, so you have to fill jugs and carry from the sink," explains Bill T. about Butte Lake.
Gravel road navigation: Several campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads that may challenge larger rigs. "We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft," notes Laura F. about accessing Butte Lake, though conditions deteriorate after rainfall.
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds offering equestrian sites have minimal or no hookups. "My wife and I and two dogs stayed at campsite 51. Wonderful site with hook ups," reports Robert W., highlighting one of the few locations with services at Hat Creek Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cassel, CA is Hat Creek Resort & RV Park with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cassel, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Cassel, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
