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Meadow View Equestrian Campground features six campsites designed for horse owners, with nearby corrals for equine use. Located approximately 9 miles from Chilcoot, this compact campground accommodates both tent and RV camping in a mixed sun and shade environment. The road access requires careful navigation for larger vehicles, with some creative maneuvering needed to back into sites. Water is available from a hand-pumped spigot at the entrance, though campers should plan to boil it before consumption. Each site includes a bear box, fire pit, and picnic table, all maintained in good condition. The campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with minimal crowds, especially during off-season periods when visitors often have the entire area to themselves.
Numerous riding opportunities surround the campground, with direct access to miles of trails via the main dirt road and multiple side paths. Horse owners appreciate the proximity to the large meadow, which provides scenic views and room for animals to stretch their legs. The nearby buildings and horse corrals at the entrance provide additional equestrian infrastructure beyond the campground itself. ATV and side-by-side users can also ride directly from their sites to explore the extensive trail system. For horse camping access, Doyle Grade Road offers better conditions with less dirt road travel than the Frenchman Lake approach. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly when fewer visitors are present. No cell service is available from any major carrier, creating a truly disconnected equestrian camping experience.
"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"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"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"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."
"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"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"Located just outside of Reno , this is where the locals play."
"Many different spots from able to use the marina or at the boat launch still on pavement or just right down on the beach next to the water. Only biggest issue is there is no trees. So no shade."
"Mind you this lake isn’t far from Reno, NV and surrounding valleys so it can get quite rowdy at night during peak season. Would not recommend for families looking for a quiet, serene getaway."
"The lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and splashing around."
"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"
"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."
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.
RangerThis 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
Equestrian camping near Chilcoot, California offers access to extensive trail networks amid the eastern Sierra Nevada foothills. The area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching the 80s during day and dropping to the 40s at night. Winter camping is limited as snowfall can make access difficult between November and April.
Trail riding from camp: At Lookout Campground, riders can access extensive terrain directly from their sites. "Crystal Mine is nearby… quick drive, bit longer walk. I didn't find many walking trails in the area, but may have missed them," notes S K., highlighting nearby points of interest for day excursions.
Crystal hunting opportunities: The unique geology provides remarkable crystal collecting possibilities. "The trail from the campground to Crystal Peak was great. It's more like Crystal knoll. The history of Cristal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere," reports Ray B., describing a popular activity at Lookout Campground.
Explore mountain lakes: Antelope Lake Recreation Area offers water-based recreation alongside horse trails. "The lake is nestled in the mountains. The scenery, fishing and water sports are superb!" writes Seathrough H., highlighting the combination of equestrian access and water activities.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate spacing between campsites. "The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site," notes Laura M. about Meadow View Equestrian Campground, emphasizing that while compact, the sites themselves offer adequate room.
Mixed terrain access: Riders value the variety of trails available. "Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore," says Patricia N., highlighting the multi-use trail system accessible directly from Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The remote nature of these campgrounds creates excellent wildlife spotting chances. "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," reports Laura M., noting the tranquil atmosphere that encourages wildlife.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads can present challenges, especially for larger rigs. "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," advises Patricia N. about routes to Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Water availability limitations: Most equestrian campgrounds have basic water systems. At East Meadow Campground, "Sites have plenty of space" according to Julie B., who appreciates that they "have flush toilets and bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp."
Cell service is minimal: Plan for disconnected time while camping. "Verizon cell service picked up one bar, intermittently. Enough to get out occasional status update texts and check the weather, but not enough to be able to read stuff off the internet," reports S K. about connectivity at Lookout Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect campground accessibility. "The drive was nice once you get past the burn scar. There was no one around so it was peaceful and the weather was decent," notes G M. about spring conditions at Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Kid-friendly water access: Logger Campground provides excellent lake access for families. "Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception is spotty," mentions Brenna D., highlighting the convenience for families wanting water activities.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers chances to observe nature safely. "The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter," advises Davidson L. H. at Logger Campground.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons can provide a more peaceful experience. "I prefer fall because there are not many people and you can have the lake to yourself. Summer I would not attempt it as it turns into an RV city," suggests Davidson L. H., noting the seasonal crowd differences.
Site selection considerations: Washoe Lake State Park Campground offers well-maintained RV sites. "Large sites with water and electricity (loop A). Beautiful views of the mountains. Lots to do in the area," says Rich J., highlighting the amenities available.
Access route planning: RVers should research approach roads carefully. "Winter camping is available on Loop A with full power hookups on a first come, first serve basis. Bathrooms are open all winter," notes Andrew R. about Washoe Lake State Park Campground's year-round accessibility.
Equestrian-friendly RV sites: Some campgrounds cater specifically to horse owners with RVs. "Great place to go, the sites that we were in were spread out not to packed which was nice," mentions Shane M. about Logger Campground, which accommodates both horse trailers and recreational vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chilcoot, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chilcoot, CA is Chilcoot Family Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chilcoot, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Chilcoot, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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