Cowboy Camp provides dispersed camping for equestrians north of Clearlake, situated in the Cache Creek Recreation Area's oak woodland terrain. This Bureau of Land Management property offers primitive camping facilities specifically designed for trail riders, with vault toilets but no water hookups. The open, grassy terrain accommodates horse trailers while connecting to over 27 miles of riding and hiking trails through rolling hills and chaparral landscapes.
What to do
Horseback riding excursions: The extensive trail system at Cowboy Camp provides varied terrain for riders of all skill levels. "Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," says Jorg F., who camps regularly at Cowboy Camp.
Hiking near Lake Sonoma: Liberty Glen Campground offers excellent hiking options with trails connecting to the lake. "I liked there was a hiking trail down to the lake," notes Julie D. who visited Liberty Glen Campground. The trail system provides moderate difficulty routes suitable for day hikes.
Coastal exploration: For those willing to venture farther from Clearlake, Bodega Dunes Campground provides access to spectacular coastal trails. "Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself," shares Shari G. about her experience at the coastal park.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: The Oak Flat Campground near Lake Pillsbury provides a peaceful alternative to Clearlake's busier campgrounds. "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays," advises Angela at Oak Flat Campground, though she cautions against weekend visits when activity increases.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites at Stony Gorge Reservoir. "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water. There are some campsites that are private and some where you can bring a big group," reports Cat C. from her stay at Stony Gorge Reservoir.
Spacious camp areas: Middle Creek Campground offers well-designed sites with amenities. "Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit," explains Michi P. who enjoyed the layout and facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Multiple equestrian campgrounds near Clearlake experience temporary closures without advance notice. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp, while Derek D. similarly found "The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website."
Insect management: The proximity to horses and water creates significant fly activity at several equestrian campgrounds. "An almost dry creek runs alongside the open field of camping pads... It was crazy how thick they were," warns Patricia Y. about the flies at Cowboy Camp. Pack insect repellent and screened shelters when visiting horse campgrounds near Clearlake.
Limited amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds offer minimal facilities. "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people... It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," explains Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bu-Shay Campground offers family-friendly facilities not commonly found at horse campgrounds. "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus," shares Joshua H. about Bu-Shay Campground, which also features spacious sites and flush toilets.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Clearlake provide educational wildlife spotting opportunities. Angela mentions Oak Flat Campground visitors can "watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs" during quieter weekday stays, creating natural learning experiences for children.
Water recreation options: When Lake Pillsbury's water level is high, Oak Flat provides fishing access directly from the campground. "When the water level is high great fishing from this camp ground," notes Jeanette C., making this an excellent option for families seeking fishing opportunities alongside equestrian camping.
Tips for RVers
Level parking considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds near Clearlake have uneven terrain that challenges RV leveling. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," advises Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp, noting that persistence pays off when positioning rigs.
Road access limitations: Approach routes to horse campgrounds can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Elk mountain road, especially the part leading up to the top of the mountain right as you leave the campground is an absolutely terrible road, it needs a lot of maintenance," cautions Justin W. about Middle Creek access.
Dry camping preparation: Since equestrian campgrounds typically lack hookups, RVers should prepare accordingly. "If you come with that in mind I would say this place is really really nice. It's very clean," continues Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground, emphasizing proper preparation makes the experience more enjoyable despite limited amenities.
