Equestrian camping near Clovis, California offers access to the Sierra National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while spring brings wildflower blooms across the foothills. Winter access becomes limited at higher elevations due to snowfall, particularly on forest service roads beyond the 5,000-foot mark.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Eastman Lake provides accessible fishing spots within 25 miles of Clovis. "Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43' Blue Bird," notes a visitor to COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground.
Hot springs exploration: Natural hot springs located 1.5 hours northeast of Clovis offer therapeutic mineral waters. "There are multiple NATURAL HOT SPRINGS! 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 a camper at Mono Hot Springs.
National park access: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks provide day trip options for Clovis campers. "Close to King Canyon and other attractions," mentions a reviewer at Sequoia RV Park, noting the convenient location for exploring giant sequoia groves.
What campers like
Trail connectivity: The trail systems connecting camping areas to wilderness offer diverse terrain for hiking and horseback riding. "There are plenty of spots within our campsite for three 2-person tents," notes a visitor at Sweetwater, describing the proximity to trail access points.
Horse-friendly dispersed sites: Several dispersed camping areas accommodate equestrian needs with adequate 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," reports a camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, highlighting the room for horse trailers.
Water features: Streams and lakes enhance camping experiences across the region. "Has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water," describes a visitor at Big Sandy Campground, noting the accessibility of water for horses and campers alike.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote horse camping areas requires preparation. "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck," warns a Big Sandy Campground visitor, addressing challenges for horse trailers.
Seasonal limitations: Winter conditions restrict access to higher elevation sites. "Kaiser Pass was a bit of an adrenaline rush. It took 2 hours to drive 18 miles on a one lane road that is not in good repair," reports a Mono Hot Springs camper regarding spring access issues.
Bear precautions: Proper food storage remains essential for equestrian campers. "Coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" warns a visitor about wildlife encounters at Goat Meadow, emphasizing the importance of secure feed storage for both humans and horses.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: Family-friendly sites offer essential facilities. "The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome)," notes a visitor to COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground, adding, "There is also a nice playground for the kids too."
Swimming access: Water features provide cooling options during hot summer months. "There's a small trail that leads down to a rocky edge, but wouldn't be great for small children. We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road," advises a family at Codorniz Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for animal encounters. "There is quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs. They are supposed to be kept on leash at all times, but our lab just brushed by some of the weeds and was littered with foxtails," warns a camper, noting similar concerns apply to horses.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Horse trailers with living quarters face access constraints on mountain roads. "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," cautions a reviewer about roads leading to Mono Hot Springs.
Hookup availability: Limited services exist for equestrian rigs. "Grassy large spots with full hook ups," notes a Sequoia RV Park visitor, contrasting with most horse camping areas that lack hookups for trailer amenities.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at primitive horse camping sites. "Only certain campgrounds could have fires. This was one thankfully as it got cold. Large bear storage boxes," reports a camper at Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park, noting the unlevel sites that require stabilization equipment for horse trailers.
