Loafer Creek Horse Campground offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Located approximately 45 miles southeast of Glenn, California, the campground features horse corrals and access to riding trails throughout the recreation area. The elevation ranges from 900 to 1,600 feet, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Fall and spring provide more moderate conditions for horse camping activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Bidwell Canyon Campground, visitors can fish in Lake Oroville's waters. As one camper noted, "Nice lake, great fishing."
Trail riding: Equestrians can explore miles of trails connecting to the Lake Oroville recreation area network. A visitor to Stony Gorge Reservoir mentioned, "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."
Visit nearby attractions: When staying at equestrian campgrounds near Glenn, consider day trips to Table Mountain and other local sights. One camper at Bidwell Canyon shared, "We stayed here for a trip to Feather Falls, then Table Mountain on the way home. There are local hiking trails, and of course all kinds of water recreation at the lake."
What campers like
Spacious sites: The horse-friendly campgrounds in the region typically offer roomier camping areas to accommodate trailers and corrals. A visitor to Bidwell Canyon reported, "The campground is huge 137 sites in 3 groups, we were one of maybe 15 sites occupied while there. The sites/bathrooms were all very clean, didn't smell at all."
Clean facilities: Black Rock Campground visitors appreciate the maintained grounds despite the remote location. One camper shared, "This campground made for a great overnight getaway trip. We went in late may and the weather was perfect for traditional camping activities. The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must."
Natural setting: The area's horse camping options offer scenic surroundings with varying terrain. A visitor to Sly Creek Campground noted, "With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir. Wildlife is all around you and you can see some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see in your life."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense at horse camps near Glenn. A Bidwell Canyon camper advised, "Unfortunately this weekend was 108 or so as highs, so it was a very hot weekend. The campground would likely be better in late September/October."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels at reservoirs near Glenn vary seasonally and during drought periods. One camper at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot noted while exploring the area, "We enjoyed an overnight stay here. Clean facilities, well maintained grounds and friendly neighbors."
Access challenges: Some equestrian camping areas require higher clearance vehicles. A visitor to Black Rock warned, "The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent at certain times. One camper at Black Rock advised, "The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: When water levels permit, several horse camping areas offer swimming opportunities for families. A visitor to Stony Gorge Reservoir shared, "The lake is amazing for swimming!"
Educational visits: Cowboy Camp and surrounding areas provide learning opportunities about local ecology. One visitor mentioned, "We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs. There was evidence of bears around our site but we didn't have any issues."
Site selection: Choose equestrian camping areas with level sites when traveling with children. A camper at Loafer Creek noted, "Roomy campsites at Lake Oroville. Pleasant setting in the trees."
Activity planning: Schedule water activities in the morning when temperatures are cooler. A Sly Creek visitor recommended, "We enjoyed our camping trip immensely and enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most horse campgrounds near Glenn have limited or no hookups. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot offers an alternative with full services, as one RVer noted, "Easy off and on freeway access, next to casino."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling equipment. A camper at Bidwell Canyon observed, "A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent. When I took a drive around it looked like many were similarly sloped/terraced not a flat site."
Water access: Bring additional water containers for horse camps without hookups. One RVer at Rolling Hills mentioned, "Clean facilities, well maintained grounds and friendly neighbors. Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise."
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting horse campgrounds near Glenn during shoulder seasons. A Bidwell Canyon camper shared, "We picked this campground for its location, but got so much more. The campsites aren't huge or very level, but the fact that it has full hookups for $45/night, is small, and on the lake made up for that fact."
