Equestrian Camping near Coleville, CA

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    Eagle Meadow Horse Camp accommodates tent camping with designated sites for equestrians and their horses. Located in the Stanislaus National Forest near Coleville, California, this primitive campground allows pets and campfires. The camp provides direct access to forest trails suitable for horseback riding. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Coleville, California. No drinking water is available on site, so visitors must bring their own water supply for themselves and their horses. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place.

    Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road offers additional horse-friendly camping options in the region. This primitive campground includes an outhouse and campfire rings at each site. Horse trailer parking and camping is available across from the main campground in a designated turn-around area. The $12 per night fee for a single unit includes access to nearby fishing streams, high mountain lakes, and hiking trails. Visitors report excellent trail riding opportunities with routes connecting to Bridgeport and Bodie. The campground's location provides 5G/LTE connectivity despite its remote setting, allowing equestrians to stay connected while enjoying wilderness experiences with their horses.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Coleville (20)

      1. Highland Lakes Campground

      4.0(6)17mi from ColevilleRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This campground is about an hour’s drive to any kind of amenities or cell phone service."

      "The views at the lakes are breathtaking. The campground is next to the smaller lake and has two sections."

      2. Clark Fork Campground

      5.0(7)20mi from ColevilleRVs, Tents

      "Clark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors."

      "It’s a nice quiet place away from cell service and nice hikes you can do."

      3. Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

      4.0(19)26mi from ColevilleRVs, Tents

      "Rocky and steep road access to Scott’s lake, but easy camping on the edge of the valley."

      "come early for a spot. nice views around. lots and lots of bugs. i sleep in my car and crack the windows a little bit and i woke up to a shit ton of bugs that got in my car. even more surrounding the cars"

      4. Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

      4.3(3)20mi from Coleville11 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran."

      "One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness on the North East boundary of Yosemite National Park. "

      from $18 / night

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      5. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

      4.4(35)37mi from Coleville208 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."

      "From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."

      from $47 - $128 / night

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      6. Hermit Valley Campground

      4.0(3)21mi from ColevilleRVs, Tents

      "The drive here is wonderful. There didn't seem to be to many sites. It was very basic with toilets. It was very quiet here and way different than the other camp grounds in the park..which i love."

      "Historically this was the location of a pack station supplying goods to the silver mines over the pass. Many opportunities for fishing and hiking here."

      7. Stanislaus National Forest Sand Flat Campground

      3.0(1)20mi from Coleville

      8. Sportsman's Beach

      4.5(24)41mi from ColevilleRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Despite being adjacent to the highway, it is a quiet campground at night. Love the walk to the beach and seeing those dragonflies."

      "They loved tossing wood sticks in the lake.  Restrooms were locked up, which was unfortunate."

      9. Bear Valley Dispersed Camping

      3.9(7)30mi from ColevilleTents

      "Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."

      "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."

      10. Eagle Meadow Horse Camp

      5.0(2)27mi from ColevilleTents

      "There were a couple of other spots taken, but it was off the beaten path and very quiet. I was able to watch the sunset from some rocks across the road."

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Coleville, CA

    10 Photos of 20 Coleville Campgrounds


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Coleville, CA

    151 Reviews of 20 Coleville Campgrounds


    • Aaron S.
      Aug. 11, 2016

      Clark Fork Campground

      Clark's Fork: A modern campground away from civilization.

      Clark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent “double sites” makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends. The 25 sites on Loop A offer vault toilets and cost $19 an night. Loop B sites offer flush toilets and cost $20 a night. There are also 14 nice family-sized equestrian sites and one group equestrian site. Sites are within easy walking distance of the water. No matter what kind of camping you want to plan, Clark's Fork offers options. A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful wooded campground is on the Stanislaus River, recommended for your fishing and scenic pleasure.

    • amanda E.
      Apr. 19, 2019

      Washoe Lake State Park Campground

      Located in one of the oldest settled Valleys in Nevada

      If 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 :)

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 30, 2021

      Washoe Lake State Park Campground

      Quiet, clean park

      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. 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.

    • Trl G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 11, 2024

      Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road

      Quiet, tiny, love!

      Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran. Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie.

      Obsidian took a beating two cleaned up and they are still fixing some things. I would vonsider Obsidian more of a primitive campground, not dispersed but minimal.

      Outhouse is clean, bring your own water, can get 5G/LTE here.

      Tables, campfire rings, park at your site, tent, small camp trailer. At the end of the campground there is a bigger spot for groups.

      Horsetrailer parking/camping across from campground in a turn around spot.

      $12/Night for single unit $6/Night for extra vehicle

    • Elliott B.
      Sep. 28, 2018

      Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

      Nice location, but has a few major issues

      We got a last minute cancelled site at the Fallen Leaf Campground, and thought we’d truly lucked out. We stayed at site 87 which is nestled among towering native pine trees on the South end of the campground and one of the few sites which doesn’t have neighbors on all sides. The sites have the standard standing BBQ's and fire rings at all sites (but we couldn’t utilize them because of the fire ban), old picnic tables and various amounts of space for RV’s/cars and the tried and true bear box. In this campground you NEED to utilize the bear boxes. They have signs everywhere about the mass amount of bear activity and how there is a mother and her 2 cubs which have been terrorizing the campground for some time this season (2018). Again, you need to keep everything (food, toiletries, etc.) in the bear box at all times. The sites are reservable, and on top of the $35 (nonelectric) per site there is a $7 fee for a second vehicle, Yurts go for $86 which do have power and a nonrefundable $10 service fee…. While the campground allows dogs, they aren’t allowed in the Yurts.

      There’s lots of bear proof dumpsters around the campground, lots of potable water in strategic spots and a number of decent restrooms, and it was nice that at some of them they provided hot (pay) showers (at $1 per 3 minutes) and while the ADA has some control the standard one has no control over the heat or pressure its simply on or off. Also, the restrooms have no soap, paper towels, or hand dryers, etc. Which was a little disappointing for the cost.

      My biggest disappointment in the setup of the campground has to do with the bears and cleaning your dishes. There is no dish-washing area in the entire ~200 site, ~14 bathroom campground. They specifically ask that you don’t wash your dishes in the sinks or at the water spigots as they don’t want any food particles going down the drains. So, when I asked about disposing of the dish water they said to just toss it at the base of a tree, as it’s dry and the trees would appreciate it. This doesn’t help keep the bears away… While we scrapped and collected every bit of food waste we could and tossed it into the dumpsters, ff you’re just tossing food scrap-soaked water at the base of the trees the bears are going to come for the smell… I’ve stayed at other sites in bear country which have setups for disposing of the waste water and food scraps to detract bears and Fallen Leaf definitely is lacking and this is possibly part of the reason they’re having such an issue with bears.

      While, our site (87) would probably normally be a great location with the Fallen Leaf Lake being the only thing behind you and no neighbors on at least 2 of your sides, we happened to somehow book the same weekend that a corporate event was taking over the vast majority of the campground with almost 200 people….

      While, not entirely the campgrounds fault it was a little disruptive to have this mass number of people come directly next to us in site 88 for their meals as they’d decided to make that site the meal prep site for breakfast (they started prep at 5:30 am) and dinner (we actually had to ask the drunk group to stop screaming at midnight) these were both well outside the “quiet hours” and definitely surpassed the “6 people per site” rule.

      Otherwise this campground is in a great location to see the area as it’s only approximately one-quarter mile north of Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail from the campground was only 3 sites over from us. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is directly across Highway 89 and is a great location to talk to the Rangers about other potential hikes in the area. They also have interpretive programs, guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber (which was closed because someone decided to break it. Although it should be repaired now… end of September 2018). Also, nearby Baldwin Beaches or Pope Beach, which cost $10, or you can go to the Tallac Historic Site with tours and events at its historic buildings and grounds and the free (dog friendly) Kiva beach which is exactly the same as the other pay access beaches….

      There’s also a really nice paved bike trail that runs 3 miles along Highway 89 and can be used to access all of the above. You have access to excellent day hiking and backpacking in Desolation Wilderness via the Glen Alpine or Mt. Tallac trailheads which are also nearby.

    • S
      Aug. 7, 2018

      Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

      Beautiful but Crowded

      The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot. The only downside was our campsite was pretty close to our neighbors' on either side. When walking through the campgrounds, other sites were more spaced out and secluded than ours. Overall the ease of location, along with beautiful Fallen Leaf Lake walking distance made the campsite a great spot for a visit to Lake Tahoe!

    • Reese F.
      Aug. 25, 2019

      Highland Lakes Campground

      It’s a long bumpy road to get here, but you won’t want to leave.

      This place is amazing. I’ve been five times since I discovered it late last year. This campground is about an hour’s drive to any kind of amenities or cell phone service. The road in is bumpy and there is a shallow creek that you will need to drive across, but I had no problems driving a 2wd Honda Fit compact car up. This park didn’t even open until late July this year due to all the snowfall. There is 1 vault toilet and an old-school hand pump for water, which isn’t always functioning so bring plenty of water. All of the sites are first come first served, each has a fire pit with grill plate, and a picnic table. No dumpsters for trash, pack it in and pack it out.

      There is plenty of hiking, both steep and moderate. Folger peak trail can be very challenging due to all the loose shale. There is an equestrian trail that is more flat going the other direction which is less steep but still a very scenic hike. Ranchers bring their cattle up to graze during the summer months so you’ll hear their cowbells all day long. There is a weather station in the valley and it’s fairly accurate so you can get the forecast before you go, just google weather Highland Lakes. I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little to cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek the last few nights.

    • Debbie C.
      Apr. 27, 2018

      Washoe Lake State Park Campground

      Very well kept and clean

      This state park is a very nice park and campground. There's an abundance of space in each site with Cabana and fire ring. We even saw some wild horses.


    Guide to Coleville

    Stanislaus National Forest offers numerous equestrian camping options near Coleville, California. The region sits at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet with access to wilderness trails connecting to both the Hoover Wilderness and Yosemite National Park boundaries. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common, while nights can drop below freezing even in summer months.

    What to do

    Mountain lake fishing: Highland Lakes Campground provides access to alpine fishing spots with trout being the primary catch. "The views at the lakes are breathtaking. The lakes are cold but apparently there is some trout. Looked like fly fishing was the way to go," notes Hector R. about Highland Lakes Campground.

    Wilderness hiking: Take moderate to challenging trails from Clark Fork into surrounding wilderness areas. "Just past the 1st bridge into the camp ground there is a great hiking trail along side of the river you just have to climb over a few boulders then it an easy hike from there well until you hike back up the trail that is," shares Mike F. from Clark Fork Campground.

    Off-road exploring: Several forest service roads allow exploration beyond developed areas. "We went just up the road into the wildlife reserve and drove all the way up to burnside lake. Beautiful. Definitely need 4x4 and the road is super bumpy," says Blair K. about Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping.

    What campers like

    High elevation cooling: Escape summer heat with high altitude camping. "At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra. Reno was having 104 degree highs, so we were looking for elevation that was not too far away. 20 degrees cooler here," reports Ray B. about Highland Lakes Campground.

    Private sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness between sites. "All of the sites are situated with lots of space so that you aren't too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent 'double sites' makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends," notes Aaron S. about Clark Fork Campground.

    Horse-friendly locations: The region offers multiple spots for riders and their horses. "Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran. Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie," writes Trl G. about Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road.

    What you should know

    Water supply planning: Many campgrounds lack water sources. "No drinking water is available on site, so visitors must bring their own water supply for themselves and their horses," states the Highland Lakes information. A camper adds: "There is 1 vault toilet and an old-school hand pump for water, which isn't always functioning so bring plenty of water."

    Weather preparedness: The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts. "I would recommend a 4 season tent, even in the summer. On my last trip it was a little to cold for my taste so we drove back down the road and camped along the creek the last few nights," cautions Reese F.

    Primitive facilities: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities. "Dispersed camping, with several campsites available. Historically this was the location of a pack station supplying goods to the silver mines over the pass. Many opportunities for fishing and hiking here. It is rustic, with no freshwater or garbage service," explains Ken J. about Hermit Valley Campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Bring activities: Pack games and outdoor activities for kids. "Obsidian took a beating two cleaned up and they are still fixing some things. I would consider Obsidian more of a primitive campground, not dispersed but minimal," says Trl G., suggesting families should plan their own entertainment.

    Consider weather swings: Pack for both warm days and cold nights. "Chilly nights and warm days. Great camping spots both at the lake and many good spots on the road in to the lake," advises Joe F. about Highland Lakes.

    Choose accessible trails: Several family-friendly trails exist in the area. "There is plenty of hiking, both steep and moderate. Folger peak trail can be very challenging due to all the loose shale. There is an equestrian trail that is more flat going the other direction which is less steep but still a very scenic hike," suggests Reese F.

    Tips for RVers

    Site selection: Find suitable spots for larger rigs. "We arrived on a Monday at noon and found that the large area about 1/4 mile in was not at all crowded. We had our choice of several places to set up. It is very quiet here, not hearing any road noise," reports Susan L. about Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, who traveled with a "40 ft 5th wheel as well as a GMC Denali 350 dually."

    Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. "The 7 mile dirt road from Highway 4 to Highland Lakes takes awhile. We go slow," advises Ray B., suggesting careful planning for RV travelers.

    Camping infrastructure: RV amenities vary widely between locations. "A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis," notes Aaron S., providing crucial information for RV planning.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Coleville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coleville, CA is Highland Lakes Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Coleville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Coleville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.