Joshcfi 
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GuideFallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Nice place if you can get a reservation
Super popular spot. A little tight if you have a larger trailer or motorhome. Plenty of trees for shade.
Equestrian Camping near Colfax, CA
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Dru Barner Campground in Eldorado National Forest accommodates horse camping with multiple corrals specifically designed for equestrian use. The forest setting provides ample space for riders and their horses, with 48 campsites available for tent and RV camping. Horse owners find the campground well-maintained with clean vault toilets and drinking water available onsite. The campground is particularly popular with equestrians due to its purpose-built horse facilities, which include sturdy corrals at select campsites. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with reservations available or first-come, first-served options for last-minute trips. Many equestrians appreciate the solitude and forested environment that makes the campground feel remote despite being only 6 miles from Georgetown.
The surrounding area offers extensive trail riding opportunities with direct access to El Dorado National Forest trails. Located about 25 miles from Colfax, the campground serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the Sierra foothills on horseback. Skillman Campground near Camptonville provides another option for horse enthusiasts, though with more primitive facilities. Trail systems throughout the region connect to various destinations in the forest, with terrain suitable for both beginner and experienced riders. Access to Georgetown provides convenient resupply options for longer stays, with propane and other necessities available in town. The equestrian-friendly nature of these campgrounds encourages multi-day rides with comfortable overnight accommodations for both horses and riders. Most equestrian sites accommodate standard horse trailers with adequate parking space for rigs of various sizes.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Colfax (30)
1. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
2. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
"The good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong."
"Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!"
from $3 - $8 / night
Check Availability3. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to near by stores. This camp area is near city area but feels like you are far away from it."
from $28 - $48 / night
Check Availability4. Mumford Bar Trail Campground
"This is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River. One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT."
5. Skillman Horse Camp
"This 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. "
6. Ghost Mountain RV Campground
"It reminded me of Lake Pillsbury north of Clear Lake Ca where we as a family had been camping since 1981. But with just over 2hr drive not 6hr with trailer. There is a pool, and kids pool."
"About 1.5hr from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Built thick forest of the Sierra mountains. Nice size campsites. Water and Electricity only."
7. Loon Lake
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
from $30 - $160 / night
Check Availability8. Ascension Ranch
"WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities."
"Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well. I'd definitely come back."
from $59 - $115 / night
Check Availability9. Sly Park Recreation Area
"There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!)"
"They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. The park rangers are very present to keep people in check and the camp host drives by multiple times to keep the bathrooms clean."
10. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
"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."
"Water spigots and bathrooms around. Not on the lake but walking distance away. Taylor's Creek and Valhalla nearby too."
from $47 - $128 / night
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Drive Time
- 42 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 50 min from Carson City, NV
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Colfax, CA
8 Photos of 30 Colfax Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Colfax, CA
178 Reviews of 30 Colfax Campgrounds
- AAlice H.
ScoutBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Easy Access Camping
Easy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
- TTim S.Scout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Beautiful cared for campground
It’s hard to get a reservation, but it’s worth it if you can. Beautiful sites, decent showers, lovely staff. Recommend!
- bberlyn C.Scout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
EAT OUT
Was not aware lake tahoe was surrounded with all kinds of shops in the area we were staying in, extremely friendly people and so were the bears! Our first night a bear came right for our campsite as we were about to cook and took our eggs out of our cooler then invited its other fuzzy friend over. It was hard to cook our food as they were targeting our campsite so we went out to eat instead. The bears walked about the campsite for 6 hours probably but besides that bathroom was clean and so was the shower i felt really safe with other campsites close to me
Lee D.
LegendBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Lake fun near Sacramento
General: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
- HHolly C.
TravelerGhost Mountain RV Campground
Ghost mountain is a perfect family place
Our family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch. Everything is affordable. - DDeannScout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Management
Daughter parked in empty site over night. At 9:30 three (pounding in our trailer)people yelling at us for parking that spot. The three people came into our camp yelling insisting we were not following rules. We told them we were happy to follow rules and moved car. They called the sheriff giving us two hours to leave. The host continued to lie about her conversation that night at 11 pm in the rain about leaving the car overnight due to it being late and unreserved.. She reported we would be cited but no mention immediate reason to kick us out(the campground is nearly empty due to weather rain/snow)The manager had no self control threatening and escalating the situation all over a parked vehicle. Diann the manager is threatening on a power trip with there was no issue but us moving a vehicle out of an unreserved spot. The camp ground in managed by people who threaten rather than ask you to do something different. As well if a bear comes into your site they come charging in at 11 pm charging you for leaving food out when there is none. Stay at Camp Richardson or State Park as the harassment here has sadly destroyed the family orientation.
John L.GuideAscension Ranch
Eagles Nest 🦅
We booked the Eagles Nest campsite, and the views were awesome! We stayed two nights and had a good time. There are two spots down below the main road that are accessible but recommend at minimum AWD, especially if visiting during the rainy season. The host was very helpful got us a case of water and even had fresh eggs that we bought. 👍🏼
- HHope H.Guide
Skillman Horse Camp
Tall, Tall Trees
This 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.
Guide to Colfax
Equestrian camping opportunities near Colfax, California include facilities at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet within Eldorado National Forest and surrounding areas. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures often exceed 85°F. Most horse campgrounds remain open from mid-spring through early fall, with some closing during extreme weather conditions.
What to do
Trail ride to Otter Creek: Several trail systems connect to Dru Barner Campground with varying difficulty levels. "The near by Otter Creek Trail is a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek," notes Lily S., who visited during off-season.
Explore Rubicon Trail: Loon Lake Campground serves as an access point to the famous Rubicon 4x4 trail. "Drive around the lake to Rubicon 4X4 trailhead. Saw so many beautiful Jeeps and off-road vehicles," shares Jordyn A., who visited the area in August.
Fishing at multiple elevations: Bring fishing gear for both lake and stream fishing throughout the region. "The lake is stocked with trout late July," reports one Loon Lake visitor, while another mentions "plenty of good fishing" at lower elevations.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Unlike many Sierra foothills destinations, some sites remain accessible year-round. "Never been during peak (summer) but both times we have stayed here in winter and it was FANTASTIC! Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest," writes Deanne S. about Dru Barner Campground.
Solitude on weekdays: Many campgrounds feel remote despite proximity to towns. "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare," notes Lily S. about mid-week stays at Dru Barner.
Wildlife viewing: The forested setting provides opportunities to see various wildlife. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds," writes a Dru Barner camper, while others mention bear awareness is necessary at higher elevation sites like Fallen Leaf Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Several campgrounds have reported water system issues. "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises Cheri S. about Dru Barner Campground, while another camper notes "Hopefully they get water or lack thereof figured out soon."
Insect preparation necessary: Summer months bring various insect challenges. "It was great besides the bugs and all the wasps," reports Theron W. about Dru Barner, while visitors to Ruck-A-Chucky Campground mention similar seasonal concerns.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "I used my WeBoost and was able to teach online and even stream some TV," reports one Dru Barner visitor, while others note complete lack of service at higher elevations, with Fallen Leaf noting "No cell service, but close to a main road where service can be found."
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground layout: Some sites offer more privacy than others. At Sly Park Recreation Area, "Rainbow, Kam Loop, Dogwood and Hazel Creek camping loops are nicely shaded and stay much cooler than the camping loops toward the front of the park," shares a former camp host.
Pack extra quarters for showers: When available, shower facilities often require coins. "The showers take quarters and have hot water most of the time. The showers are very big, it's actually quite peaceful and nice," writes a visitor to Fallen Leaf Campground.
Plan for variable water levels: Lake access points change seasonally. "Nice campground. As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to," notes Melissa S. about Beals Point Campground during a drier season.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer minimal services. At Beals Point Campground, a camper notes, "Dry camping spot 28.00/per night," while Dru Barner offers water spigots but limited other hookups.
Road access challenges: Forest service roads vary in quality. "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'," notes Kevin W. about access to Ruck-A-Chucky, while Mumford Bar and other more remote sites have similar limitations.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have variable site sizes. "Hilltop sites are better for smaller campers. I have an 18' trailer and sites 126-128 are really nice," advises Bea I. about Sly Park Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Colfax, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Colfax, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Colfax, CA is Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Colfax, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Colfax, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 equestrian camping locations near Colfax, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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