Best Equestrian Camping near Coloma, CA

The Dru Barner Campground in Eldorado National Forest provides dedicated equestrian facilities with horse corrals that accommodate trail riders. Located 6 miles from Georgetown on Bottlehill Road, this horse-friendly campground features 48 sites suitable for tent and RV camping. Water is normally available at the campground, though recent visitors note water quality issues require campers to bring their own supply. The campground maintains clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Equestrians particularly appreciate the quiet forest setting with ample space between sites, creating a peaceful environment even when the campground is full on weekends.

Extensive trail networks surround Dru Barner Campground, including the nearby Otter Creek Trail with elevation changes that challenge riders and reward them with creek access. The trails wind through thick forests populated with wild turkeys, deer, and diverse bird species. Horse owners can find plentiful wood on the forest floor for campfires. Located at an elevation that provides comfortable temperatures, the campground offers a convenient base for exploring the El Dorado National Forest trail system. Verizon cell service remains strong throughout the area, allowing riders to stay connected while enjoying the remote forest setting. Winter camping provides a particularly serene experience with minimal crowds, though summer visitors should be prepared for potential ant and wasp activity.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Coloma, California (28)

    1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 791-1531

    $33 - $58 / night

    "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."

    2. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Georgetown, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 333-4312

    $3 - $8 / night

    "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!"

    3. Ghost Mountain RV Campground

    11 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-5476

    "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."

    4. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Applegate, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 885-4527

    "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."

    5. Sly Park Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 295-6810

    "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."

    6. Ascension Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Granite Bay, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 439-0002

    $49 - $245 / night

    "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."

    7. Pine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Pollock Pines, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    $37 - $47 / night

    "Beautiful view of the lake, level plot, toilets, picnic table, potable water, fire ring, grill, recycling stations and large dumpsters. Dog friendly too."

    8. Hilltop - Sly Park Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Pollock Pines, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545

    "Beautiful lake and campground. We will be back in August."

    "Other good sites up here are 111 (full shade all day) and 113 with the awesome lake view."

    9. Loon Lake

    16 Reviews
    Tahoma, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 293-0827

    $36 - $160 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Chimney - Sly Park Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Pollock Pines, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 644-2545
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Coloma, CA

8 Photos of 28 Coloma Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Coloma, CA

169 Reviews of 28 Coloma Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2022

    Ascension Ranch

    Heaven On Earth

     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. Family owned, we're a small operation with big dreams. Offering a serene environment, an abundance of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, we invite you to spend some time with us out on the ranch! Come play for the day or reserve a private campsite, and see what all the fuss is about. Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around and of course, good company.

  • C
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    Beautiful quiet place

    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. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2026

    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.

  • Melissa S.
    Jun. 27, 2021

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Not bad

    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. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely. It can be a little noisy with the close proximity to the road. But park is clean with lots of trees.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 28, 2022

    Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    Found by accident…TWICE!

    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. 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!

  • Tiffany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2022

    Sly Park Recreation Area

    Best camping trip ever !

    This is a well-kept and forest-dense camping spot. There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!), kayak, fish, sun bathe, swim, play games at your camp, if you have a horse- camp with your horse in one of those sites). It just really is amazing that this gem is only (approx) 1 hour from Sacramento! I cannot wait to go again!

  • 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.

  • Joe R.
    Jun. 17, 2022

    Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

    Great family friendly camping

    I joined my brother and his 2 young kids at this great camp ground. 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.


Guide to Coloma

Dru Barner Campground offers horseback riding opportunities at an elevation of 2,800 feet in the El Dorado National Forest. Located 6 miles from Georgetown, this equestrian-friendly destination maintains excellent Verizon cell service even in remote areas. Winter camping provides a particularly serene experience with minimal crowds compared to busy summer periods.

What to do

Explore waterfall hikes: At Sly Park Recreation Area, visitors can access scenic waterfall trails. "The hiking trails around the lake are beautiful and easy to traverse. I'm in my mid 40's and walked the south side waterfall trail from Hazel Creek to the first dam and back in about 3 hours…and I'm by no means a regular hiker," shares Michell C.

Enjoy water recreation: Loon Lake offers clear waters perfect for swimming and fishing. "The lake and surroundings are absolutely gorgeous," notes Erika B., while another camper describes the experience: "Clear skies (above the smoke from wildfires) and crystal-clear water (warm) made for the perfect escape from the valley smog and smoke."

Practice gold panning: The American River near Ruck-A-Chucky Campground provides gold panning opportunities. "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must," explains Jason A. The campground is situated right on the water's edge, making it convenient for prospectors.

What campers like

Peaceful campsites: Equestrian camping near Coloma provides ample space between sites. At Dru Barner Campground, "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare," according to Lily S.

Wildlife viewing: The forest setting attracts diverse wildlife. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds," notes a Dru Barner visitor. This natural environment creates opportunities for wildlife observation during trail rides.

Stargazing opportunities: Sly Park Recreation Area offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance," describes Carly D.

What you should know

Water availability varies: Recent visitors to Dru Barner note water quality issues require bringing your own supply. At Beals Point Campground, "Coin operated shower very nice and clean bathroom clean showers," reports Mike R., though facilities vary by campground.

Insect considerations: Summer brings increased insect activity. "It was great besides the bugs and all the wasps," says Theron W. about Dru Barner. Another campground had similar challenges: "We had cut our camping trip short due to meat bees (Labor Day weekend, 2016). There were TONS of them!"

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "This is a very popular camping spot, so I recommend planning and reserving sometimes several months in advance. Weekends book up quickly, but weekday camping is easy to find," advises Carly D.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coloma, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 32 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Coloma, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.