Horseshoe Meadow Campground offers equestrian facilities at 10,000 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Death Valley National Park. The campground serves as a base for trail riders accessing high-country wilderness routes, with spacious sites designed to accommodate horse trailers. Located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road, this seasonal facility typically closes when snowfall makes access difficult, usually from late fall through spring.
What to do
Trail riding access points: Multiple wilderness trails connect directly from Horseshoe Meadow Campground to alpine destinations. "Trails to multiple peaks and passes all from this alpine valley. Coyotes, fox, deer and if you hike high enough you might see some bighorn sheep," notes Michael A.
Alpine lake swimming: Hike to nearby mountain lakes for cold water swimming during warm months. As Michael A. suggests, "Day hike to Chicken Spring Lake for an icy dip when temperatures climb."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear high-elevation skies provide exceptional night viewing. Michael A. describes "The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights."
Climb scenic rock formations: The Alabama Hills area features distinctive rock formations popular with climbers. Brett H. notes these formations make Alabama Hills "even better, even cheaper, even more private" than other nearby camping options.
What campers like
Meadow views and wildlife: The large open meadow creates opportunities for wildlife viewing. Cheryl C. describes Horseshoe Meadow as having "campsites spread well apart under the pines" and mentions "The parking encircles the large, flat meadow."
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat in surrounding areas. "It's a great spot to get away from summer heat at 10,000 feet," reports Cheryl C.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the layout and spacing at Lone Pine Campground. Madeline B. notes, "We were lucky the adjoining campsite had a pine tree in it whose shade we could steal in the afternoon."
Fire rings and bear boxes: Standard campsite amenities include metal fire rings and food storage. Michaela D. describes Lone Pine Campground as having "Regular bathroom, food hook, and fire pit."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water systems at some campgrounds may be turned off seasonally. At Tuttle Creek Campground, K L. found "Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed."
Wildlife concerns: Rodent activity can affect camping experience in some areas. Deb H. reports at Tuttle Creek Campground: "But we were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them."
Variable site leveling: Many dispersed sites require leveling equipment. Kent G. describes one Alabama Hills site: "Third will need leveling blocks."
Heat management: Limited shade in desert-adjacent locations requires planning. Rick L. notes that Tuttle Creek sites "all have great views. But no shade."
Tips for camping with families
Bouldering opportunities: Kids can enjoy climbing on rocks at several campgrounds. Mark G. says at Lone Pine Campground, "There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around."
Stream activities: Creeks running through or near campgrounds provide natural play areas. "There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout," mentions Mark G.
Bear box practices: Teach children proper food storage protocols. Lone Pine Campground has "bear proof box to store all of your food and smelly items" according to Alan B.
Weather preparation: Significant temperature swings between day and night require appropriate clothing. Madeline B. experienced "80s-90s in the day and fairly cold at night" during a June trip.
Tips from RVers
Dump station schedule: Check for seasonal closures before planning trip logistics. Rick L. notes at Tuttle Creek, "Dump station closed until May."
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. Leonard H. reports: "Most sites are very close to level. Packed dirt roads around campsites in good condition."
Senior pass benefits: Discounts available at some fee-based campgrounds. Jerry H. mentions that Tuttle Creek is "Nice campground $10 half price with senior pass."
Road conditions: Access roads may have seasonal challenges. Randy W. found "easy access" at Tuttle Creek, while Kent G. cautions that "The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow" in the Alabama Hills area.
