Best Equestrian Camping near Death Valley National Park in California

Looking for the best horse camping near Death Valley National Park? Finding a place to camp in California with your horse is easier than ever. Find California equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Death Valley National Park, CA (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
    Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine

    1. Lone Pine

    14 Reviews
    48 Photos
    220 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Lone Pine Campground is located near the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States, offering unparalleled views of the mountain and surrounding peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. An abundance of fishing and hiking opportunities can be found both in and around Lone Pine.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal area. Trails lead to the John Muir Wilderness, including Mt. Whitney, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is just 7 miles away. The less challenging National Recreation Trail connects Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal and its picnic area and fishing pond. The eastern Sierras are also known for exceptional trout fishing, and anglers can access Lone Pine Creek and a nearby pond.

    Natural Features

    The campground is nestled in sagebrush alongside Lone Pine Creek. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the location offers clear views of surrounding granite peaks. Desert wildflowers add brilliant colors to the landscape in spring. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $70 - $78 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park

    2. Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    94 Saves
    Death Valley, California

    Breakfast Canyon is in the Valleys category for Inyo County in the state of California. Breakfast Canyon is displayed on the Furnace Creek USGS quad topo map. Anyone who is interested in visiting Breakfast Canyon can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Breakfast Canyon are 36.4399486, -116.8500524 and the approximate elevation is -30 feet (-9 meters) above sea level. If you have visited Breakfast Canyon before, please tell us about it with a comment below.

    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    4. Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    5 Reviews
    5 Photos
    74 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $6 / night

    • No image available

      5. West Summit Road

      1 Review
      5 Saves
      Beatty, Nevada

      Nevada's public lands are open to camping. There is no fee for dispersed, primitive camping, but there is a limit to the number of days one may camp in the same location. Dispersed, primitive camping is camping where there are no developed amenities such as water or toilets. Primitive campers are asked to follow the "Leave No Trace" land use ethics. Dispersed camping in a motorhome is allowed, but dumping black or gray water on public lands isn't allowed. Some campground are established that requires a fee to manage it.

      A person may not occupy undeveloped public lands or designated sites or areas for more than 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Following the 14 days, a person and their personal property must relocate to a site outside of at least a 25 mile radius from the occupied site for a period of 14 days.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing

      7. Bonnie Claire Gold Mill Ghost Town Camping and Star Gazing

      Be the first to review!
      5 Photos
      Beatty, Nevada

      Amazing place. Very historical. See many things in death valley. Huge meteorite crater. Randys castle. Ghost Towns and mines. And more. Great place. Enjoy a private limo ride to and from Las Vegas to Death Valley. Bonnie Claire Gold Mill. In a 16 passenger super stretch limousine. You can camp out or just take the tour. We have two tours. 1. One just Bonnie Claire Gold Mill. Take a 2 .5 hour ride thru the most scenic Western Towns in Vegas. Very historical beautiful scenery all the way there. We stop off at Beatty Nevada to the world famous candy store that has the best choices for all kinds of candy.. Even the candy you miss as a kid. Refresh . Get a Subway, shop souvenirs or get a home made ice cream float. $299 per person.. inc. Food limo and to and from Bonnie claire. Then we continue to Bonnie Claire Gold Mill about 40 minutes from there. See Gold Mountain. Mines shafts and more. Is a magical experience. 2. Grand tour. Wear we drive from Bonnie Claire Gold mill to Tonopah Nevada and explore the huge self guided tour " the historical mining museum " Wear it all happen. 2 billion in silver was taken from these 3 mines. Is amazing . Google it. Price is $399 per person . Inc food , drinks and private limo to and from Las Vegas to Bonnie Claire. Much more fun then Grand Canyon. And if the hot mineral springs are open. Well stop there as well. Many have said the Bonnie Claire Gold Mill tour was the most beautiful thing they ever did. So give it a try. Limousine ride . Ice cold air. 2 tvs . Relax and see the West. Guns are invited.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents

      $60 - $80 / night

    Show More
    Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

    Recent Equestrian Reviews in Death Valley National Park

    25 Reviews of 7 Death Valley National Park Campgrounds


    • anthony R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from West Summit Road
      Apr. 17, 2024

      West Summit Road

      BLM site off Death Valley Road, Nevada

      Quiet, remote BLM site. No amenities. 5 miles outside of Beatty, Nevada off of Death Valley Road.

    • Kent G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Dispersed Site
      Apr. 2, 2024

      Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

      Alabama Hiils Dispersed site

      This site is on Horseshoe Meadow Road about 1/2 mile north of the Tuttle Creek site. There are 3 legal spots with camping signs. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks. First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue. The second and third have better views. But the first can offer wind protection from the north. BLM. Carry in and out.

    • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
      Sep. 16, 2023

      Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

      Trailhead campground for Mt Langley hike

      We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Nov. 14, 2022

      Lone Pine

      Lone Pine Camp ground

      We stayed at this location for 2 nights. It wasn’t crowded, restrooms were clean, and overall great camp site. You can park right next to your campsite, each one has its own picnic table, bear box, and fire pit. The campsite is along a creek which sounds lovely at night.

      The campground did not have water during our visit but seems like it does certain times of the year

    • Kristian W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
      May. 19, 2022

      Horseshoe Meadow Campground

      Good for tents, not for campers

      Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!

    • Beth G.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      May. 9, 2022

      Lone Pine

      Loved this campground, work up to views of My Whitney.

      Great campground with views of Mt Whitney from camp. Had everything we needed for a comfortable night and we enjoyed exploring the rocks and little stream nearby. The ground is fairly hard and not much shade - plan your gear accordingly. We needed bug spray in April for mosquitoes. Our little Ford Fiesta did fine on the dirt roads to access the campsite.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
      Jan. 17, 2022

      Horseshoe Meadow Campground

      Great base camp for hiking

      Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jul. 21, 2021

      Lone Pine

      A great spot with excellent views and nice spacing.

      Spent one night and a morning and it was everything I expect in a USFS campground - water, pit/vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table. The morning view of the Sierra’s was amazing!

    • Alex S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jun. 24, 2021

      Lone Pine

      Perfect retreat

      I’d like to start by saying I’ve camped here since I could remember. I’ve watched it change throughout the years and it never has disappointed me.

      Nicely spaced sites, wonderful lil stream that can be hit or miss with fish. I’ve had years where I’ve caught 20 and years with not a single bite.

      Sites are spacious and most are set decently apart. Lots of hiking up and downstream as well.

      The best part of this CG is being able to sit in the shadow of the highest peak in the lower 48. Watching the sun rise on its tips and vanish behind in the evenings is worth every bit of it.

    • Mark G.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Apr. 25, 2021

      Lone Pine

      Great time!

      The campground was nice, quiet. There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout. There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around. Clean restrooms and a easy drive up to Whitney Portal. Would recommend staying.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Mar. 28, 2021

      Lone Pine

      Closed on 3/27/2021 (temporary closure)

      The campground gates are shut and all the bear boxes are placed outside of the campground. There's a note that says campground closed for water testing, but there's no indication for how long. I'd imagine it'll be open up again soon because the website shows that it's open. Just a heads up. Maybe call ahead before planning on staying there.

    • Alejandro L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jan. 26, 2021

      Lone Pine

      Below the Majestic Mt Whitney

      While visiting Alabama Hills Recreation Area (AHRA) we made Lone Pine on our next stop for our second campsite and to relax for my 44th birthday 🎂

      Since the terrain is a little different it was a nice change up from the desert, sandy, rock that was AHRA. There were more trees, a little snow on the ground, and more wooded areas that brought a new look to our campsite. Mostly car camping still, we had beautiful views of Mt Whitney and the surrounding mountains. It did feel a bit colder then say AHRA esp at night but it was a great campsite that brought some cool vistas. Bc of the snow on the ground we could gather a bit of potable water to use and def enjoyed the clear skies at night and crisp clear mountain air coming from nearby Whitney Portal. We were close to the road but felt at ease given how close we were to the small town of Lone Pine where you could find supplies, food, drink 🍷, and firewood 🪵. Look forward to coming back and exploring more of the area including Mt Whitney when they open the roads and other campsites after the Covid lockdown.

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
      Sep. 6, 2020

      Horseshoe Meadow Campground

      Beautiful and spacious

      This is a walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips. There are campsites spread around the meadow with picnic tables and bear boxes.The campsites are spread well apart under the pines. The parking encircles the large, flat meadow. The area is just gorgeous. It’s a great spot to get away from summer heat at 10,000 feet. Vault toilets, water spigots. Lots of hiking.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jul. 22, 2020

      Lone Pine

      Great for first timers

      A friend and I camped here - I as a first time real camper (in a tent that was not in my back yard), and she as a first time camper as an adult - at the end of June, and it was great for us! Our camp host Don was very nice, there was firewood available to buy at the camp site, and the bathrooms were always very clean. The bear boxes were big and easy to use, and the campfires had grills on them already, which saved us after our propane stove refused to work. It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food.

      The views of Mt. Whitney are stunning, and it is close by a small but really beautiful (and so clear!) creek, though there were only a few spots that allowed you to walk to it without doing some bushwhacking. The camp grounds also have some large boulders to climb on if you are a boulderer.

      Obviously, it was very hot when we went at the end of June (80s-90s in the day and fairly cold at night). Depending on your individual campsite, there may not be a lot of shade available to you, so plan accordingly if you are going in the summer. We were lucky the adjoining campsite had a pine tree in it whose shade we could steal in the afternoon.

      All in all, an excellent place to go for your first foray into overnight camping or for someone who wants a low maintenance camping trip!

    • Brett H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jul. 3, 2020

      Lone Pine

      Beautiful

      Beautiful. Cheap. Mellow. Nice creek running straight through. Perpetual views of Whitney. All around a killer spot. If it weren’t for the Alabama hills being even better, even cheaper, even more private, it would be a no brainer. But if you want any facilities....

    • Michael A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Meadow Campground
      Jun. 28, 2020

      Horseshoe Meadow Campground

      Away from the crowds

      There’s 21 sites spread out amongst Jeffrey pines as well as others. Tent pads and fire pits and bear boxes. Vault toilets and a water spigot. 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. The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights. Mainly a thru hikers stop or base camp for those venturing into the higher elevations for a few days. Beautiful meadows and streams running through it with marmots popping up from the rocks. It’s a gem of a spot. Day hike to Chicken Spring Lake for an icy dip when temperatures climb.

    • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park
      Feb. 18, 2020

      Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground — Death Valley National Park

      Secret Ranger Campground

      This is a private canyon that is only used by the park rangers and morning horse rides. Hence its name. It is blocked off by a gate but it can be accessed if you help with the Christmas Audubon bird count over the holidays. 

      There is a pit toilet and picnic areas with a flat ground area for tents. Not much flat parking space for RV’s and campervans though. There are also two fireplace areas and grills for cooking.

    • Vanessa H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Oct. 6, 2019

      Lone Pine

      Whitney views for days

      Stayed here a few days before hiking Whitney. Great place to acclimate, second to Whitney portal campground. We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms. The campground sits in a ravine like space so if the winds pick up it can whip through pretty good. Good trail that connects to Whitney portal on the ridge above, good for the dogs to run on as well. No cell service besides the top of the ridge if you need to call/text. I’ve been coming to the Sierra’s all my life but never stayed here. I’d come back for the views alone.

    • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Aug. 4, 2019

      Lone Pine

      Ranger Review: Eclipse Adjustable Neck Gaiter @ Lone Pine CG (CA)

      Campground Review:

      This campground lies about 10 miles to the west of its namesake town, Lone Pine in the Owens Valley to the east of the Sierra Nevada range.  It is a very popular campground to use as a base camp for climbing Mt. Whitney especially if the Whitney Portal CG is full. which was the case when we were there.  If you can't get a reservation or walk in site at Lone Pine CG, then Tuttle Creek, and the Alabama Hills would be your closest places to camp if you're not planning on climbing Mt. Whitney.

      Now on to the actual campground!  Now since this is a few miles from the actual trail head to Mt. Whitney it has more RV camping sites than tent sites.  Campsite range in price from $25-$65 for single tent sites, RV sites, and 1 group site, respectively.  Each campground has a large bear proof box to store all of your food and  smelly items in addition to a picnic table and a metal fire ring.  The campground had potable water spigots and vault toilets spread throughout.  You could also purchase firewood from the camp host, which is recommended due to the possibility of spreading pests.

      To list all of the activities you can do in this area would take a book so I'm just gonna touch on some of the things we did!  Our main goal for the trip was to try and summit Mt. Whitney by the Mountaineers Route.  We got pushed back however due to hard route finding and soft avalanche prone snow.  We ended going around 10 miles but the regular hiking trail is 13 miles one way!  After getting beaten down by the mountain we were able to eat some great food at the Mt. Whitney Restaurant which had Americana and diner food. 

      Since we stayed at this campground in the middle of June the temperatures weren't too hot but I would really try to camp higher up at the portal if you plan on coming here in July or August as it could be really hot and there wasn't a ton of shade.  Also be doubly sure to book your campground ahead of time as I doubt there will be any sites if you show up after 3 or 4 without a reservation.

      Product Review:

      Being a Ranger for the Dyrt allows us to test and review gear from time to time!  This time we were testing out the Adjustable Neck Gaiter from Eclipse sun protection.  This was honestly one of my favorite pieces of gear I've been able to test for the Dyrt!  

      Pros: 

      • Simple design that replaces $100's of sunscreen in it's lifetime! (never washes out)
      • Is multi functional and can be used as a gaiter, headband, buff, and so much more!
      • Super lightweight and doesn't need to be reapplied or leave you greasy
      • It is super cheap and includes a Velcro strap to adjust to smaller neck      

      Cons:

      • The only flaw I could find was the sewing along the neck was a little weak and I ripped it slightly before realizing I needed to be a little more delicate pulling it on

      Other than that one con I would say this is an amazing product that helps keep you from spending 100's on a temporary sunblock and helps keep all those nasty chemicals out of nature, the waterways, and the oceans!  I definitely think we'll be trying out the sleeves for fishing as my fiances arms can get pretty burnt sometimes.

    • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Aug. 14, 2018

      Lone Pine

      Lone Pine Camp Ground

      Hit this up in March for a quick overnight after hiking in Big Pine and Whitney. Nice camp ground, quiet that time of year. Friendly people. Bathrooms are vault toilets.

    • Cade H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine
      Jun. 23, 2017

      Lone Pine

      One nighter

      I took a chance and drove to the Lone Pine Campground just below Mt. Whitney on Memorial Day weekend of 2017. After circling the campground twice I asked the campground manager if there was an availability. After double checking his paperwork I managed to snag a site 43 which was at the far end at the top of the grounds.

      This site is meant for group camping and it really is quite large with a picnic table made for 20 people to sit at. There is a fire ring to accommodate a very large fire. It may have been 4 feet across, I didn't have a tape measure.

      The drawback of this site is that you will have to walk everything at least 100 feet uphill. Not ideal for a lot of comfort gear. On the plus side, the bathroom isn't far away and they are clean.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Death Valley National Park

    Horse camping near Death Valley National Park offers a unique experience for equestrians looking to explore the stunning desert landscapes while enjoying the companionship of their horses.

    Tips for equestrian camping near Death Valley National Park in California

    • The Horseshoe Meadow Campground is ideal for tent camping and offers a beautiful meadow setting, perfect for morning walks with your horse.
    • At Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, you’ll find convenient access to trails leading to Mt. Langley, making it a great base for equestrian adventures.
    • Breakfast Canyon - Secret Ranger Campground provides a secluded atmosphere, accessible through special arrangements, making it a unique spot for horse camping.

    Equestrian campgrounds include

    • Horseshoe Meadow Campground features spacious sites under Jeffrey pines, with picnic tables and bear boxes, catering specifically to equestrian needs.
    • Lone Pine offers a serene environment with nearby trails for horseback riding, ensuring a peaceful retreat for both you and your horse.
    • Alabama Hills Dispersed Site allows for free camping with stunning views, perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty while riding.

    Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

    • At Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, there are bear boxes and vault toilets, providing essential amenities for equestrians.
    • Horseshoe Meadow Campground has a water spigot and vault toilets, making it convenient for horse care during your stay.
    • West Summit Road allows pets, making it a flexible option for those traveling with horses, even though it lacks traditional amenities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Death Valley National Park?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Death Valley National Park is Lone Pine with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Death Valley National Park?

      TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Death Valley National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.