J
Jerina V.
Scout
ScoutCOE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
Codorniz RA Campground - 09
No hookups but amazing view on Eastman Lake. Great spot for camping!
Top-Rated Equestrian Campgrounds near Eastman Lake
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Bridalveil Creek Campground in Yosemite National Park offers limited horse camping options, with facilities accessible via drive-in routes. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs at its established sites, though lacks dedicated horse corrals. Basic amenities include drinking water, toilets, and trash collection. Campfires are permitted with firewood available for purchase. The campground maintains a pet-friendly policy that extends to horses, though specific equestrian regulations apply. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the peak season when the campground fills quickly with families and equestrians seeking access to Yosemite's trail systems.
Located 25 minutes from Yosemite Valley's main attractions, Bridalveil Creek provides access to multiple bridle trails connecting horse campers to spectacular viewpoints. Trail riders report the campground's strategic position offers convenient access to Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome, both providing stunning vistas overlooking Half Dome and El Capitan. The campground operates seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Water access for horses is limited to natural sources along trails, as no dedicated equine washing facilities exist. Horse owners should bring appropriate containment systems as the campground layout provides decent space between sites but no permanent tie-outs. Equestrian campsites at horse campgrounds near Eastman Lake fill rapidly on weekends, requiring early arrival to secure space for horse trailers and camping equipment.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Eastman Lake (33)
1. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
23 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-8502$48 / night
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
2. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
53 ReviewsFish Camp, CA26 milesWebsite"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
3. Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
11 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (209) 372-0200"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!"
4. Bridalveil Creek Campground — Yosemite National Park
6 ReviewsYosemite Valley, CA17 milesWebsite+1 (209) 375-9535$36 - $75 / night
"Decent access to drinking water and each site has tables and fire rings, no RV hookups (another reason you have more "campers" and it's less noisy at night)."
"Your best bet is to visit the valley and camp outside the Park or in locations outside the valley. The granite cliffs and waterfalls are something to treasure."
5. Yosemite Ridge
3 ReviewsGroveland, CA11 milesWebsite+1 (209) 888-0248$40 - $80 / night
"You are aboute 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business , very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you. There are few fool hock ups and they provide also fire wood."
6. Big Sandy Campground
5 ReviewsFish Camp, CA28 milesWebsite+1 (209) 966-3638"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
7. Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground
2 ReviewsFish Camp, CA23 milesWebsite+1 (559) 877-22188. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
5 ReviewsStanislaus National Forest, CA28 milesWebsite+1 (209) 459-9238"Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet."
9. Silver Lake Campground at June Lake
16 ReviewsJune Lake, CA40 milesWebsite+1 (760) 934-5795$32 - $64 / night
"Although this campground is located in the midst of so much dramatic beauty, few campgrounds capture that beauty like this one."
"This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors. I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD. Most of the folks were in RVs. "
10. Glory Hole Recreation Area
9 ReviewsAngels, CA39 milesWebsite+1 (209) 536-9094$18 - $22 / night
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Eastman Lake
2 Photos of 33 Eastman Lake Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Eastman Lake
248 Reviews of 33 Eastman Lake Campgrounds
- NNathan L.
GuideCOE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
Quiet, Spacious Place
Codorniz is a quiet, well-maintained campground run by the Army Corps of Engineers on Eastman Lake. It’s a great spot if you want a peaceful camping experience with decent amenities and easy lake access. What I liked: • Spacious sites with good separation for privacy • Decent restrooms and hot showers • Hookups available at some sites • Relaxed, low-key atmosphere—no crowds or noise • Nice lake setting for fishing, kayaking, and swimming Things to keep in mind: • It’s fairly remote, so bring everything you’ll need • Amenities can vary by site and season • Cell service is limited, so download maps/info ahead of time Overall, Codorniz is a solid choice for RV or tent camping if you want a calm, lake-adjacent spot without the chaos of more popular campgrounds. Great for a weekend getaway or a longer stay if you’re exploring the Central Valley area.
- Norina N.Guide
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Equestrian campground in the Yosemite Valley
Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious. Because it's an equestrian campground, you will smell the horses and stables....be prepared. The river is close to the campgrounds and are refreshing on a hot day.
Aaron S.ScoutClark 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.
Trl G.GuideObsidian 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
- Mark G.
TravelerGranite Creek Campground
Worth the trip
If you wanna get away and camp next to a river and down a trail and shoot your gun or go fishing you can freedom you can horseback ride if you have horses he can fish there are fish there trout it's beautiful peaceful.
- KKerry V.Traveler
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Convenient, Great View
This campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested. There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail. Shuttle stops at all valley attractions and you can easily get to the Pizza Deck in Half Dome Village, the deli in Yosemite Village, and many different hiking trails. Some spots are right along the Merced River. No showers here, but hot showers are close by at Half Dome Village. We will be back!
Christy C.
LegendNorth Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Worth the wait
It is hard to get a Camping spot in Yosemite but well worth it if you do. I got up early many a morning to try and get a day here or there for our summer trips out west. You can always try the daily lottery in the village office which we did one day. So Any campground in the valley is good and in close proximity to everything going on. This campground is located on the Merced river and is primitive. The horse stables are in this loop as well.There is a water station by entrance to fill up. No electric, sewer or shower. There are bathrooms with an outlet (Yea- can charge your Phone but get in line) You can bathe in river like I do or go to curry village and pay for a shower at housekeeping. You get a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly.
Pamela H.ScoutSilver Lake Campground at June Lake
Best views in the area.
Although this campground is located in the midst of so much dramatic beauty, few campgrounds capture that beauty like this one. While sitting in your campsite, you can see majestic mountains and a very quiet. It is located across from horse stables if you like that and near a little store. Fishing appears to be the popular activity here although we are not fisher persons. It is a great base camp to all of the June Lake and Mammoth region
Guide to Eastman Lake
Bridalveil Creek Campground offers drive-in horse camping sites in Yosemite National Park at 7,200 feet elevation. The campground typically operates from July through September, depending on snowpack conditions. Overnight equestrian users share space with regular campers in this mixed-use facility that sits 25 minutes from Glacier Point Road.
What to do
Trail riding to viewpoints: Access multiple bridle trails directly from the campground leading to scenic overlooks. "It's only 2.5 miles round trip to Sentinel Dome and the view is stunning, you're higher up than Half Dome on one side and El Capitan on the other," notes Buck R. from Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Fishing nearby waters: Within 30 minutes of the campground, several fishing spots offer trout opportunities. "The fishing at silver lake was awesome," reports Andy M. from Silver Lake Campground, which provides another option for equestrians exploring the region.
Swimming holes: During summer months, natural swimming areas provide relief from heat. "There are some beautiful waterfall spots about 2 miles of hill climb from campground, well worth the hike. Water can be very cold though," writes Rosina A. about Big Sandy Campground, located within day-trip distance.
What campers like
Uncrowded camping experience: The campground offers more seclusion than valley floor alternatives. "Decent space for tents and you're semi secluded from other campers and not as many RVs/Trailers as some of the other campgrounds," explains Elliott B. about camping at Bridalveil Creek.
Equestrian-friendly layout: Sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate spacing. "Site 504 rocks! I had a great view of Half Dome and it felt amazing to be near all this majestic granite," writes Alix F. about North Pines Campground, another horse-friendly option in the Yosemite area.
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation location typically runs 10-15 degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. "Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful," reports Erin S. about camping in the region.
What you should know
Limited services: The campground provides basic amenities only. "No electric, sewer or shower. There are bathrooms with an outlet (Yea- can charge your Phone but get in line). You can bathe in river like I do or go to curry village and pay for a shower at housekeeping," explains Christy C. about camping in Yosemite.
Road access considerations: Reaching high-elevation horse campgrounds requires planning. "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck," says Rosina A. about accessing certain camping areas.
Bear safety requirements: All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in provided bear boxes. "You get a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly," notes a camper about proper storage protocols at Sweetwater Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Book early for peak season: Family-friendly spots fill quickly during summer months. "It is hard to get a Camping spot in Yosemite but well worth it if you do. I got up early many a morning to try and get a day here or there for our summer trips out west," advises Christy C.
Pack for variable weather: Mountain conditions can change rapidly even in summer. "The side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people," notes Erin S. about accommodating families.
Consider camping outside park boundaries: Alternative horse campgrounds near Eastman Lake offer easier booking. "This campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested," explains Kerry V. about location considerations.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most horse camping facilities near Yosemite lack full hookups. "There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal 'toliet' for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp," explains an RV camper.
Generator restrictions: Plan around limited generator hours in equestrian campgrounds. "Only thing I would complain about is everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them," notes Sarah F. about campground noise considerations.
Seasonal water availability: Water systems typically operate from July through first frost. "There was easily accessible water for cooking, drinking, etc. We also know that they disinfect the sites between visitors," reports Fred H. about Goat Meadow, an alternative dispersed camping option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Eastman Lake?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Eastman Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Eastman Lake is North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Eastman Lake?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Eastman Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Eastman Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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