Eldorado National Forest contains several equestrian-friendly camping areas at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Equestrian trails connect directly to multiple camping areas, with terrain ranging from rolling meadows to steep mountain paths. Temperatures at higher elevations remain 10-20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys during summer months.
What to Do
Trail riding access points: Allen Camp trailhead near Plasses Resort provides direct access to miles of equestrian trails. As one camper noted, "Lots of private sites; takes tents to big RVs. No cement or asphalt-all dirt... Adjoins the El Dorado NF Allen Camp trailhead."
Lake activities: Multiple lakes in the forest offer recreation opportunities for non-riders in your group. At Fallen Leaf Campground, campers appreciate the water access: "The lake, oh my, maybe the most beautiful lake in the entire Tahoe region. It isn't as big, but it is flat like glass, deep, and crystal clear."
High mountain hiking: Trails near horse camping areas lead to alpine lakes and scenic vistas. A visitor to Wrights Lake reported, "Twin Lakes Trailhead takes you to desolation wilderness and some great day hikes. If you're in decent shape you can easily do the Twin Lakes/Boomerang/Island Lake trail."
What Campers Like
Natural terrain: Horse campers prefer the unpaved surfaces common at equestrian campgrounds. At Wrights Lake, campers appreciate that sites are "not too close together" with "trail heads close by," making it convenient for riders.
Water access: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds include nearby water sources. At Sly Park Recreation Area, one visitor shared, "Jenkinson lake is beautiful to kayak or paddleboard on and you can also rent for $20/hr + $10/hr after that... plenty of space for social distancing."
Proximity to trails: Direct trail connections rank high with horse campers. According to Rocky L., Plasses Resort offers "tons of great trails" and is "one of the few horse campsites with tons of great trails" where you can "bring your horse."
What You Should Know
Seasonal limitations: Most equestrian camping areas operate only during summer months due to elevation. A camper at Loon Lake advised, "It can get cold at night because of the high elevation but so worth it to not have the crowds like the campgrounds farther down the mountain."
Limited amenities: Many horse camps maintain primitive conditions. One camper noted at Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping that there are "no amenities, but it's a very beautiful area" though you'll find it's "easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer."
Fire restrictions: Due to elevation and fire danger, some areas have strict rules. A visitor to Desolation Wilderness noted, "Campfires are prohibited, so bring a camp stove. They are serious about no trace here."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly riding areas: Areas with gentle terrain suit families with younger riders. At Sly Park, "The rangers and camp hosts alike make regular rounds" and families appreciate that "there is also a lovely, short hike to a waterfall."
Multiple recreation options: Select camps with activities for non-riders. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, "Overall it is very familiar friendly. Pools, kids rooms and hot showers with laundry."
Safety precautions: Families should prepare for mountain conditions. A camper at Fallen Leaf warned, "Even in the summer it can snow...BE WEATHER AWARE" and reminds visitors that "bears are not just possible here, they are likely."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Large rigs may find access challenging at some equestrian sites. A visitor to Loon Lake mentioned, "It was difficult getting our rig though the sites but we managed."
Parking considerations: Horse trailers require additional space beyond standard RV requirements. As noted by kaela L. at Plasses Resort, "We had a large spot right on the creek. Its less then a ten minute walk to silver lake."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camping areas may be rough. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, a camper warned, "the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road."
