1 campground with availability this weekend
Horse camping near Elverta, California is limited as most campgrounds in the area do not have dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific amenities. Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, located approximately 22 miles from Elverta, permits horses on designated trails but does not offer specialized horse facilities at campsites. The campground provides standard amenities including drinking water, fires allowed, picnic tables, and showers. Campers report clean bathrooms and good trail access, with the American River Bikeway allowing horseback riding alongside hiking and biking activities. The path system connects to extensive recreational opportunities throughout the lake region.
Folsom Lake Recreation Area's trail network accommodates equestrians with connections to multi-use paths. Riders should note that horse camping typically requires bringing portable corrals or high-line equipment, as permanent equine facilities are not available at most campgrounds in the immediate Elverta vicinity. For trailer parking, the campground provides some larger sites that can accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though advance reservations are strongly recommended. During summer months, the area experiences high temperatures, making morning and evening rides preferable. Water access points are available throughout the recreation area, though the lake level fluctuates seasonally, sometimes requiring longer walks from the campground to reach water.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $48 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $59 - $115 / night
"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."
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $3 - $8 / night
"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."
"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."
from $40 / night
"There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away."
"Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
"spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around"
GuideFriendly staff and a camp host selling firewood. Clean flush toilets and hot showers for 50 cents. A little difficult to find a level spot for a van in the dry camping area, and most spots were right on the side of the road. It would be more enjoyable if one could pull off into the dirt area for level spots out of the main drag.
ScoutEasy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
TravelerOur family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch.
Everything is affordable.
GuideWe booked the Eagles Nest campsite, and the views were awesome! We stayed two nights and had a good time. There are two spots down below the main road that are accessible but recommend at minimum AWD, especially if visiting during the rainy season. The host was very helpful got us a case of water and even had fresh eggs that we bought. 👍🏼
GuideCame here for a moto trip and really enjoyed the spaciousness, layout, and natural beauty the area had to offer. You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt.
As others have mentioned, getting to town is a short 15 minutes despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Some decent restaurants and a pretty awesome grocery store there so you don’t have to fret if you forget anything.
I can’t speak for other months, but coming around Thanksgiving was just about perfect.
ScoutThe RV park and cabins are private so can only be accessed via membership or introductory offer. Nice park with amenities and family oriented with nice swimming pool during May thru October
Scout$28.00 per night
GuideSympathique mais pas très calme. Toutes commodités dispo
Equestrian camping near Elverta, California offers opportunities for riders throughout the greater Sacramento region, particularly for those willing to travel 20-30 miles from town. The terrain varies from oak woodland to lakeside settings with elevation changes between 200-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for horse camping in the area.
Trail riding at Dru Barner: Located about 40 miles from Elverta in the El Dorado National Forest, this campground caters to equestrians with dedicated corrals. "Must visit for horse lovers!" notes camper Maxim B. The campground connects to multiple trail systems with varied terrain.
Water activities at Lake Amador: This lake, approximately 45 miles southeast of Elverta, provides alternatives to riding. "There is amazing fishing, boating and swimming," says camper Christy L., who adds that wildlife viewing is excellent: "I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend."
Visit historic sites: Ruck-A-Chucky Campground in Auburn State Recreation Area offers proximity to Gold Country landmarks. "What a great trip... long scenic trek down the easily accessible maintained dirt road. Stop along the way for some epic photos," recommends Jason A., who notes "if you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!"
Wildlife encounters: The foothills around Elverta support diverse wildlife. At Dru Barner Campground, campers frequently spot deer and wild turkeys. "Nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them. The dog has loved the nice forest floor to run on and lay on," shares ProfG999.
Lakeside access: Beals Point Campground at Folsom Lake provides shore access for horses and humans alike. "Folsom lake is a beautiful location, great bike and hiking trails. Clean and safe area," reports Cassidy Y. The campground serves as an access point to multi-use trails.
Solitude during weekdays: Horse campers seeking quieter experiences should consider timing. "Midweek and off season we had the place to ourselves 3 days," notes Lily S. about Dru Barner. Similarly, at Folsom Lake, weekday visitors enjoy significantly less crowding on equestrian trails.
Water access varies seasonally: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically at many campgrounds near Elverta. "The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to," reports Melissa S. about Beals Point. Plan accordingly for watering horses at lakeside locations.
Fire restrictions: Given California's climate, strict fire regulations apply. "During summer months, the area experiences high temperatures, making morning and evening rides preferable," says Deanne S., who recommends visiting Dru Barner Campground in cooler months.
Reservation requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Elverta require advance booking. "You can call and reserve or just show up and find an open spot," notes ProfG999 about Dru Barner, though weekends fill quickly during prime seasons.
Kid-friendly water features: Lake Amador Resort offers amenities specifically for younger campers. "The man made pond is nice for the kids. It has a slide they can use," notes Mike L. This provides an alternative activity when children need breaks from trail riding.
Easy hiking options: Sly Park Recreation Area features trails accessible to various ages. "Beautiful hikes that are easy for young children. Plenty of trails to choose from," recommends Monique R., making this location suitable for mixed riding/hiking family outings.
Safety considerations: When selecting equestrian camping sites with children, consider proximity to water. "I suggest staying on the main beach with the provided lifejacket area if with children as the other rock areas near the beach suddenly can drop off underwater very deep," warns Abigail S. about water access points.
Equestrian-specific RV sites: Sly Park Recreation Area accommodates both horses and larger rigs. "Hilltop sites are better for smaller campers. I have an 18' trailer and sites 126-128 are really nice. They are set into the mountains with trees behind you," advises Bea I.
Hookup availability: For RVers with horse trailers, knowing utility options is critical. "Back in or pull through sites," notes ProfG999 about Dru Barner, while warning "no hookups" are available, making this better for self-contained units.
Road conditions: Access to some equestrian camping areas involves challenging roads. "It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but well worth it," mentions ProfG999 about reaching Dru Barner. RVers with horse trailers should research road conditions before attempting access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Elverta, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Elverta, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Elverta, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Elverta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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