Cuneo Creek Horse Camp in Humboldt Redwoods State Park provides equestrian-specific facilities with individual horse corrals for overnight stays. Located 40 miles southeast of Essex, this seasonal campground operates from early May to mid-October, catering exclusively to horse owners and their mounts. The campground features water hookups, electric hookups with both thirty-amp and fifty-amp service options, and sewer hookups uncommon in equestrian camping areas. The camp's location offers easy access to redwood forest trails. Restroom facilities include flush toilets and shower facilities for riders returning from trail excursions.
Trail riders can access miles of bridle paths directly from the campground, connecting to the broader Humboldt Redwoods trail network. The roads accessing the camp accommodate large horse trailers and rigs, with ample parking available for vehicles with trailers. Campfire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site, allowing for comfortable evenings after days spent exploring the surrounding terrain. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with optimal riding typically available throughout the operating season. Reservations are required and should be secured well in advance, as this is the only designated horse camp in the immediate Essex area. The camp's location provides a strategic base for exploring the ancient redwood forests while having secure accommodations for horses.
"Camped here for one night mid September, slept in a car, great view and found the 3 spacious camping spots with a picnic table, fire pit (with a grill rack), and an unsmelly bathroom a short walk away."
"When you get to the area where apple maps says park and walk, just take the pine ridge or whatever trail a couple more miles up."
"There is even access to them from the parking lot. Was here over a weekend, and it was pretty back with ATV and Side by side riders and rigs."
"For a boat ramp camping site near town, this place is special. Remote from town but water 360 degrees. You can hear the ocean while looking at the towns across the water."
"This campground is conveniently located right on the 101 Hwy, close by to the ocean and right down the road from tons of Redwood Nat’l Park trails."
"We used this as a checkpoint in 2021 when traveling from Oregon to Southern California via HWY-101. The park is clean, and we had a great time walking around and resting between the legs of our trip."
from $40 - $70 / night
"Located in the city limits mere minutes from just about anything you may need and very centrally located for many sea shore and forest park locations. "
from $38 - $100 / night
"follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has"
"Because of recent rains and some soggy areas I had to overnight campers close to me. 30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side."
"Close to Ferndale, which is Must See. Access from Fernbridge of of 101 as the other roads are very twisty for all but the smallest RVs. Camp host was great! Short drive into Eureka."
from $20 - $45 / night
"This campground is the first one you come upon while hiking in from the Orick Horse Trail Trailhead. There are picnic tables and two bear lockers, (there's another by the horse coral)."
"Most stunning was these massive cliffs that open into this wild California coast. You can hike to the (non-working) lighthouse and enjoy yourself with a driftwood fire at night."
"As Humboldt locals, we like to be away from the crowds, in the most beautiful natural areas in California. This is the trail head to the famous Lost Coast Trail, and just a stunning beach campground."
from $15 / night
"I love the remoteness of this place, it is California's lost coast. Not for the faint of heart as you have to haul your own water in. The other people camping were really fabulous. Super laid back."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $200 / night
GuideThis site was great for touring the Redwood Forest and Crescent City area. Camp hosts are friendly and easy to work with. There's a handful of tiny homes scattered about. Many are long term live-ins. Nice dog park. Friendly neighbors.
Scoutthe directions in the review were accurate and easy to follow. the road gets pretty steep, though 90% is paved and only turns to gravel at the end. no water source that we could find for filtering, so pack in as much as you need 💕🏔️
GuideThis was a pretty nice spot. Only about 3 campsites with tables and fire pits, but a few others along the road. The view was nice and the sunsets were amazing! It was very quiet at night, no noise from the road. There are some trail heads close to the campsites, but some are very overgrown. The only downside was lots of mosquitoes, even out after dark. The road was also very rocky, but manageable. Be careful to go slow and avoid sharp rocks, because I ended up with a flat tire on the way out. Cell service isn't bad, but the nearest town is about 1 hr away. Weather was warm and dry, with some light mist at night. We did see a black bear on our way down the road, but not much other wildlife besides birds.
ScoutCampground mainly got rvs
ScoutMy boyfriend and brother and I spent the evening restoring an old campsite we found. we put lots of love into this place.
amazing view of the ocean and sunset was crazy beautiful!!
follow titlow hill road until you get to a fork in the road with 3 roads and a take a left. follow it up past the cell tower and drive until you reach 2 pullouts close together where the bottom one has a camp fire, park at the top pullout. look for the trail to the right and pretty much bushwash your way to the best campsite ever.
RangerThis place first off is 45min to an hour from 101. Secondly it rained all night and my RTT is soaked. Once I took the rain fly down it was bad. Needless to say trying to get to a dry place to allow my tent to dry. I will say I absolutely love Offroad and this is a forest service road that goes up the mountain. Great place if it’s not raining and you don’t plan on sleeping in your RTT in the rain. I’ve never left a bad review but If I could give this 0 stars I would.
GuideI don’t know what it is with the state of California and charging people a lot of money and not allowing showers. I tried to take a shower and it wants quarters and the office is closed so I can’t get quarters. Who walks around with bags of quarters anymore? I don’t think people have a right to charge this much money for such an inconvenience.
RangerPulled in on Wednesday night in mid May and there were plenty of sites left. Was windy at first but it eventually calmed down. Decent amount of activity around as it is a trailhead as well.
Really cool to see wildlife on the beach and an easy walk over the berm to the waters edge.
ScoutRoad is one lane, gravel, windy for the last part of the trek up witj some deeper ruts (we did fine going slow in a stock Honda Accord). Plenty of mountain bike, hiking trails with difficulty levels and map! There's a first camping spot with the easy loop hiking trail that is just by itself and a little further down the road is 3 or 4 other camping spots near the bathroom and additional trails. Absolutely will be coming back!!!
Equestrian camping facilities near Essex, California provide access to redwood forests and coastal trails through multiple state and national parks. Cuneo Creek Horse Camp operates from early May to mid-October at 40.3352° N latitude and an elevation of approximately 500 feet above sea level. Equestrian accommodations in this region vary from primitive sites with basic corrals to developed campgrounds with electrical hookups.
Trail riding in redwood groves: Access miles of shaded trails through ancient forests at Lacks Creek BLM. "Wildly peaceful. Read the description in the bio, follow the directions, and you'll find yourself able to choose from a handful of campsites," notes Leah H. The area features well-marked routes suitable for riders of various experience levels.
Beach riding along the Pacific: Head to the shoreline for coastal trail rides near Mattole Campground where riders can experience oceanside terrain. "This area is just unbelievably gorgeous. Some rough roads but well worth it," shares Jessica N. The beach areas allow for expansive rides with ocean views not available in forest settings.
Wildlife viewing on horseback: Roosevelt elk herds are frequently visible at several riding areas. "Rosevelt Elk roam through the campground. They were obviously used to people," reports Nicole B. from Elk Country RV Resort. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities on established trails.
Secluded forest sites: Elam Backcountry Camp provides wilderness camping experiences for equestrians. "I think this is the primary campground used by most hikers, (and the gravel bar near by)," explains Sharon B. The camp's location along main trails makes it convenient for overnight pack trips.
Coastal access points: Riders appreciate direct beach access from staging areas. "This was my first time to the Lost Coast. The drive from Ferndale to Mattole Campground was like entering another dimension," says Nathan P. The combination of mountains and shoreline creates unique riding opportunities unavailable in inland locations.
Spacious camping areas: Most equestrian sites offer more room than standard campsites. "Very large spaces but, don't accept to see any trees," notes Ioan P. from Samoa Boat Ramp County Park. This additional space accommodates trailers, corrals, and gear storage necessary for horse camping.
Weather considerations: Coastal fog and temperature fluctuations affect riding conditions year-round. "Be prepared for weather changes and cooler weather, it can change rapidly," advises David M. Riders should pack layers and rain gear even during summer months.
Road conditions: Many horse camps require travel on unpaved or narrow roads. "Road is narrow and steep with low hanging trees. The further I got down it the more uncomfortable I got," cautions Jules S. about access to Lacks Creek BLM. Large horse trailers may have difficulty accessing some locations.
Reservation requirements: Book equestrian sites well in advance during peak season. "Reservations are required and should be secured well in advance," particularly for designated horse camps with limited availability between May and October.
Safety procedures: Establish clear guidelines for children around horses. "Bear canister is required if you do not have access to a site with a bear locker," reminds Sharon B. about Elam Backcountry Camp. This applies to food storage for both humans and horse feed in wilderness areas.
Alternative activities: Provide options for non-riders in your group. At Humboldt County Fairgrounds, "Walked around Ferndale and had great Mexican food. The coffee shop in town was super cool and cozy," reports Maureen F. Many horse camps are located near towns with family-friendly attractions.
Beginner-friendly trails: Select appropriate routes for younger or inexperienced riders. "The spots are level, it felt safe enough. Quiet. Close to Ferndale, which is Must See," suggests a reviewer about Humboldt County Fairgrounds, which provides access to gentler terrain suitable for novice riders.
Horse trailer parking: Verify space availability for combined rig length. "The roads accessing the camp accommodate large horse trailers and rigs, with ample parking available for vehicles with trailers," but not all campgrounds can accommodate the largest combined lengths.
Hookup options: Check utility connections specific to each equestrian campground. "30 amp and 50 amp power and water at each side," notes a visitor to Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Many horse camps offer limited or no hookups compared to standard RV parks.
Corral facilities: Confirm available horse containment options before arrival. At Elk Country RV Resort, "We stayed on the 'meadow' side where the elk roam through your campsite," explains Nicole B. Some campgrounds provide individual corrals while others require portable containment systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Essex, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Essex, CA is Lacks Creek BLM with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Essex, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Essex, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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