Best Equestrian Camping near Etna, CA
Carter Meadows Horse Campground and Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground provide dedicated equestrian facilities near Etna, California. Located within the Klamath National Forest, these seasonal campgrounds operate from June through October. Carter Meadows features basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables while allowing horses and pets. The sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space for vehicles and equipment. Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground offers drinking water and water hookups for campers with horses, though it does not have horse corrals. Both campgrounds are reservable through the Forest Service reservation system, allowing riders to secure spots during peak riding seasons.
Trail access from these equestrian campgrounds connects riders to extensive networks in the Trinity Alps Wilderness and Marble Mountain Wilderness areas. The well-maintained trails from Lovers Camp Trailhead provide access to Marble Valley and Sky High Lakes, popular destinations for pack trips. Riders should note the seasonal operation limitations, as mountain weather conditions restrict access outside the summer and early fall months. The campgrounds serve as ideal base camps for day rides or multi-day pack trips. Both facilities maintain a rustic character with minimal development, preserving the natural setting that attracts equestrians to this remote region of Northern California. The beautifully secluded location offers wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer and other forest animals frequently observed near the camping areas.
