3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Dru Barner Campground in Eldorado National Forest accommodates equestrians with dedicated horse corrals and spacious campsites designed for trailers. The campground features 48 sites without hookups in a secluded forest setting, providing a peaceful environment for horse owners and their animals. Trails directly accessible from the campground offer excellent riding opportunities through the El Dorado National Forest. The campground maintains clean vault toilets and provides drinking water, making it suitable for extended stays. Many equestrians return regularly for its combination of horse facilities and direct trail access, making it one of the stronger horse campground options in the region.
Located approximately 6 miles from Georgetown, Sly Park Recreation Area offers another quality option for horse camping near Forest Knolls. The recreation area provides access to extensive trail systems, including a 9.5-mile lake loop trail suitable for horseback riding. Horse trailer parking is available at designated areas, allowing easy access to trailheads. Water access points throughout the park enable horses to drink and cool off during hot weather. The campground maintains clean facilities and camp hosts regularly check the grounds to ensure everything remains in good condition. Equestrians particularly appreciate the combination of lake access and forest trails, creating diverse riding experiences from a single base camp. The park's proximity to Sacramento (approximately one hour) makes it convenient for weekend trips while still providing a genuine forest camping experience.
"This is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. "
"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!"
Available next weekend
from $3 - $8 / night
"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 next weekend
from $28 - $48 / night
"This is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River. One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT."
"If you are looking for a small campground with full hookups, on the lake, close to Table Mountain and Feather Falls, this is for you."
"Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The staff where we checked in were helpful with all of our questions about the area."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $36 / night
"Great walking trails group sites are great love it"
"With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."
from $20 / night
"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $160 / night
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. 👍🏼
GuideThis is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. Although this is a horse camp, anyone can camp here. It is primitive, but if you have your own toilet you'll be ok. Otherwise, you can use the old pit toilets provided. Because this is a horse camp, the sites are spacious. Kick back and enjoy.
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.
GuideWe love Wrights Lake, the kayaking and hiking are amazing
GuideThis is a small but,free camp site. Each camp site is spacious and has a metal firepit , picnic table. There is restroom in the middle of the camp sites. This is definitely bear country.....my first night i heard a bear. But there's also alot of deers,too. Cell service isn't great ....but I did get a bar or two with Verizon.
Equestrian camping near Forest Knolls, California offers access to multiple trail systems within national forests at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 feet. The Sierra Nevada foothills create varied terrain with both forested and lakeside camping options. Water availability can be limited at some sites during late summer and fall months, requiring campers to bring additional supplies.
Trail riding from camp: Several campgrounds maintain direct trail access for horses and riders. At Loon Lake, the surrounding area includes "the Rubicon trail and desolation wilderness start just past the last dam and sometimes there's a bit of traffic from the off roaders," as Rebecca E. notes. This creates diverse riding terrain within a short distance of camp.
Fishing opportunities: The American River and nearby lakes provide good fishing spots accessible from equestrian camps. At Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Jason A. shares that "if you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" The campground sits "right on the waters edge" with sites "literally on the edge of the river."
Seasonal rides: Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects for trail riding. According to one camper at Dru Barner Campground, "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare." Midweek visits during off-season provide more solitude on trails.
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse-friendly campgrounds provide more room than standard sites. At Dru Barner Campground, ProfG999 shares, "Corrals for horses. Wood to burn laying around everywhere. Rangers were very friendly and helpful when I came in... Back in or pull through sites."
Water access for horses: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for cooling horses after rides. Beals Point Campground features lake access points, with one camper noting it's a "beautiful location, great bike and hiking trails. Clean and safe area. Great place to bring the family."
Year-round availability: Unlike many high-elevation Sierra campgrounds, Ghost Mountain RV Campground remains accessible in shoulder seasons. One camper shares "There is a pool, and kids pool. Great showers, basketball courts, volleyball, you can bring your horse. Trails to ride a mountain bike ride or hike."
Water restrictions: Some campgrounds have intermittent water issues. Cheri S. notes about Dru Barner: "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality." Another camper mentions: "Hopefully they get water or lack there of figured out soon, other than that, perfect spot for 🐎 and campers alike."
Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season. At East Meadow Campground, one camper advises, "Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time." Planning ahead is essential.
Weather considerations: Temperature variations can be significant. At Bidwell Canyon Campground, a camper notes conditions change rapidly: "Unfortunately this weekend was 108 or so as highs, so it was a very hot weekend. The campground would likely be better in late September/October."
Beginner-friendly trails: Some campgrounds offer gentler trails suitable for younger riders. K.O. reports that Ruck-A-Chucky is "Perfect for tent camping. Right along the river. Very quiet and gorgeous. Good spot for families."
Swimming options: After riding, cooling off is a priority. At Sly Creek Campground, Renee A. shares, "We enjoyed our camping trip immensely and enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water. We took some video footage as well. There was a great fishing but we didn't catch anything."
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Dru Barner, campers report: "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds." Another mentions: "The near by Otter Creek Trail is a a nice day hike though a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek."
Site selection for trailers: Equestrian sites typically accommodate larger rigs but require careful positioning. Ron A. at East Meadow Campground advises, "First time there and we reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy. We ended up moving to site 4, had more room."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Kevin W. says about Ruck-A-Chucky, "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'." Always research road conditions before traveling with horse trailers.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian sites offer limited hookups. Ghost Mountain RV Campground provides "Water and Electricity only. There is Honeybucket truck that comes around Monday Wednesday and Friday. A dump station on site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Forest Knolls, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Forest Knolls, CA is Skillman Horse Camp with a 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Forest Knolls, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 equestrian camping locations near Forest Knolls, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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