Joshcfi 
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GuideFallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Nice place if you can get a reservation
Super popular spot. A little tight if you have a larger trailer or motorhome. Plenty of trees for shade.
Equestrian Camping near Gold Run, CA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Dru Barner Campground offers equestrian accommodations for riders exploring the Georgetown area in Eldorado National Forest. Located on Bottlehill Road, this horse-friendly campground features corrals suitable for overnight horse stays with ample trailer parking. The campground maintains tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings adjacent to horse facilities, allowing campers to stay close to their animals. Water is not currently available at the facility, so equestrians must bring their own supply for themselves and their horses. The campground operates year-round with a serene forest setting that provides a quiet retreat even when occupied on weekends. Equestrian travelers note the campground's excellent location provides access to nearby forest trails for day rides.
Trail access from Dru Barner includes connecting routes to the Otter Creek Trail system where riders can explore elevation changes and scenic forest terrain. The campground sits approximately 15 minutes from Georgetown, offering convenient access to supplies if needed during extended stays. Riders appreciate the feeling of remote forest camping while maintaining proximity to services. The surrounding El Dorado National Forest provides extensive trail networks suitable for horses of varying experience levels. Sites are well-spaced with room for horse trailers and camping equipment. Horse owners should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters including deer and wild turkeys in the area. Proper food storage is recommended as ants can become an issue if campers are careless with supplies around horses and campsites.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Gold Run (31)
1. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
"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!"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $3 - $8 / night
2. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area
"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."
3. Mumford Bar Trail Campground
"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."
4. Skillman Horse Camp
"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. "
5. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
"As full timers- we thought we hit the jackpot for the area in order to be near the towns we wanted to explore and also have service for good wifi."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $48 / night
6. Loon Lake
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $160 / night
7. Skillman
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $36 / night
8. Ghost Mountain RV Campground
"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."
9. East Meadow Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
10. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
"The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."
"From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $47 - $128 / night
Drive Time
- 50 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 8 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 39 min from Carson City, NV
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Gold Run, CA
8 Photos of 31 Gold Run Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gold Run, CA
191 Reviews of 31 Gold Run Campgrounds
- AAlice H.
ScoutBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Easy Access Camping
Easy 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.
- TTim S.Scout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Beautiful cared for campground
It’s hard to get a reservation, but it’s worth it if you can. Beautiful sites, decent showers, lovely staff. Recommend!
- bberlyn C.Scout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
EAT OUT
Was not aware lake tahoe was surrounded with all kinds of shops in the area we were staying in, extremely friendly people and so were the bears! Our first night a bear came right for our campsite as we were about to cook and took our eggs out of our cooler then invited its other fuzzy friend over. It was hard to cook our food as they were targeting our campsite so we went out to eat instead. The bears walked about the campsite for 6 hours probably but besides that bathroom was clean and so was the shower i felt really safe with other campsites close to me
Lee D.
LegendBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Lake fun near Sacramento
General: 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!
- HHolly C.
TravelerGhost Mountain RV Campground
Ghost mountain is a perfect family place
Our 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. - DDeannScout
Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe
Management
Daughter parked in empty site over night. At 9:30 three (pounding in our trailer)people yelling at us for parking that spot. The three people came into our camp yelling insisting we were not following rules. We told them we were happy to follow rules and moved car. They called the sheriff giving us two hours to leave. The host continued to lie about her conversation that night at 11 pm in the rain about leaving the car overnight due to it being late and unreserved.. She reported we would be cited but no mention immediate reason to kick us out(the campground is nearly empty due to weather rain/snow)The manager had no self control threatening and escalating the situation all over a parked vehicle. Diann the manager is threatening on a power trip with there was no issue but us moving a vehicle out of an unreserved spot. The camp ground in managed by people who threaten rather than ask you to do something different. As well if a bear comes into your site they come charging in at 11 pm charging you for leaving food out when there is none. Stay at Camp Richardson or State Park as the harassment here has sadly destroyed the family orientation.
John L.GuideAscension Ranch
Eagles Nest 🦅
We 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. 👍🏼
- HHope H.Guide
Skillman Horse Camp
Tall, Tall Trees
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. 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.
Guide to Gold Run
Dru Barner Campground serves as a key access point for equestrian activities in the El Dorado National Forest at approximately 3,200 feet elevation. The surrounding Gold Run area features mixed conifer forest with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 80s to winter lows below freezing. Access roads remain open year-round though occasional winter storms may temporarily limit accessibility.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The area surrounding Dru Barner connects to extensive trail networks. "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds" reports Lily S. about the wildlife visible when exploring from the campground. These natural encounters add value to riding excursions from this established equestrian base.
Waterfall hiking: Near Sly Park Recreation Area, visitors access waterfall trails requiring minimal hiking experience. "There is a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It's just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area," notes Michell C., highlighting the accessibility of natural features.
Gold panning: The Ruck-A-Chucky Campground area offers recreational gold panning opportunities. "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" explains Jason A., pointing to the continuing allure of the region's gold rush history.
What campers like
Lake access: Loon Lake provides exceptional water clarity for swimming and paddling. "Warm, clear water with sandy/grassy beaches all around," reports Jordyn A., noting that the lake remains less crowded than other Tahoe-area waters despite its appeal.
Winter camping options: Several horse campgrounds near Gold Run, California maintain winter accessibility. "Never been during peak (summer) but both times we have stayed here in winter and it was FANTASTIC!" shares Deanne S. about Dru Barner, highlighting year-round options for equestrians and other campers.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Beals Point Campground, Brian A. notes "GREAT cell service for working remotely. 5G with 5 bars," while most forest service campgrounds offer limited or no connectivity.
What you should know
Water availability: Many equestrian facilities in the region require campers to bring their own water supply. "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality," advises Cheri S. about Dru Barner, reinforcing the importance of carrying water for both humans and horses.
Seasonal considerations: Late summer presents specific challenges at horse campgrounds in the Gold Run area. "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," notes Cheri S., before warning about summer insect activity.
Primitive vs. developed options: Facilities vary widely between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. Eric D. explains that Mumford Bar Trail Campground offers "no water spigot" and reminds visitors to "pack it in, PACK IT OUT," highlighting the self-sufficiency needed at less developed sites.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: For family camping with horses, certain areas offer better spacing. "Sites have lots of space, table, fire ring and generally level drive pads," notes marcus K. about Fallen Leaf Campground, describing features that accommodate family groups with horses.
Beach access: When camping with children near equestrian areas, nearby swimming options provide alternative recreation. "We loved the bike paths all though out the area. Rode In to south Tahoe and had a great experience," shares Shane T., highlighting family-friendly activities beyond horse riding.
Weather preparation: The mountain elevation necessitates planning for temperature fluctuations. At sites like East Meadow Campground, Ron G. observes "bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site," demonstrating how conditions change throughout the season even at established equestrian facilities.
Tips from RVers
Backup power considerations: Many equestrian campgrounds lack hookups requiring self-sufficiency. Craig & Linda L. describe Ghost Mountain RV Campground as having "Water and Electricity only. There is Honeybucket truck that comes around Monday Wednesday and Friday. A dump station on site."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps frequently present challenges for large rigs. At Ruck-A-Chucky, Kevin W. cautions "the 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV)," indicating why many equestrians prefer smaller trailers in this region.
Reservation timing: RV spaces at equestrian facilities fill quickly during peak periods. "Book far in advance to get a spot in summer," advises marcus K. about Fallen Leaf Campground, a pattern consistent across horse campgrounds near Gold Run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Gold Run, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gold Run, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gold Run, CA is Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Gold Run, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gold Run, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 equestrian camping locations near Gold Run, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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