L
Lani B.
Guide
GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Loads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
Equestrian Camping near Hensley Lake, CA
22 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Equestrian Campground near Hensley Lake provides the only dedicated horse camping in the immediate vicinity, offering primitive horse campsites with space for trailers and direct access to local riding trails. Located within Bureau of Land Management property, this campground accommodates tent camping with space for horse trailers and direct access to local riding trails. The site offers basic facilities without amenities like running water, electric hookups or designated corrals, requiring riders to bring portable corrals or highline equipment. Riders need to pack in all necessary water for themselves and their horses. The campground sits at approximately 37.08 longitude and 119.55 latitude, positioning it conveniently for trail access while maintaining separation from non-equestrian camping areas.
Trails surrounding the Equestrian Campground connect to extensive riding opportunities throughout the Hensley Lake region. The undeveloped nature of this campground appeals to experienced horse campers comfortable with primitive conditions. No reservations are available as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Riders must practice proper manure management and bring their own feed storage containers. For those seeking more amenities, Eastman Lake's Codorniz Recreation Area, located 15 miles north, offers more developed camping options though without dedicated horse facilities. The surrounding terrain features open grasslands and rolling hills typical of central California's lower elevation landscape, with green spring conditions turning to brown grasses during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hensley Lake (22)
1. COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
3. Wildcat Equestrian Group Area — Eastman Lake
from $60 / night
Check Availability4. Wildcat Recreation Area Campground — Eastman Lake
from $30 / night
Check Availability5. Big Sandy Campground
"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
6. Sweetwater
"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
from $41 - $43 / night
Check Availability7. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
from $48 / night
Check Availability8. Equestrian Campground
9. Fish Creek (CA)
from $41 - $43 / night
Check Availability10. Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground
Drive Time
- 50 min from Fresno, CA
- 52 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 27 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 30 min from Hanford, CA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hensley Lake
1 Photos of 22 Hensley Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hensley Lake
177 Reviews of 22 Hensley Lake Campgrounds
Rav H.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
This is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Nick B.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great dispersed spot
We came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
Hans V.
RangerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close to Yosemite
Many spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
- mmegan L.
TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Spacious sites in the forest
Tons of sites, some more secluded than others, with rings for fires. The location is great as it’s a 6 minute drive from the Mariposa South Entrance to Yosemite. Love being surrounded by pine trees! If you plan accordingly you can snag a secluded spot which makes the experience even better!
- Chisiya R.
ScoutRiverland RV Resort
Ok for one night
We stayed a week here, at first it was good, nice enough place. Our spot was a lot of sand. The bathrooms were full of cobwebs and spiders. The website looks promising, offering a pool, jacuzzi and restaurant. There is no restaurant, the pool doesnt get covered so its filthy, and the "jacuzzi" was filled with algae.
We came on a friday night, the quiet time is not enforced. The river was nice, however the entire length of it was taken up by boats. We hardly found a spot to swim in. We were located in site 10, at the very end in a cul de sac type lay out. Its a gated park so you need a code to enter. We locked our bikes up every single night and the one and only night we forgot, 2 out of our 4 bikes got stolen (mine and my partners, the kids were left) We asked for the surveillance as our site was in direct view of the camera and the office had told us their cameras all of a sudden stopped working around midnight but were working again that morning. Such a strange coincidence! They didnt seem apologetic. We had permanent residence come to talk to us and said they've never had theft issues, if you looked around most people had their personal belongings out every night. The place was very suspicious, I'd check out other options but also if staying a quick night it would be ok. Its right off the highway and really easy to get back on the road. We found a little lizard, and little frogs. However there is cockroaches running everywhere.
The people we met there, and the residents were so awesome, which is why it got 2 stars. The staff however, not so much.
Do not leave belongings unattended!!
- RRedGuide
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Dry Camp Goat Meadows!
Excellent spot 7 min from the Yosemite South Wawona Entrance. Im staying at a dispersed camping spot in late July and there is level, paved parking with tent camping spots. Thankful they had porti-pottys (due to an event, not normal) and bear-proof trash receptacles as bears did visit while camping here! No water access, however you can fill up bottles from the drinking fountains at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center right past the park entrance. ENJOY!
Sabrina V.GuideBridalveil Creek Campground — Yosemite National Park
Double check your reservation
Absolutely beautiful campground. 40 min or more to Yosemite valley. Very quiet, no reception, pick your own firewood (not sold at campground but at the Valley), no showers but flushing toilets and plenty of water. Boulders throughout the campground and the occasional bear strolling through. Check in and check out required. Also bring warm clothing and sleeping bags for the night.
Jeff B.TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Excellent spot with lots of spaces!
We stayed here to get to Yosemite. The entrance is super close but you are about 45-60 minutes to get to Yosemite valley, but the drive is beautiful. There are plenty of sites we have a travel trailer about 26’ but I saw campers from tents to a 5th wheel out here. There are some dumpsters nearby for use. The dirt here is red and loose so you do have to worry about getting dusty.
Guide to Hensley Lake
Horseback riding trails wind through the rugged terrain surrounding Hensley Lake, located at approximately 500 feet elevation in California's Sierra Nevada foothills. The region experiences hot summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September, while spring offers milder conditions with wildflower blooms. Winter camping remains available though facilities are limited and rainfall can make trail access challenging.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Riders seeking alternatives to the Equestrian Campground can explore trails at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, which accommodates horse trailers in its open areas. "There were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between," notes Kevin T., highlighting the ample parking available for equestrian visitors.
Fishing access points: The lake serves as an irrigation reservoir with fluctuating water levels that impact fishing conditions throughout the year. At COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground, located 15 miles north, campers report good fishing conditions despite seasonal changes. One visitor noted, "This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good."
Wildlife viewing: Spring and fall provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Tom D. observed at Codorniz that "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen." The open grasslands around Hensley Lake support diverse wildlife populations that vary seasonally.
What campers like
Quieter camping alternatives: For those who find the primitive conditions at Hensley's Equestrian Campground too basic, Big Sandy Campground offers a stream-adjacent camping experience with slightly more amenities. "Very peaceful and clean, the bathrooms where kept well and camp host was very freindly. Has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water," reports Leon G.
Spring wildflower displays: The rolling grasslands surrounding Hensley Lake transform during spring months. About the nearby area, Erik J. observed, "Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning. Situated among rolling hills that are luscious green in the spring, this campsite is quiet and packed full of things to do."
Uncrowded camping experience: The remote nature of Hensley Lake's equestrian sites provides separation from typical recreational crowds. "This COE is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic," notes Tom D. about Codorniz, a similar Corps-managed property.
What you should know
Summer heat considerations: The low elevation of Hensley Lake means extreme summer temperatures are common. Erik J. from Sweetwater mentions similar conditions: "We stayed one night for $24. The managers were very kind, accessible, and knowledgeable. The pit toilet facilities were clean."
Water availability planning: Pack sufficient water for both horses and humans when using the Equestrian Campground. There are no water spigots or running water sources at the site itself. Fred H. recommends, "There was easily accessible water for cooking, drinking, etc." at some alternative campgrounds in the region, but not at all primitive sites.
Trail condition variations: Trail conditions change dramatically between seasons. After winter rains, some access roads may become impassable or require high-clearance vehicles. At sites like Big Sandy, Rosina A. warns, "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck."
Tips for camping with families
Best seasons for family visits: For families considering equestrian camping near Hensley Lake, spring offers the most pleasant conditions. Haley M. describes similar timing benefits at Codorniz: "The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome). There is also a nice playground for the kids too."
Wildlife safety education: Prepare children for encounters with regional wildlife including snakes. "We were warned that rattle snakes are out, but we were fortunate not to see any ourselves. There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs," cautions Haley M.
Alternative swimming locations: Hensley Lake's shoreline varies seasonally. One visitor at Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground notes: "These sites make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters. We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup alternatives: While Hensley Lake's Equestrian Campground lacks RV hookups, Sequoia RV Park provides full-service alternatives within regional driving distance. "Lots of room to get around. Grassy large spots with full hook ups," notes Rick L.
Road access challenges: RV campers should scout routes before attempting to reach equestrian areas with larger rigs. Matt K. cautions about regional conditions: "Fortunately, was exploring with just the jeep for a campsite. Would have had a really hard time getting turned around with teardrop trailer."
Generator restrictions: Unlike some developed campgrounds, the Equestrian Campground area has limitations on generator use. Campers at North Pines note similar challenges: "The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don't know why they need to run them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Hensley Lake?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hensley Lake is COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Hensley Lake?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hensley Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Hensley Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring