13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horseshoe Meadow Campground accommodates horse riders with backcountry access 10 miles southwest of Independence. The equestrian-specific camping areas include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, making it suitable for overnight stays before mountain trail rides. The campground connects directly to Sierra high country trails with designated parking areas for horse trailers. Sites remain open seasonally, typically closing during winter months when mountain access becomes limited due to snow. The campground maintains clean toilets and trash service while providing essential amenities for riders preparing for backcountry excursions.
Trail access from Independence's surrounding horse-friendly camping areas leads directly into Inyo National Forest's extensive network of wilderness routes. The adjacent Horseshoe Meadow area serves as a popular starting point for equestrians heading into the Golden Trout Wilderness and John Muir Wilderness areas. The high elevation location at approximately 10,000 feet requires proper acclimatization for both horses and riders. Whitney Portal locations further north provide additional horse-accessible trails with views of Mt. Whitney, though terrain becomes increasingly challenging at higher elevations. Horse riders frequently comment on the quality of the high mountain meadows for grazing breaks during day rides from established campsites. Permits may be required for overnight wilderness camping beyond the established horse campgrounds.
"I loved hearing the creek just 30 feet away from my campsite. The views were fantastic and the CG was near the rock formations and trails. Vault toilets clean, no water."
"Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."
"Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."
from $34 - $95 / night
Check Availability"It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food. The views of Mt."
"We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms."
from $34 - $81 / night
Check Availability"First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue."
"I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!"
"Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."
"Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets."
"We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail. It’s so beautiful!!"
"This is one of my favorite here in sequoia national park south entrance by gen hi way. Park rangers were so helpful at the entrance and they are well organized."
"The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off. Plenty of tree coverage for both some shade and to hang your food."
"We are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms."
"The tap outside the building didn't work and neither did the water fountain. The host was not there for check-in."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Very close to downtown. It is an open field, some might feel a bit exposed. Very nice staff & clean facilities."
"Campsites near office and fairgrounds have dump stations if there is an open site. Currently the gas station in town that normally has a station is closed"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideGreat for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!
LegendWe didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.
GuideBy far the best campground I've been too.
I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead
GuideWe are working out way north through CA and Horse Creek was in a convenient spot. Site very clean and well managed and overall its a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms. A number of large groups around the site which looks fun but it felt more like an urban park than being in nature.
GuideAbsolutely loved Kings Canyon! Nice sites however not many are level. Lots of bathrooms but no showers. Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available.
GuideWe decided to come in the off season in February and we got lucky with weather. Low tonight is only supposed to be in the upper 30s. Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal. One bathroom is still open and the general store and restaurant are right around the corner. Plus, only $10 a night!
GuideWe recently backpacked to the summit of MT Whitney. On the way to the summit there are several options for overnight camping. Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls. This is the last place you can camp without a Whitney zone overnight permit. Outpost camp is your next option at mile 3.8. Flat and shady with meandering streams and a waterfall, this is a beautiful place to stop for the night. Trail Camp is located at mile 6.3. Surrounded by tall, jagged granite peaks, and edged by a beautiful alpine lake, Trail Camp is awe inspiring. Trail Camp is about 12,000 ft elevation, so be prepared to camp at high altitude. If you can swing it, taking your time to ascend slowly, and camping along the way for at least a couple of nights will make your MT Whitney experience truly unforgettable.
GuideMany campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes.
TravelerAzelea campground is in the center location for Grant's cove with both General grant tree as well as the village just a hike away or minutes by driving, the location is awesome but some of the features of the camp site are lacking compared to other sites. The main issue is the lack of bathroom sites as in the winter time azelea only has one bathroom building which depending on your location can be a huge drag as our site was pretty far away from it.The camp sites are also right on top of each other so be prepared to get pretty comfy with your neighbor. The site did allow camp fires which was great and the village featured a store that provided anything you could need. All in all as long as you have a location close to the bathroom you'll be golden and the location is awesome to getting anywhere in kings canyon.
Equestrian camping near Independence, California centers around the Sierra Nevada high country with access elevations at approximately 10,000 feet. Multiple trail systems connect directly to wilderness areas suitable for multi-day horse packing adventures. Summer temperatures typically range between 40-80°F, requiring both horses and riders to properly acclimate to the altitude before attempting challenging trails.
High altitude day rides: At Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, riders can access backcountry trails without overnight permits. "We spent the day backpacking to check out spots for a future trip. We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail. It's so beautiful!" reports Taylor.
Alpine lake access: Golden Trout Wilderness offers multiple water access points for horses. At Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites, "The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off. Plenty of tree coverage for both some shade and to hang your food," notes Elliott B., making it suitable for short stops during rides.
Acclimatization rides: Plan shorter initial rides when visiting from lower elevations. "The high elevation location requires proper acclimatization for both horses and riders" before attempting longer routes. Start with 2-3 mile loops before advancing to full-day excursions, especially during peak summer months when temperatures rise.
Designated trailer parking: Horseshoe Meadow Campground features "walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips. There are campsites spread around the meadow with picnic tables and bear boxes," according to Cheryl C., with space for trailers at the meadow edge.
Mountain meadow access: Horseshoe Meadow offers natural grazing opportunities. "Beautiful meadow right before the trailhead! We had lunch here in the meadow, very beautiful," says Taylor. These open areas provide natural rest stops where horses can graze under supervision.
Efficient basecamp setup: The campground layout supports practical horse management. "Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes," notes Katie H., describing the functional layout for equestrian needs.
Bear precautions: All camps require proper food storage for both human and horse supplies. At Whitney Portal, "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service," warns Jeff V.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Spring brings water crossings while late summer trails become dusty and dry. Trails may contain rock falls after winter thaw requiring careful navigation with horses.
Limited cell coverage: Communication becomes unreliable at higher elevations. "I didn't have cell service at this campsite, but other areas up near the portal do have limited service, but also the city of lone Pine is about a 15 minute drive down the mountain," reports Elise F.
Water availability fluctuates: Water sources for horses may be limited late season. Natural creeks flow strongest May through July, with diminished flow by late August.
Gradual altitude introduction: When bringing children and horses, stage your ascent. At Lone Pine Campground, "Stayed here a few days before hiking Whitney. Great place to acclimate, second to Whitney portal campground," advises Vanessa H., which applies equally to equestrian preparation.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing combines with riding lessons. "Coyotes, fox, deer and if you hike high enough you might see some bighorn sheep. The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights," describes Michael A., highlighting natural learning experiences.
Child-friendly riding areas: For families with young riders, meadow areas provide safer terrain. "It's a great spot to get away from summer heat at 10,000 feet. Vault toilets, water spigots. Lots of hiking," notes Cheryl C., mentioning facilities convenient for families.
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly requiring layered clothing. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms while morning temperatures remain cool even in July and August.
Limited large rig access: Most equestrian sites accommodate smaller trailer/truck combinations better than large RVs. "Good for tents, not for campers. Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle," reports Kristian W. about Tuttle Creek Campground.
Water and dump station access: Services operate seasonally. "Just a couple miles from the Alabama Hills. $10 a night BLM campground. Vault toilets. Both water and dump station are closed 80+ sites and all have great views. But no shade," explains Rick L., highlighting infrastructure limitations.
Advance weather monitoring: High elevation camping requires preparation for rapid weather shifts. Summer temperatures can drop 30 degrees between day and night, requiring proper insulation for horse trailers with living quarters.
Backup camping options: "Alabama Hills Dispersed Site offers alternatives when established campgrounds fill. "Easy to find at night, even had a fire ring. Road is sandy but with clearance is fine," notes Stephanie R., providing overflow options for those hauling horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Independence, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Independence, CA is Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills with a 4.6-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Independence, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Independence, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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