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Meadow View Equestrian Campground offers six well-spaced campsites designed for horse owners, located approximately 15 minutes from Frenchman Lake. Each site includes a bear box, fire pit, and picnic table, with dedicated horse corrals available near the campground entrance. The dirt and gravel access road remains manageable for trailers and RVs up to 25 feet, though some creative maneuvering may be required when backing into sites due to the compact loop layout. Non-potable water is available from a hand-pumped spigot at the campground entrance, and pit toilets are maintained during the regular season from mid-April through mid-September. The campground offers plenty of tall pine trees providing a mix of sun and shade, creating natural separation between sites for added privacy. Though officially designated as an equestrian campground, it welcomes all campers, particularly during off-season when visitation remains low.
Trail access directly from the campground allows riders to explore miles of surrounding forest service roads and trails on horseback, ATV, or hiking. The large meadow adjacent to the campground provides an excellent landmark and open space for horses to exercise when not contained in the corrals. Though officially listed for trailers up to 25 feet, the sites can accommodate larger rigs with careful positioning. The Doyle Grade Road approach offers better conditions than the route from Frenchman Lake, with less dirt road travel and a smoother surface for those hauling horse trailers. During summer months, campers should be prepared for abundant horseflies in late morning and early afternoon. The campground's secluded location ensures peaceful camping experiences even on weekends, with many visitors noting they often had the entire campground to themselves. No cell service is available from major carriers, adding to the genuine wilderness experience.
"Mind you this lake isn’t far from Reno, NV and surrounding valleys so it can get quite rowdy at night during peak season. Would not recommend for families looking for a quiet, serene getaway."
"The lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and splashing around."
"It all gave me the feeling I was one with the nature all around me. The camp also represents and embodies that same unity."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses."
"Officially this is listed as an equestrian campground. We were there during the off season so no one else was around. The campground was quiet and peaceful."
"There is also a water access to go easing and a few deep spots for swimming. There are also 3 Poké stops and a gym for Pokémon Go players."
"Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."
"Stayed at Butte Lake for two nights in late June 2022. None of the campsites has an unobstructed lake view, but it’s a short walk to the day use area on the shore."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"I think there's good privacy even though you can see that there are other campers around. There are tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and bear boxes."
"camp spots (fairly level), beautiful area with lots of trees, a lovely creek running through the back of of the campground, clean bathrooms, just 25 minutes from Reno and three miles from Frenchman's Lake"
from $34 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"Walking trails connect to the campground! What a delight and right near Bucks Lake!
It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night.""Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day."
from $31 / night
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GuideGreat CG, bigger than expected but spots are spread out. Cool pine forest, pretty lake, Cinder Cone Hike worth the sweat for the views. Stayed in site 8, not super level for a van, but made it work.
ScoutOverall, this is a pretty good campsite for a classic, peaceful, and relaxing nature experience, especially for those who like to escape from technology and listen to the sound of flowing water. Grow a Garden is also one of the farm-themed recreational activities that is very suitable for bonding with each other.
LegendThis place is a great place to camp with or without horses.
Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore.
There is a water but must be hand pumped from the well and boiled.
Only 6 sites here, not very level but easy to fix with blocks. This campground is in an area that burned but no damage to the campground. Plenty of tall pine trees, hang a hammock and chill.
There are corals for horses near the campground.
We were the only people there on a Friday afternoon.
Came in from Frenchman Lake and out on Doyle Grade Rd. Of the two we will go back on Doyle Grade Road, not as much dirt road and in better condition.
GuideWe spent the weekend here and camp host were great. Bathrooms were clean. Only downside was no dump or fresh water and it’s a 30+ minute drive to town. Biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road. Other than that everything was great. Fishing was good. Clean camp.
GuideThe drive was nice once you get past the burn scar. There was no one around so it was peaceful and the weather was decent. There are just a few spots but plenty of room for trailer parking. There is a bathroom and bear box. Pack it in and out for trash.
ScoutWe had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.
ScoutIt's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
GuideWe live about 35 minutes away in Reno. We decided to practice camping with our new travel trailer at this campground. We have never camped even in a tent. The sites are paved. They are all back in sites. There's good room between sites. I think there's good privacy even though you can see that there are other campers around. There are tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and bear boxes. There's a shallow stream and access to it for the campsites along one side of the campground. There's a camp host by the entrance. It's hard to see the entrance to this campground because the sign is not close to the street. If you get to Frenchman Lake about 10 minutes away, you've gone too far. We've never had any cell signal with ATT at this campground. It's a very easy drive from Reno. We go there all spring and summer for quick getaways.
GuidePerfection. It was early October, and while the AM Temps dropped to 32°F. I wanted to stay one more day. The toilet needed pumping out, to be expected at the end of the season. The water pump didn't produce, I had plenty. I recommend bringing enough to wash with as well as drink. This time of year, the creek was a babbling brook. For the 5 days I stayed, at most 3 campers, and one only stayed one night. Very peaceful, just what the doctor odered. Road is very easy to get down. I look forward to going back. However, I am posting a picture of a notice posted at the entrance. I would not pay for this campsite. It was perfect for what it was. If they do start charging, then I believe it would not be worth it.
Meadow View Equestrian Campground sits on forest service land at 4,900 feet elevation, approximately 15 miles from Janesville, California. The campground remains open from mid-April through mid-September, though access may continue outside this period when snow conditions permit. The surrounding Plumas National Forest offers extensive trail systems for horseback riding, ATV use, and hiking with minimal crowding even on summer weekends.
Trail riding: Access miles of forest service roads directly from Meadow View Equestrian Campground for horseback riding or ATVs. "Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore," notes Patricia N., who appreciated the direct trail access from campsites.
Swimming and fishing: Visit Frenchman Lake, approximately 15 minutes from Meadow View. The lake provides summer recreation opportunities with warm water temperatures. At Antelope Lake Recreation Area, "the water is warm enough to swim June-August. Great fishing!" according to Laura F.
Explore volcanic features: Lassen Volcanic National Park contains unique geological formations within driving distance. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it!" shares Laura F. about Butte Lake Campground.
Uncrowded campsites: Horse campgrounds near Janesville, California offer peaceful camping with minimal crowds. G M. reports about Meadow View: "The drive was nice once you get past the burn scar. There was no one around so it was peaceful and the weather was decent."
Natural separation: Whitehorse Campground provides tree cover for shade and privacy. Sarah J. notes, "The campgrounds is small, which was perfect. A total of 19 spaces, but on a Sunday night there were only 5 filled spaces. Trees and birds! Chipmunks! Walking trails connect to the campground!"
Wildlife viewing: The equestrian facilities near Janesville provide opportunities to observe forest wildlife. "Gorgeous spot with lots of wildlife. The lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and splashing around," says Megan R. about her experience at Antelope Lake Recreation Area.
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night. Just one night, when the night before the dumpsters were emptied," warns Sarah J. at Whitehorse Campground. Use the provided bear boxes at campsites for all food and scented items.
Road conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds have dirt access roads of varying quality. The approach to Snake Lake Campground is "About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes," according to Jim S.
Limited services: Most forest service campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Meadow View, "Water is available from an hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground," notes Laura M. Pack extra water containers for convenience as water sources may require walking or hand pumping.
Kid-friendly lakes: Taylorsville County Park offers water access with swimming areas suitable for children. Karissa R. mentions, "There are very nice and large spots for both Camper and Tent camping. There is also a water access to go easing and a few deep spots for swimming."
Bug preparation: Summer camping requires insect protection, particularly for children. Laura F. warns about Butte Lake Campground: "Mosquitoes were HUGE so don't forget bug spray!" Horseflies are common at Meadow View in late morning and early afternoon.
Alternative accommodations: For families seeking more comfort near Janesville equestrian areas, Lazzarini Farms offers glamping options. Joey L. appreciated "peace and quite with no large buildings and being on a private road. It all gave me the feeling I was one with the nature all around me."
Size limitations: Though designated for trailers up to 25 feet, careful positioning allows larger rigs at Meadow View. Laura M. notes, "The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site." Plan your approach strategy before arrival.
Water management: No dump stations exist at most forest service horse campgrounds. Bring extra containers for water storage and prepare to conserve water during your stay. Bill T. at Butte Lake Campground advises: "There is no way to hook up a hose, even with a water robber, so you have to fill jugs and carry from the sink."
Access roads: Select your approach route carefully when towing to horse camping areas near Janesville. Patricia N. recommends for Meadow View: "Came in from Frenchman Lake and out on Doyle Grade Rd. Of the two we will go back on Doyle Grade Road, not as much dirt road and in better condition."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Janesville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Janesville, CA is Antelope Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Janesville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Janesville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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