Horseshoe Meadow Campground offers equestrian-approved camping sites located near Keeler, California at 10,000 feet elevation in the Eastern Sierra. The campground serves as a strategic base for accessing multiple wilderness trails with terrain suitable for various skill levels. Sites include designated areas for horses with access to natural water sources along certain routes throughout the Inyo National Forest.
What to do
Explore Alabama Hills: Drive through distinctive rock formations just a few miles from Tuttle Creek Campground. "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," notes Rick L.
Fishing opportunities: Catch trout in seasonal streams and alpine lakes. "The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone. The camp was clean and bathrooms were good," reports Stacie M. about Kennedy Meadows Campground.
Summit preparation: Use the higher elevation campgrounds to acclimate before attempting mountain climbs. "Great if you are hiking Whitney as a base camp! The staff is friendly and helpful and the portal is just a few minutes away with the store and small restaurant," advises Andy H.
What campers like
High-altitude solitude: The remoteness at 10,000 feet provides peaceful surroundings and clear night skies. "The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights. Mainly a thru hikers stop or base camp for those venturing into the higher elevations for a few days," describes Michael A. about Horseshoe Meadow Campground.
Expansive terrain: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. "This is a 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. The campsites are spread well apart under the pines," notes Cheryl C.
Trail connectivity: Direct access to trails from campsites saves travel time. "Stepped in to a time space warp. Enchanted!! 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," writes Joan F. about Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is mandatory in all horse campgrounds near Keeler. "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. about Whitney Portal.
Water availability varies: Water sources may be shut off during certain seasons. "Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station," shares K L.
Wildlife encounters: Small animals can become issues at campsites. "Beautiful campground. We were in site 28. Clean pit toilets. Stunning views. But we were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them," warns Deb H.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with play features: Look for natural features that provide entertainment. "The campground was nice, quiet. There was a nice stream you could fish with some trout. There are a couple big boulders the kids can climb on and around," recommends Mark G. about Lone Pine Campground.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations cause significant day-to-night temperature changes. "At 7,600 ft., the nights dropped into the forties. A welcome break from the southern CA heat," notes Allison A.
Plan beginner hikes: Several shorter trails accommodate younger hikers. "Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes," mentions Katie H.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Many equestrian sites in this region require careful positioning. "This site is on Horseshoe Meadow Road about 1/2 mile north of the Tuttle Creek site. There are 3 legal spots with camping signs. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks," advises Kent G. about Alabama Hills Dispersed Site.
Water planning: RVers should carry all needed water as sources may be unreliable. "So I've camped there at least 25 times. A lot of there information here is no longer true. It does sit beside the lower fork of the Kern River. There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out."
Access limitations: Some roads leading to horse-friendly sites require careful navigation. "After a long drive on a forest service road we reached the campground. It's out there. We went in late summer after a particularly bad drought year but fires were allowed," shares Rick O.
