Equestrian camping near Lassen National Forest offers access to over 150 miles of marked trails across varied terrain from 4,000 to 8,200 feet in elevation. The forest encompasses 1.2 million acres within Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during the day, with significantly cooler conditions in spring and fall months when many horse campers prefer to visit.
What to do
Trail riding through volcanic landscapes: Lassen Volcanic National Park provides unique riding opportunities through ancient lava flows and past thermal features. At Butte Lake Campground, riders can access the Cinder Cone trail. As reviewer Patricia O. notes, "It's right by Cinder Cone (amazing views up top), Butte Lake and many nice hiking destinations."
Creek fishing with horses: Several campgrounds offer fishing access where you can ride to fishing spots. According to a visitor at Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, "The Hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!"
Multi-day backcountry routes: Pack trips can be arranged from numerous staging areas. As one camper at Black Rock Campground explains, "Hiking is good going up or down Mill Creek. Fly fishing good and rarely more than one other camp used."
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Many sites accommodate large trailers despite posted length restrictions. A camper at Antelope Lake Recreation Area shares, "Most sites are pretty good sized and offer some privacy with tree coverage. Would recommend booking reservable on-the-water sites well in advance."
Seasonal color changes: Fall offers spectacular views with changing aspen leaves. One visitor at Soldier Meadows Campground describes it as "a gem of a campground! Located just 15 minutes from the oh so popular Lake Almanor, Soldier Meadows is a peaceful campground nestled among towering pines and a babbling brook."
Water access for cooling horses: Several campgrounds feature creek or lake access where horses can drink and cool off. At Whitehorse Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here."
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Mountain elevations mean rapid temperature changes. A Black Rock Campground visitor advised, "We went in late may and the weather was perfect for traditional camping activities. The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must."
Road conditions to horse camps: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. One camper reported, "The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor."
Water planning essential: Natural water sources may be unreliable in late summer. As Laura F. notes about Snake Lake Campground, "Great place to camp. Easy to get to, maybe 15 minutes from town. Hiking, 4 wheeling, fishing. One of my favorite places to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can spot deer, birds, and small mammals. At Butte Lake, Moni R. observed, "Make sure to read the signs about the wildlife and take the advice of how to store food seriously. We saw a bear just a mile outside the campground."
Swimming options for kids: Several lakes offer family-friendly swimming areas. A visitor to Antelope Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Water is warm enough to swim June-August. Great fishing! Vaulted toilets were very clean."
Evening activities: With minimal light pollution, stargazing is exceptional. According to Erin C., "Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day. We have done both tent only and loop A and don't have many complaints."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups for horse trailers with living quarters. Jason D. from Hat Creek Resort noted, "Stayed at a full hookup site in my 22 foot travel trailer. We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy."
Road access limitations: Some forest roads have tight turns or rough sections. A Butte Lake Campground visitor warns, "The road getting in you need a suv not a car. It's very bumpy lots of pot holes."
Supply planning: Most horse camps are remote with limited services. As mentioned by Kristi D., "We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park for closed for the season and what a nice surprise. They had a little grocery store with ice cream. 20 minutes to a grocery store."
