Bogard Campground provides equestrian sites with dedicated horse corrals at individual campsites, allowing riders to camp with their horses in Lassen National Forest. Located approximately 15 miles from the eastern entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park, this free campground offers primitive camping with vault toilets and hand-pumped water when available. The campsites are spacious and well-spaced, providing ample room for horse trailers. The campground sits among towering pines and aspens, with Pine Creek flowing nearby. Sites include steel fire pits and picnic tables, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping with horses. Most sites can accommodate trailers up to 25 feet, though the area appears spacious enough for larger rigs.
The surrounding area offers multiple trail riding opportunities through Lassen National Forest, with several forest service roads and paths accessible directly from the campground. Seasonal considerations are important when planning equestrian camping trips, as the campground is not maintained during winter months despite remaining open year-round. Spring and early summer bring higher bug activity, particularly mosquitoes, while fall offers spectacular aspen colors with fewer insects. Water access can be limited, especially late in the season, so riders should bring adequate water for themselves and their horses. Pine Creek provides a water source for filtering when flowing. The campground's location offers a peaceful base camp for exploring the region, including day rides to nearby PCT sections. Riders particularly appreciate the quiet atmosphere compared to more popular camping destinations near Lake Almanor.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 / night
"Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."
"Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"
"There are some nice places to fish that are just a short walk from the campsites and the campsites are nicely shaded to help cut the heat during the day. We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs."
"Just a short drive down a forest service dirt road and you'll find yourself at Soldier Meadows---a gem of a campground!"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $31 / night
"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."
"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
from $15 / night
"It's close to the lake and market. We love to get ice cream before dinner :) Only negative - not all of the spaces have bear boxes and we had a nice visitor one morning."
"It'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."
ScoutIt’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
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.
GuideNice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP
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.
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.
LegendNice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!
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..we had some ice cream. It was delicious.
They had the cutest little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area. Great little spot! We would absolutely come back. Internet on my phone was hit or miss outside. They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day. 12 minute drive to Park entrance. Otherwise, you are in the middle of nowhere. 20 minutes to a grocery store. Beautiful spot!
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.
GuideIt's a great place to camp out of the way from all the other campgrounds in Lassen Park. Just beware of the 5 mile gravel road into camp. The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water.
RangerThis was a very peaceful campground, given it was in a popular National Park. The setting is very open, with tall pines and no undergrowth, but the sites are far apart. There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits. The latrines are very nice with running water and toilets. The toilet houses are the only place you can get drinking water and there are only about four locations. 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. There is a campground host, but we had no interaction.
I was there in late July and the lake was great (cold, not numbing) for swimming. Several people launched kayaks and lots of people did the many hikes around the area. Not really a place for riding bikes.
The campground is at the end of a six-mile gravel road. Not too dusty or bumpy. Maybe that is why it wasn't so populated.
For those looking for boondock sites, the first five miles are National Forest with several side roads.
Equestrian camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park offers rustic accommodations in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The region experiences warm summer days with cool nights and occasional thunderstorms from July through September. Forest Service roads throughout Lassen National Forest provide access to numerous equestrian-friendly campsites where riders can explore volcanic landscapes.
Trail riding at Black Rock: Access miles of riding trails through Lassen National Forest directly from camp. "This campground made for a great overnight getaway trip... There are some nice places to fish that are just a short walk from the campsites and the campsites are nicely shaded to help cut the heat during the day. We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs," reports Alissa C. about Black Rock Campground.
Explore volcanic features: Ride from camp to view lava fields, cinder cones, and volcanic formations. "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! Don't forget to visit the nearby Lava Tubes and geothermal sights," notes Laura F. about Butte Lake Campground.
Connect to PCT sections: Several equestrian camps near Lassen provide access to Pacific Crest Trail sections. "My wife and I and two dogs stayed at campsite 51. Wonderful site with hook ups. easy to find and loved the proximity to the PCT," writes Robert W. about camping at Hat Creek Resort.
Spacious campsites: Horse-friendly campsites typically offer more room for trailers and equipment. "The campsites are huge, with lots of room to spread out. There is no water at this campsite, but if you bring your filtration system you can get water just steps away from your campsite," describes Amy C. about Soldier Meadows Campground.
Quiet atmosphere: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peaceful settings away from crowded areas. "Just a short drive down a forest service dirt road and you'll find yourself at Soldier Meadows—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," notes Amy C.
Water access: Campsites near creeks or lakes allow horses to drink and cool off after rides. "The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water," explains Jeff B. about Butte Lake.
Road conditions: Many equestrian campgrounds require travel on unpaved forest roads. "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," warns Kaye S. about Black Rock Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Most horse camps in the Lassen area close during winter months due to snow. "Despite the remote location and the bumpy gravel road to get to this park, it is a very popular campground. Advanced reservation is a must," advises Moni R. about Butte Lake Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all campsites. "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. The bear messed with the campground dumpster but left everything else alone," reports Sarah J. about Whitehorse Campground.
Beginner-friendly trails: Several areas offer shorter loops suitable for young riders. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day," notes Erin C. about Whitehorse Campground.
Swimming opportunities: After riding, kids can cool off in nearby lakes or creeks. "I was there in late July and the lake was great (cold, not numbing) for swimming. Several people launched kayaks and lots of people did the many hikes around the area," reports Bill T. about Butte Lake.
Insect preparation: Bug spray is essential during summer months at horse camps. "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," cautions Alissa C. about Black Rock Campground.
Trailer access considerations: Not all equestrian campsites accommodate larger horse trailers with living quarters. "We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft. The campsites are spacious and well maintained," states Laura F. about Butte Lake Campground.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Lassen offer primitive camping with few amenities. "The sites are large and spaced far apart and shady. The lake is only a short walk away and great for swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding. The lake is surrounded by lava and the beach has been formed by volcanic material," explains Moni R.
Water supply planning: Water sources may be limited or require filtration at horse camps. "There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits. The latrines are very nice with running water and toilets. The toilet houses are the only place you can get drinking water and there are only about four locations," advises Bill T. about Hat Creek Resort & RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lassen Volcanic National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lassen Volcanic National Park is Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Lassen Volcanic National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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