25 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside serves as a base camp for equestrian activities near Lee Vining, with spacious sites that accommodate horse trailers. The flat, open terrain provides natural areas for horses to rest between trail rides, though there are no permanent corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities. Several sites situated toward the back of the grounds offer better clearance for larger horse trailers, while spots closer to the main road work well for standard vehicles pulling smaller trailers. Dirt roads throughout the area remain generally passable for stock trailers, though some sections become dusty and rutted during peak season.
Located approximately 30 minutes from the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park, this free dispersed camping area connects riders to extensive trail networks in the Eastern Sierra. Horse owners must bring all necessary equipment including portable corrals, highlines, water troughs, and feed storage containers. No water sources exist on site for horses or humans, requiring careful planning for adequate supply. The surrounding forest service roads offer immediate riding opportunities with minimal traffic. Weekend activity from ATVs and dirt bikes creates temporary dust conditions that may affect sensitive horses. Riders report good accessibility to longer trails with views of the Sierra Nevada range from higher elevation points nearby.
"This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors. I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD. Most of the folks were in RVs. "
"The nearby lake was beautiful, especially in early morning, and it provided an entry and exit point to the quieter side of the CA wilderness, such as Ansel Adams Wilderness (for when you don't want to"
from $32 - $64 / night
Check Availability"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
"Easy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance. Nicely secluded but not many great open views in the area since it is in the Forrest among the trees."
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras."
"Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous. You'll have plenty of hikes to choose from, go fishing, or hit the slopes (biking during the summer and snowsports in the winter)."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"There were signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any. Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable."
"After driving around every overcrowded campground in mammoth lakes we were lucky enough to find this campsite on Dyrt. It had many open spots even in July with beautiful views of nearby mountains."
"It’s within walking distance to Lake Sotcher as well as Reds Meadow Pack station and trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile."
"These sites are well maintained and include fire pits, bear lockers and close access to restrooms, water and dumpster. Tree cover helps keep it cool."
"Some of the sites offer nice privacy and are tucked into trees and meadows. Only downside was the mosquitos but I know they are everywhere."
from $50 - $99 / night
Check Availability"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!"
"Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran."
"One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness on the North East boundary of Yosemite National Park. "
from $18 / night
Check Availability
GuideGreat location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious. Because it's an equestrian campground, you will smell the horses and stables....be prepared. The river is close to the campgrounds and are refreshing on a hot day.
ScoutClark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent “double sites” makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends. The 25 sites on Loop A offer vault toilets and cost $19 an night. Loop B sites offer flush toilets and cost $20 a night. There are also 14 nice family-sized equestrian sites and one group equestrian site. Sites are within easy walking distance of the water. No matter what kind of camping you want to plan, Clark's Fork offers options. A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful wooded campground is on the Stanislaus River, recommended for your fishing and scenic pleasure.
GuideBeen here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran. Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie.
Obsidian took a beating two cleaned up and they are still fixing some things. I would vonsider Obsidian more of a primitive campground, not dispersed but minimal.
Outhouse is clean, bring your own water, can get 5G/LTE here.
Tables, campfire rings, park at your site, tent, small camp trailer. At the end of the campground there is a bigger spot for groups.
Horsetrailer parking/camping across from campground in a turn around spot.
$12/Night for single unit $6/Night for extra vehicle
GuideI agree the road out is pretty scary I don't advise trailers but I have seen them while driving in. It is one lane and you must pull out for opposing traffic. But definitely one of my most favorite places in the Sierras. The views are amazing, I recommend giving yourself extra time to stop and get out for the views a few times on the way in.
Once in the campground/resort area there are two separate loops to camp in as well as cabins to rent and a small dispersed camping area there is also a general store, bath house, and small Cafe that are all seasonal since the road is closed most of the year. So open and close dates vary depending on snow. You can get firewood, drinking water at the store but it can be a little pricey, so I recommend bringing your own. The baths/showers are usually included for anyone paying for a campsite, but this may have changed. It is very cheap for day use persons to use the showers though. The sites are all very nice and surprisingly private though some are pretty close together. All provide a firepit, table, bear box, and parking space. I love that there are bear boxes at such a remote place! There are vault tiolets and dumpsters for trash. The river runs along one side of the campsites so about half of the sites are on the river. Bring extra bugspray for these sites as you are close to the water.
Most important if you made it this far reading 😅😂 there are multiple NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!! There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot. They also pump the natural mineral water to the bathhouse for the showers! The springs are the main reason to come out and camp. There are also tons of hiking trails and other lakes in the area including 2 thermal lakes and tons of breathtaking views. I highly recommend this place. 🏞🏕
Also: I have not personally stayed in the cabins or dispersed camping area only the paid sites along the river, but I have been here several times and have seen them. There is also a corral area for horses so I'm not sure if that qualifies it as an equestrian camp but there is a spot for the horses.
TravelerIf you wanna get away and camp next to a river and down a trail and shoot your gun or go fishing you can freedom you can horseback ride if you have horses he can fish there are fish there trout it's beautiful peaceful.
TravelerThis campground is in the heart of Yosemite Valley. It is great to camp on the valley floor, especially during peak season as traffic from all main gates to the valley floor is very congested. There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail. Shuttle stops at all valley attractions and you can easily get to the Pizza Deck in Half Dome Village, the deli in Yosemite Village, and many different hiking trails. Some spots are right along the Merced River. No showers here, but hot showers are close by at Half Dome Village. We will be back!
LegendIt is hard to get a Camping spot in Yosemite but well worth it if you do. I got up early many a morning to try and get a day here or there for our summer trips out west. You can always try the daily lottery in the village office which we did one day. So Any campground in the valley is good and in close proximity to everything going on. This campground is located on the Merced river and is primitive. The horse stables are in this loop as well.There is a water station by entrance to fill up. No electric, sewer or shower. There are bathrooms with an outlet (Yea- can charge your Phone but get in line) You can bathe in river like I do or go to curry village and pay for a shower at housekeeping. You get a fire ring and a bear box at each site. Generator hours are limited so plan accordingly.
GuideWe were lucky to get 5 days in a row during 4th of July weekend in 2021 at one of the best sites within North Pines campground. We set up camp at site #515, we had a fire pit, bear locker, picnic table and two tents! Within walking distance is the edge of the Merced river, from there you have views of Yosemite Falls. One of my favorite activities was take a short walk with a floating tube from the campsite to the entrance of the campground and hop into the river float back down and get off near our campsite! Our site also offered a good amount of shade and was a short walk from the restrooms. We were surround amongst the giant granite cliffs. One of the best camping trips with great company. 10/10 would recommend.
RangerThousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave. This view is absolutely beautiful, and it changes rapidly with the rising and setting sun so make you have your camera ready for it. This is completely back country so you gotta pack it all in. There are some rules you have to follow while camping at this lake, 30 feet off of the trail and then another 100 feet away from the water. This can be hard to do as your camp may be on a slant or in the wide open, however you have plenty of space to choose from at this location. There is another rule about camping past a certain peninsula but from everyone we talked to they had no idea which peninsula the map was actually referring to, so you just walk past a couple of them and hope you’re in the right spot. The water is very cold but still feels great after a long hike all day.
There are multiple routes to getting to this lake, you can come. The John Muir trail and the PCT lead to this location, also Mammoth California has a trail that leads here as well. We even encountered mule train options on our way in if you prefer that type of transportation. But this is definitely somewhere you want to visit.
Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside offers dispersed camping opportunities northwest of Lee Vining at approximately 7,800 feet elevation. Located in the Inyo National Forest, this area features pine forest terrain with both open meadows and wooded sections. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F while nights drop to 40-50°F, creating substantial temperature swings between day and night camping conditions.
Trail access near camp: Campers staying at Silver Lake Campground at June Lake can access extensive hiking networks. "Amazing star gazing! Hiked up a rock face and laid out for hours watching the stars. Awesome waterfall hike also!" reports Savannah L. The campground serves as a gateway to numerous trails with varying difficulty levels.
Fishing spots: For anglers, nearby lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities. Andy M. notes that "The fishing at silver lake was awesome," making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking to catch trout. Most fishing spots are within a 30-minute drive from Lee Vining horse camping areas.
Hot springs exploration: The region offers natural hot springs for relaxation after riding or hiking. "We also went to try the hot spring there at night but it was so hot you had to bring up buckets of water from a nearby creek to use it, we heard it is better in the early mornings," advises Natasha M. about the thermal features near Reds Meadow Campground.
Proximity to Yosemite: The location allows for convenient access to national park attractions. "30 mins to Route 120 west turn, that takes you into Yosemite (tioga pass)," notes Robert H. about Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping - Eastside. This makes it a strategic base camp for day trips into the park.
Reliable cell coverage: Contrary to many remote camping areas, some sites offer usable connectivity. Owen T. reports, "This place is perfect for camping, it has everything you need and it has three bars of Verizon if you need to be able to use the Internet, just make sure that you drive up the trail a little bit or hike up there." This proves valuable for those needing to stay connected.
Stargazing conditions: The clear mountain air creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Weather is beautiful, nights are dark. Great starscapes," mentions Troy H. The high elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomical observation.
Bear precautions required: Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region. "There are a lot of bears in the area and they are relatively comfortable around humans, one walked through our site and other campers sites while we were there so make sure to keep all food and items that may have scent in the bear boxes provided and not in your vehicle or tent!" warns Natasha M. about her experience at Reds Meadow Campground.
Weather preparedness: Despite warm days, temperatures drop significantly at night. "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer," advises Jonathan G. from Twin Lakes Campground. Proper layering systems and appropriate sleeping gear are essential.
Weekend traffic patterns: Weekends bring increased visitor numbers and vehicle activity. Eli C. observes, "All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick." Popular areas can become congested during peak periods, particularly holiday weekends and summer months.
Lake activities: Multiple water features provide recreation options for children. "This campsite is gorgeous - it is located within a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. The host was wonderful and helpful and the campsites are very well spaced," shares Rachel C. about Silver Lake Campground at June Lake. Kids can enjoy swimming, wading, and shoreline exploration.
Safety considerations: Parents should maintain vigilance regarding natural hazards. "It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles," notes Eli C., highlighting the need to monitor conditions and traffic for children's safety.
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural science learning experiences. "This campground was pretty much perfect. It was far enough off the main road to lead to a feeling of seclusion. The nearby lake was beautiful, especially in early morning, and it provided an entry and exit point to the quieter side of the CA wilderness," explains Tara S., describing the potential for nature observation and education.
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary in maintenance quality. "The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable," reports Laura M. about Sage Hen Dispersed camping area. RVers should research current conditions before attempting routes with larger vehicles.
Clearance requirements: Some areas require high-clearance vehicles for access. Sharni notes, "Our Tacoma made it to the campsites toward the back of the grounds just fine, but there was access closer to the main road for vehicles without high clearance." Careful route planning prevents getting stuck in difficult terrain.
Generator limitations: Policies regarding generator use vary between sites. "Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between," explains Erin S. about her experience at North Pines Campground. Specific hours and noise restrictions should be verified before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lee Vining, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lee Vining, CA is Silver Lake Campground at June Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lee Vining, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Lee Vining, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
