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Meadow View Equestrian Campground provides basic accommodations for horse owners in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Doyle, California. The campground features drinking water access, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. While the campground does not have dedicated horse corrals on site, its design accommodates riders with adequate space for temporary containment systems and trailer parking. The road to the campground requires careful navigation, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though the campground is not suitable for big rigs and lacks hookups of any kind. The remote location offers quiet surroundings away from crowded recreation areas commonly found at larger reservoirs in the region.
Located approximately 40 miles from Loyalton, this primitive horse camping destination connects to several riding trails in the surrounding Plumas National Forest. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through mid-September when weather conditions permit safe access. Riders seeking more developed facilities might consider Washoe Lake State Park Campground near Carson City, which offers electric hookups, showers, water connections, and access to an extensive trail system. Both locations require advance planning as water availability for horses can be limited during dry periods. For primitive horse camping, proper containment systems like portable corrals or highlines should be brought along. The campground's non-reservable status means visitors should arrive early during peak summer weekends to secure a site.
"But most stay in other "dispersed" camping, and there aren't nearly as many vehicles as you might see, for example, in a Nevada dunes off-road park."
"First, it's quite an adventurous (read: bumpy) drive to get to it from the nearest paved road. Once you arrive, you'll be amazed at how much space there is between the sites."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Right next to the water, and close to town. Cell phone reception. is spotty ."
"It was late and we couldn't find the owner so we ended up staying outside the park on the road. The manager got things worked out in the morning and refunded our money for the night before."
from $23 - $75 / 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 Availability"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."
"We stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City."
from $10 - $75 / 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."
"Fun historical place a nice hike away from Castle Peak and far enough away that you don’t get the crowds. Kitchen, firewood, fireplace, and a bunch of bunks"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"I guess it’s a 5 minute uphill walk from the PCT and is hidden (plus not on PCT maps) so it’s relatively unused for non-locals. Always find something fun here left behind. 8 bunks."
"These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well."
"Just returned from a weekend getaway to Loon Lake. We (2 people, 1 pup) stayed two nights at site #25 at Loon Lake Campground. Perfect location for daytime fishing and nighttime stargazing."
from $30 - $160 / night
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GuideThis campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses. Spots are well spaced out and never filled up while we stayed for 4 days. Tons of horseflies late morning and early afternoon. Pit toilets, and drinking water available. Easy to stay with trailers and rvs. Road is dirt/gravel on way in but easy to navigate.
GuideIf you like Bird Watching (or wildlife in general), Boating, Fishing, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Equestrian Activities, Camping or BBQ's, or even history, then this is a place you might enjoy.
The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one. Sometimes when it has been extremely dry, the larger of the 2 lakes dries up either partially or entirely, leaving the smaller one as a valuable water source for Wild Mustangs who live in the area. (which is a great opportunity for photographers).
When the larger lake bed dries up a little, it extends the hang gliding / paragliding landing zone. (take off point is up on the hill on Eastlake Blvd, which is also a good view point of the lakes).
During the wetter years, the larger lake fills up, allowing water activities such as boating to take place on both lakes, and provides you with the opportunity to bird watch at any of the wildlife viewing areas provided. The smaller lake also provides bird watching opportunities (Osprey and other birds of prey like to fish there) You can also fish at the smaller lake, just don't eat them, the area was once used for the processing mills during the mining boom.
Also if you are into wildlife, there is the occasional coyote hunting the area, owls, hawks, bald eagles, and if you want to see deer, take a little drive up Eastlake Blvd towards little Washoe Lake, and one of the fields on the right often has huge herds of Mule Deer, and the occasional wild horse. Talking of Wild horses, you are requested not to feed or harass the wild Mustangs anywhere in Nevada (Washoe lake park included). Horses can be defensive, especially when they have young foals. Also feeding them anything other than what they naturally eat in the wild, not only causes a high number of deaths in the herds, it also creates dangerous situations on the roadways when horses come to retrieve the food. (it can also cost you thousands of dollars in fines) There are people who regularly monitor the interaction visitors have with the horses. But if you want to interact with a horse, why not bring your own for a ride around too, people often bring their horses down for a trot around the grounds.
There are restrooms available throughout the park, and facilities for camping. It is a good place for dogs, though it is requested that you clean up after them. There are doggie clean up stations available, and containers for waste.
The land the park sits on was once owned by one of Nevada's wealthiest men Theodore Winters, who was a prominent businessman and politician in early Nevada history. He once owned some of the most famous racehorses in the world, and his cheese was world renown. His Ranch is still around, and you can find it located just on the other side of the lake (Old Route 395), not far from the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory (which is great if you get a hankering for something sweet), and Old Washoe City.
The lake's history goes back even further than that, the area was once inhabited by the local tribes people, and before the early pioneer's came and settled here, they used hunt ducks on the lake, and fished here. There is probably still the odd chance you might come across old Native tools and arrowheads, but the State of Nevada does ask you to leave artifacts where they are found. Check the local and federal laws before attempting to remove anything.
It has some lovely sunsets here, the view can be spectacular at times and changes according to season and weather, and the wildlife seem to enjoy it. Nice place to go and hang out with family and friends, and if you happen to forget to bring anything, you are only a little drive from Carson City :)
GuideThis is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. Although this is a horse camp, anyone can camp here. It is primitive, but if you have your own toilet you'll be ok. Otherwise, you can use the old pit toilets provided. Because this is a horse camp, the sites are spacious. Kick back and enjoy.
GuideWe stayed here for just under 2 weeks around Thanksgiving. Very beautiful area with hiking near the lake and mountains. The horses nearby were nice. Right between Reno and Carson City. Access to Casinos and Restuarants nearby(10 minute drive or so). The Park has showers and bathrooms as well as water and electricity hook ups. The camp host was nice and provides us with a huge bundle of firewood for only a $5 donation.
LegendOfficially 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. Website stated that fees are not collected at this time. There are only 6 sites here and it is a compact little campground. The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site.
The road in was fairly smooth with some areas of washboard, managed fine in our 26’ Class C. Water is available from an hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground, website states non potable but we drank it and it was fine and in fact tasted really fresh. There is no garbage so pack in and pack out.
The bathrooms were open. Each space has a bear box, fire pit and picnic table all in good condition. Sites were relatively flat and a mix of sun and shade.
There is hiking and biking on the main dirt road and on the multiple side roads. There was a few vehicles coming and going but not so busy as to be annoying.
The view of the huge meadow was nice and just before you reach the campground there are a few buildings that are open and some horse corrals.
Zero cell service from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
ScoutForest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.
GuideBeautiful spot 1/2 mile walk to lake, wild horses roaming camp, quiet & clean.
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.
ScoutHost was very nice n helpful very quiet horses are beautiful n lovely views
Meadow View Equestrian Campground serves as a horse camping destination in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northeastern California. The primitive site accommodates both trail riders and non-equestrian campers seeking remote recreation opportunities. Located in Plumas National Forest at approximately 5,500 feet elevation, the campground experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs often reaching the 80s while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in spring and fall.
Explore Crystal Peak: Take a moderate hike to Crystal Peak from Lookout Campground. "There are plenty of sites to choose from on this loop. Two bathrooms and some running water although I believe it is only there for dousing your fire. There is a nice little aspen grove that bisects the campground," writes Joey P.
Off-road adventures: Access extensive trail networks for ATVs and side-by-sides from several campgrounds near Loyalton. "Ride out from your site on your ATV or SBS for miles of trails to explore," notes Patricia N. about Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Fish for trout in Jackson Meadows Reservoir, a short drive from Loyalton. Ron G. shares about East Meadow Campground: "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground."
Wide-open spaces: Many equestrian campgrounds near Loyalton offer spacious sites with room for trailers and temporary corrals. "The sites are a good size but the loop is tight and it took some creative maneuvering to back into our site," reports Laura M. about Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Solitude and privacy: Most horse camps in the region remain uncrowded even during summer. "We were the only people there on a Friday afternoon," Patricia N. mentions about her stay at Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Dark night skies: The remote location of Logger Campground provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. Davidson L.H. notes: "In fall because there are not many people and you can have the lake to yourself. The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter."
Road conditions: Access roads to many horse campgrounds require careful driving. "The drive was nice once you get past the burn scar," writes G M. about Meadow View Equestrian Campground.
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is critical in this region. "It is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter," advises Davidson L.H. about Logger Campground.
Seasonal limitations: Most equestrian camps near Loyalton operate only during snow-free months. "This site is right on the lake and in the shade of the trees most of the day so it doesn't get too hot," Beverly C. shares about Logger Campground.
Water access: Water availability varies by location. Samantha T. notes about Meadow View: "Pit toilets, and drinking water available," though other reports indicate the water requires treatment: "Water is available from a hand pumped spigot at the entrance of the campground, website states non potable but we drank it and it was fine and in fact tasted really fresh."
Bring shade structures: Most horse camping areas near Loyalton have limited natural shade. Patricia N. recommends: "This campground is in an area that burned but no damage to the campground. Plenty of tall pine trees, hang a hammock and chill."
Lake activities for kids: Washoe Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. Alison states: "Nice campground situated close to the shores of Washoe Lake. Great amenities; picnic tables, fire pits and shade structures at many of the campsites."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region provide chances to observe local wildlife. Quinn Z. notes about Logger Campground: "The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country."
Bring entertainment: Some primitive horse camps have limited activities directly on site. "Would be tough to keep kids busy, but great for a 2 day getaway for a couple," explains S K. about Lookout Campground.
Trailer parking considerations: Horse trailers require specific site selection. The National Forest Service website states that Meadow View Equestrian Campground has "plenty of room for trailer parking."
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven surfaces at primitive horse camps. Laura M. mentions sites at Meadow View Equestrian Campground were "relatively flat and a mix of sun and shade."
Dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal as most equestrian campgrounds lack full facilities. For those wanting more amenities, Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park provides more services. Denis J. reports: "The Marina has a great store for just about anything you may need. The staff was very helpful."
Size limitations: Most horse camps can't accommodate larger RVs. Ron A. notes about Logger Campground: "It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy. We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Loyalton, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Loyalton, CA is Lookout Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Loyalton, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Loyalton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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