Eagle Meadow Horse Camp in Stanislaus National Forest accommodates tent campers with horses in a primitive setting. Located approximately 38 miles from Mather, this equestrian campground provides direct access to mountain trails without drinking water, flush toilets, or showers. The compact sites accommodate small trailers and horse equipment. Bridalveil Creek Campground in Yosemite National Park also permits horses, featuring flush toilets and potable water, though no dedicated horse corrals are available at either location. The campground surfaces remain suitable for hobbling or temporary containment solutions.
Forest trails surrounding Eagle Meadow connect riders to extensive backcountry riding opportunities through alpine meadows and pine forests. Campers must bring all horse supplies including water, feed, and portable containment systems as no permanent equine facilities exist on site. Both campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, with Eagle Meadow earning high satisfaction ratings from equestrians despite its primitive nature. Fire rings are available at both locations, allowing campfires when seasonal restrictions permit. The best riding seasons run from late spring through early fall when mountain trails remain clear of snow and accessible for day rides or pack trips from these base camps.
$48 / night
"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."
"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!"
"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."
$40 - $80 / night
"You are aboute 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business , very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you. There are few fool hock ups and they provide also fire wood."
$36 - $75 / night
"Decent access to drinking water and each site has tables and fire rings, no RV hookups (another reason you have more "campers" and it's less noisy at night)."
"Your best bet is to visit the valley and camp outside the Park or in locations outside the valley. The granite cliffs and waterfalls are something to treasure."
$32 - $64 / night
"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"
"There were a couple of other spots taken, but it was off the beaten path and very quiet. I was able to watch the sunset from some rocks across the road."
"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
"Clark'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."
"It’s a nice quiet place away from cell service and nice hikes you can do."
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
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.
LegendNorth Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces).
The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up. Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful.
Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people.
Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms.
Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.
TravelerAfter 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.
First, to tell you how to properly get here and find all the spots, drive to the end of the road (don’t pay attention to the gate and “off road” dirt road you see to the left before the parking lot. Don’t go there. Go to just before the big Snow Play parking lot and head right through the dirt. There is no paved road but the area is flat and any car, truck or rv/trailer can make it back here easily. I got nervous at first about ability to turnaround so I parked prematurely near the entrance. Keep going and you’ll find at least 4 or 5 big private areas separated by huge cut logs all with plenty of room to turnaround and not have to back up.
If you’re nervous, we watched several cars, vans, and trailers camp overnight in the big paved parking lot right past this, and that’s fine, but you’re in a parking lot. Come out to the right and you’re in heaven.
We were the only RV here and had it to ourselves an entire week (granted it’s early November). Can’t beat the proximity to Yosemite south entrance.
Equestrian camping near Mather, California offers access to Sierra Nevada wilderness trails at elevations ranging from 5,200 to 8,500 feet. Most horse camps remain open from late spring through early fall when mountain roads clear of snow. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with overnight lows dropping to 40-50°F, requiring campers to pack accordingly for temperature fluctuations.
Trail riding to alpine lakes: Clark Fork Campground connects to multiple forest trails including routes to Boulder Lake and Sword Lake. "There is a great hiking trail along side of the river you just have to climb over a few boulders then it's an easy hike from there well until you hike back up the trail that is," notes Mike F. from Clark Fork Campground.
Fishing from horseback: Several mountain streams near Eagle Meadow Horse Camp contain native trout populations that can be accessed on horseback. "Eagle Meadows is about the halfway point to the best camping. Stay to the right after the second creak and there are camping does look spots all along the creak. Very secluded and beautiful views," shares Cara V. from Eagle Meadow Horse Camp.
Guided pack trips: Seasonal outfitters operate from June through September offering guided horseback excursions to remote wilderness areas. Trips range from half-day rides to multi-day backcountry journeys. "We were right across from the lake and this is a pretty site. Good place to fish and kayak and there is a rental of all things water down the road," mentions MarinMaverick from Silver Lake Campground.
Easy trail access: The proximity to diverse trail systems appeals to equestrians seeking varied terrain. "Great 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," reports Norina N. from North Pines Campground.
Creek-side camping: Most horse camps feature nearby water sources for both horses and campers. "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," writes Aaron S.
Privacy between sites: Equestrian sites typically offer more space than standard camping areas. "All of the sites seemed to be large and separated from each other. Privacy was guaranteed. The river could be heard from our site and the birds chirped while the trees blew slightly in the breeze," describes Melissa B. about Clark Fork Campground.
Access limitations: Rough forest roads can require high-clearance vehicles, especially after spring melt. "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck," cautions Rosina A. from Big Sandy Campground.
Water availability: Most equestrian sites lack running water, requiring campers to bring their own supply for both humans and horses. Sites near creeks may provide natural water sources but require treatment for human consumption.
Reservation requirements: Equestrian campsites often fill quickly during peak season. "It 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," explains Christy C.
Beginner-friendly trails: Bridalveil Creek Campground offers shorter trail loops suitable for young riders. "Just off the road that takes you to Glacier Point. Reservations not needed, but tough to get on weekends. Get up early and go to Glacier Point for the sunrise overlooking Half Dome," recommends Buck R. from Bridalveil Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the abundant wildlife visible from camp. "It was fun to watch various critters (birds, squirrels, deer, coyotes) waltz through camp," shares rodger K.
Temperature management: Pack layered clothing as mountain temperatures fluctuate widely even in summer. "Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night," reports Erin S.
Limited trailer access: Most equestrian camps accommodate small to medium horse trailers but have tight turning radiuses. "We brought our 28' toy hauler here at the end of June 2020. We had reserved a spot in Coyote Lot, which we were told over the phone would be no problem. Upon arrival, the manager had his doubts," warns Heather D. from Yosemite Ridge.
Generator restrictions: Many forest service equestrian camps limit generator use to specific hours. "Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between," notes Erin S.
Water planning: RVers should arrive with full water tanks as hookups are uncommon at equestrian sites. Most locations offer no dump stations, requiring careful waste management planning for multi-day stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mather, CA is North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mather, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Mather, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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