Best Equestrian Camping near McArthur, CA

Stough Reservoir Campground accommodates horse camping in the Warner Mountains near Cedarville, California. Located about 50 miles northeast of McArthur, this primitive campground provides access to multiple trails suitable for horseback riding through mountainous terrain. The campground features approximately 10 sites that can accommodate trailers on a gravel access road. Vault toilets are available, and each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. No drinking water is provided for horses at the campground, so riders must bring their own water supply. The campground typically operates from May to October, with early season access sometimes limited by snow conditions on access roads.

Horse owners can access a network of forest roads and trails from the campground area. The surrounding Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service lands offer extensive riding opportunities through diverse landscapes. Trailer parking is available at the campground, though space may be limited for larger rigs. The road leading to the campground is approximately 2 miles of gravel, manageable for most vehicles with trailers. Small patches of snow may remain on the ground through early May, with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing early in the season. The campground previously operated as a free facility but now charges a $15 per night fee. No reservations are accepted, and the area has no cell service, creating a true wilderness camping experience with horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near McArthur, California (3)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near McArthur, CA

6 Reviews of 3 McArthur Campgrounds


  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Small but great and free

    Camped here in June 2020 and got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet. Snowed when we were there in June. No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained. Beautiful Warner Mountains all around.

    If you keep going up the forest road there are dispersed camping spots at higher elevation with great views but roads only suitable for small rigs. There’s both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview. Would camp here again.

  • C
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Eagle Lake Resort

    A little….disappointing

    The campground and hosts were….awesome! The hosts were attentive and drove around in their golf cart regularly and diligently and were informative and friendly. The camp was good too. All was fairly quiet and the spots are far enough apart. However, the lake was dismal. It smelled like sewage and there was an algal scum floating all over the surface…the bad part is, we didn’t notice the smell until we were already in the water. I have been out on the lake about 20 years ago and it was great, from a boat out in the middle somewhere. From the beach? Miss me with that, please. One can rent a boat…only for fishing… We might stay there again, if we bring kayaks or boats or something.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2023

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Roads not cleared at this time! (early May 2023)

    Not much to report here, other than be aware of snow in May. We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c. The website lists the status for this campground as “area not cleared,” so presumably if you have a vehicle that can get through the snow, then you’re ok to go camp here. 

    Also as of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free. Zero cell service here.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Small pond in a peaceful setting

    We did not camp because we were doing a campground recon. There were 3 of the 8 sites that we could park our 26' fifth wheel trailer. 

    During our visit there was only one family using the facility. It is  a small campground, vault toilets and was clean when we were there. 

    We plan to come back in the future. We visited on a Sunday afternoon.

  • Tom N.
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Primitive

    Not far from Cederville on 299 towards Alturas you can find a DNR campground at Stough Reservoir. The road is 2+ miles of dirt - gravel to the CG.

    The campground is sparse and lacks flushing toilets, pit toilet is available. Check the area sign for fire restrictions or warnings of large animals in the area. Keep your food locked up or hanging in a tree.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2021

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Second Time here....Still a Jewel

    I swung thru this camp on a previous ride, and remembered it fondly. (dunno why I didn't review it then).

    Up a decent gravel road, only about a mile in.  A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites.  I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet.  No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company.  Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning.


Guide to McArthur

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • At Stough Reservoir Campground, you'll find facilities that accommodate horses, including picnic tables and access to drinking water, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.

Tips for equestrian camping near Cedarville, California

  • When visiting Stough Reservoir Campground, be prepared for primitive conditions, as it features pit toilets and no electric hookups, ensuring a true back-to-nature experience.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The well-reviewed Modoc Camp allows for a variety of accommodations, including options for tent and RV camping, making it a versatile choice for horse camping adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McArthur, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McArthur, CA is Stough Reservoir Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McArthur, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near McArthur, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.