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.