Equestrian campgrounds near McCloud, California provide access to the wilderness areas of the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests. Located at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet, these horse-friendly campgrounds typically receive heavy winter snowfall, limiting their season to late spring through early fall. Most equestrian sites in this region offer primitive amenities with varying levels of maintenance and accessibility for horse trailers.
What to do
Trail riding access: Horse Flat Campground serves as a convenient base for accessing the Trinity Alps Wilderness trails, though visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain. According to Aaron S., it offers "a lot of space between each camp site," making it suitable for groups with multiple horses, though he notes payment "had to be exact change."
Wildlife viewing: The natural meadows surrounding Martins Dairy Campground attract diverse wildlife. James E. observed that "all sorts of wildlife loves to visit, even deer" and mentions "a small stream that flows through the area coming from a beautiful meadow," creating excellent opportunities for nature photography and animal watching.
Hunting preparation: Some equestrian campgrounds serve as staging areas for seasonal hunting. One visitor used Martins Dairy Campground as "a base camp to scout for elk" and found the location "absolutely beautiful" despite not seeing the game he sought.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The toilet facilities at some horse campgrounds exceed expectations. At Martins Dairy, one camper was particularly impressed, stating it was the "cleanest public bathroom I have ever encountered" and "never smelled," a significant benefit for remote camping locations.
Secluded settings: The isolation of Horse Flat Campground appeals to those seeking to escape crowds. Aaron S. describes it as a "great get away for people living in Los Angeles," highlighting its appeal to urban residents seeking remote camping experiences.
Protective infrastructure: Stock-appropriate features like fencing are valued by equestrians. James E. noted Martins Dairy Campground is "surrounded by a barbed wire fence to keep cows out" and has "cattle guards at both entrances," features that help manage livestock while accommodating horses brought by campers.
What you should know
Maintenance varies significantly: Some horse campgrounds receive minimal upkeep. Matt S. reported that at Horse Flat Campground, "The campground proper has not been maintained" with "very little evidence of recent campers" and observed that "many of the sites have been degraded by debris carried by flooding."
Access challenges: Roads to horse camps often present difficulties for trailers. One visitor warned Horse Flat Campground's access road is "a rough dirt road" and noted the campground itself has "serious washout problems" with a narrow campground road that complicates trailer navigation.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is generally unavailable at remote horse camps. A visitor to Horse Flat Campground reported "Verizon coverage was nonexistent," despite Verizon typically being "the best carrier for Trinity Co."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: At some campgrounds, environmental hazards require careful site selection. Matt S. warns about Horse Flat Campground: "Trees are dying causing danger from falling limbs &/or trees" and "The canopy is dense enough that there is very little sunlight," factors families should consider when choosing camping locations.
Budget-friendly options: Carter Meadows Horse Campground provides group sites that can accommodate multiple families with horses at reasonable rates during its operating season from June 13 to October 20, making it suitable for family reunions or multi-family trips with stock animals.
Day use alternatives: For families uncertain about overnight camping with horses, several campgrounds offer day-use options. James E. notes that Martins Dairy offers "day use, horse use, and overnight use," providing flexibility for families to test the experience before committing to overnight stays.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most horse campgrounds have significant restrictions for larger RVs. None of the equestrian campgrounds near McCloud are designated as big-rig friendly, limiting options for those with larger trailers or motorhomes combined with horse trailers.
Water access planning: RVers should prepare for variable water availability. While Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground offers drinking water and hookups from June to October, many other horse campgrounds in the region have no water facilities, requiring self-sufficiency for both human and equine needs.
Turn-around space: Maneuvering large rigs presents challenges at some sites. One visitor to Horse Flat Campground specifically cautioned that "the turn around at the end of the campground road has serious washout problems," a critical consideration for RVers with horse trailers needing adequate space to reverse direction.
