Best Equestrian Camping near Meadow Valley, CA
Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground provides designated equestrian camping sites with facilities that accommodate horses and riders. Located approximately 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 miles off the main highway, this free Forest Service campground features equestrian-specific areas with adequate space for horse trailers. Standard amenities include fire rings (which require an annual campfire permit available at no cost from park offices), bear-resistant food storage boxes, and vault toilets. The large, clear sites offer ample space between campers and provide room for both horse handling and camping activities. The campground's natural setting among forest terrain creates a comfortable environment for horses and their owners during overnight stays.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the surrounding Plumas National Forest trail system, offering miles of riding opportunities through varied terrain. The nearby Horse Campground in Feather River Ranger District provides additional equestrian camping options with picnic tables, toilets, and trash facilities. Both campgrounds allow pets, making them suitable for campers traveling with horses and dogs. Though Snake Lake itself is generally overgrown and may have limited water access, the surrounding forest provides scenic riding trails. Campers should note that these are primitive horse camping facilities without drinking water sources (apart from the lake), requiring visitors to bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. The dirt roads accessing these campgrounds are navigable with horse trailers but may require cautious driving during wet conditions.
