28 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Eagle Meadow Horse Camp serves as a key destination for equestrians near Mi-Wuk Village, offering primitive dispersed camping opportunities specifically designed with horse owners in mind. Located along forest roads with multiple creek-side spots, this rustic camp provides solitude and scenic views while accommodating tent camping with horses. The campground features several secluded sites where riders can establish temporary camp while their horses rest between trail rides. Most visitors report pristine conditions despite the dusty terrain, with strategic positioning across the meadow allowing for privacy between camping groups. No water hookups or electric services are available at this primitive campground, so riders must bring all necessary supplies for both themselves and their animals.
Trail access is the primary attraction at Eagle Meadow, with riders able to connect directly to surrounding forest routes and meadow riding areas. The campground serves as an excellent starting point for day rides, with most visitors establishing a base camp before exploring the surrounding Stanislaus National Forest terrain. Forest Service roads in the area provide additional riding options for equestrians seeking longer excursions. The best camping spots are reportedly found by staying to the right after the second creek crossing, where secluded sites offer both privacy and creek access. While the campground lacks formal amenities like corrals or wash racks, the dispersed nature of the sites allows riders to establish temporary containment systems for their horses while enjoying the natural setting. The terrain requires proper preparation for both horses and riders, particularly during summer months when dusty conditions can be challenging.
"Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet."
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
"The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance."
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
"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."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"We were able to rent a boat for tuning on the lake, which made the trip."
"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."
"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."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."
"Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."
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
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.
TravelerLocated just outside of oakdale, very similar to that of Modesto reservoir as it is managed by the same people. Shallow and warm water great for swimming and water sports. Has paved looped campgrounds and has all necessary hook ups for rv/motorhome camping. Boat docks and tables located near the water good for bbqing and having a relaxing weekend close to home but away from crowds of people. They do have late festivals in the fall so plan accordingly
Equestrian camping opportunities near Mi-Wuk Village include dispersed sites along forest service roads at elevations ranging from 5,000-5,500 feet. The Stanislaus National Forest terrain features mixed conifer forests with seasonal creek access throughout spring and early summer. Most campgrounds in this area experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night during peak season.
Trail riding routes: Multiple forest roads connect to Eagle Meadow Horse Camp, allowing riders to access high-elevation meadows. According to one camper at Eagle Meadow Horse Camp, "I stayed at a super campground on a forest road turn off. There were a couple of other spots taken, but it was off the beaten path and very quiet."
Creek exploration: Forest Route 4N39 provides camping near seasonal water features. A reviewer notes, "This road follows power lines pretty much for the entire length of the road. It would be a really nice area to disperse if they weren't there as the area is beautiful."
Mountain biking: Trails near Bear Valley Dispersed Camping offer technical terrain for cyclists. A camper mentioned, "Location was near trails to rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking."
Private campsites: Most dispersed camping areas near Mi-Wuk Village provide significant distance between sites. At Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed, one reviewer noted, "Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."
Cell service: Unlike many remote areas, several camping locations maintain adequate connectivity. A camper at Top of Arnold shared, "2 bars LTE of Verizon."
Night sky viewing: The elevation and minimal light pollution create optimal stargazing conditions. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "Perfect spot for star gazing!! We arrived when it was dark and had no problem finding a spot! It was open with plenty of spots & we were the only ones!"
Road conditions: Most horse camping access requires navigating unpaved roads. A reviewer at Forest Route 4N39 observed, "You don't need 4x4 but you definitely will need a vehicle with some decent clearance. There are some weirdly purposefully placed speed bumps?"
Limited amenities: No established equestrian facilities exist at most dispersed sites. Prepare to create temporary containment solutions.
Seasonal timing: Spring access depends on snow melt patterns. A visitor to Bear Valley Dispersed Camping warned, "Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road."
Ground conditions: The soil composition affects tent camping comfort. At Top of Arnold, one camper mentioned, "Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt. My dogs love it, my bedding doesn't!"
Quiet zones: For families seeking peace, certain areas provide better isolation from recreational noise. A camper at Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site observed, "When I was there recently, some of the 'campsites' had 0-3", whereas other spots were about 6-8"."
Wildlife awareness: Local animal activity requires proper food storage. A camper at Goat Meadow warned, "Coyotes and bears are active in the area- coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!"
Size restrictions: Most equestrian camping spots near Mi-Wuk Village accommodate small to medium-sized rigs only. A camper at USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground advised, "We pulled in on Easter Sunday to a near empty campground. The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year."
Site selection: Strategic positioning improves camping experience. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, a visitor mentioned, "The view at campsite 57 is gorgeous! However, be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade."
Generator considerations: Plan power needs carefully at dispersed sites without hookups. Most horse camps prohibit generators or restrict hours of operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mi-Wuk Village, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mi-Wuk Village, CA is Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mi-Wuk Village, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Mi-Wuk Village, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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