Best Equestrian Camping near Modoc National Forest

Stough Reservoir Campground provides primitive camping near Modoc National Forest with limited facilities for equestrians. The small campground features 8 sites suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs, with 3 sites accommodating trailers up to 26 feet in length. Camping areas include picnic tables and fire pits, with alcohol permitted and pets allowed throughout the grounds. The campground lacks dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities, but the surrounding area offers potential for trail riding. The campground operates seasonally from May to October, with recent reports indicating a $15 per night fee replacing the previously free camping.

Access to Stough Reservoir Campground requires navigating approximately 1-2 miles of dirt and gravel roads that may become impassable during snowy conditions, particularly in early May when roads may not be cleared. Horse owners should plan accordingly for primitive conditions, as the facility provides vault toilets but no running water, showers, or hookups. Visitors report solitude and peaceful surroundings, with the single prime spot across the small pond offering additional privacy. The Warner Mountains surround the campground, providing scenic backdrop for trail riding. Riders seeking additional options can find dispersed camping spots at higher elevations along forest roads, though these areas are only suitable for smaller rigs. Zero cell service characterizes the experience at this remote location.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Modoc National Forest (2)

    1. Stough Reservoir Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cedarville, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 279-6116

    $15 / night

    "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."

    "Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c."

    2. Modoc Camp

    Be the first to review!
    McArthur, CA
    28 miles
    +1 (509) 608-8487

    $50 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Modoc National Forest

5 Reviews of 2 Modoc National Forest 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Modoc National Forest

Horse camping near Modoc National Forest in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Modoc Camp provides a reservable site for horse camping, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your pets while having access to firewood.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Stough Reservoir Campground, you can enjoy peaceful rides around the beautiful reservoir, with opportunities for fishing and hiking in the surrounding Modoc National Forest.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Stough Reservoir Campground features a small number of sites, ensuring a more intimate camping experience while accommodating horses, with access to picnic tables and fire pits for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Modoc National Forest?

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