26 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Mono City accommodate equestrians, though dedicated horse facilities are limited. Horse campgrounds in this region range from free dispersed sites with room for trailers to more remote options with direct trailhead access. Sage Hen Dispersed camping area offers free, primitive camping with ample space for horse trailers on forest service roads. The large, flat areas provide room for temporary portable corrals or high-lines for securing horses overnight. Dispersed sites throughout the region typically allow horse camping, but require visitors to bring all necessary equipment and supplies for their animals.
Located approximately 38 miles from Mono City, Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road provides more established options for horse owners. This campground includes parking suitable for horse trailers across from the main camping area in a turnaround spot. The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek sits just beyond site 14, providing direct access to riding routes. Trails from the campground lead into the Hoover Wilderness along the northeastern boundary of Yosemite National Park. Camping with horses requires self-sufficiency as the campground offers minimal amenities with only pit toilets and no water hookups. Forest service roads throughout the region offer additional riding opportunities on terrain suitable for horses. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in meadow areas during certain seasons, so appropriate protection for both riders and horses is recommended.
"This was a good staging site to go up and down the June Lake Loop for the colors. I am a tent camper and at this time of the year it is COLD. Most of the folks were in RVs. "
"The nearby lake was beautiful, especially in early morning, and it provided an entry and exit point to the quieter side of the CA wilderness, such as Ansel Adams Wilderness (for when you don't want to"
from $32 - $64 / night
Check Availability"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 signs on the way in for both free range cattle and horses, but we didn't see any. Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable."
"Multiple locations near by not listed. It gets a bit dusty and windy. Lots of off road vehicles. All the camper vans rolled in after dark and it filled up quick."
"Easy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance. Nicely secluded but not many great open views in the area since it is in the Forrest among the trees."
"Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras."
"Twin Lakes and all of the surrounding Mammoth area is gorgeous. You'll have plenty of hikes to choose from, go fishing, or hit the slopes (biking during the summer and snowsports in the winter)."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"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."
"For people with mobility issues, this site is a good walk away from the inner valley trails, fine for anyone else who is up for walking distances, because that is why you came to Yosemite!"
"Beautiful campground, unfortunately right next to the trail, but very spacious and also has bathrooms and picnic tables right there!"
"Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran."
"One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness on the North East boundary of Yosemite National Park. "
from $18 / night
Check Availability"After driving around every overcrowded campground in mammoth lakes we were lucky enough to find this campsite on Dyrt. It had many open spots even in July with beautiful views of nearby mountains."
"It’s within walking distance to Lake Sotcher as well as Reds Meadow Pack station and trailheads for Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile."
"These sites are well maintained and include fire pits, bear lockers and close access to restrooms, water and dumpster. Tree cover helps keep it cool."
"Some of the sites offer nice privacy and are tucked into trees and meadows. Only downside was the mosquitos but I know they are everywhere."
from $50 - $99 / night
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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
GuideI agree the road out is pretty scary I don't advise trailers but I have seen them while driving in. It is one lane and you must pull out for opposing traffic. But definitely one of my most favorite places in the Sierras. The views are amazing, I recommend giving yourself extra time to stop and get out for the views a few times on the way in.
Once in the campground/resort area there are two separate loops to camp in as well as cabins to rent and a small dispersed camping area there is also a general store, bath house, and small Cafe that are all seasonal since the road is closed most of the year. So open and close dates vary depending on snow. You can get firewood, drinking water at the store but it can be a little pricey, so I recommend bringing your own. The baths/showers are usually included for anyone paying for a campsite, but this may have changed. It is very cheap for day use persons to use the showers though. The sites are all very nice and surprisingly private though some are pretty close together. All provide a firepit, table, bear box, and parking space. I love that there are bear boxes at such a remote place! There are vault tiolets and dumpsters for trash. The river runs along one side of the campsites so about half of the sites are on the river. Bring extra bugspray for these sites as you are close to the water.
Most important if you made it this far reading 😅😂 there are multiple NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!! There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot. They also pump the natural mineral water to the bathhouse for the showers! The springs are the main reason to come out and camp. There are also tons of hiking trails and other lakes in the area including 2 thermal lakes and tons of breathtaking views. I highly recommend this place. 🏞🏕
Also: I have not personally stayed in the cabins or dispersed camping area only the paid sites along the river, but I have been here several times and have seen them. There is also a corral area for horses so I'm not sure if that qualifies it as an equestrian camp but there is a spot for the horses.
TravelerIf you wanna get away and camp next to a river and down a trail and shoot your gun or go fishing you can freedom you can horseback ride if you have horses he can fish there are fish there trout it's beautiful peaceful.
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.
RangerThousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave. This view is absolutely beautiful, and it changes rapidly with the rising and setting sun so make you have your camera ready for it. This is completely back country so you gotta pack it all in. There are some rules you have to follow while camping at this lake, 30 feet off of the trail and then another 100 feet away from the water. This can be hard to do as your camp may be on a slant or in the wide open, however you have plenty of space to choose from at this location. There is another rule about camping past a certain peninsula but from everyone we talked to they had no idea which peninsula the map was actually referring to, so you just walk past a couple of them and hope you’re in the right spot. The water is very cold but still feels great after a long hike all day.
There are multiple routes to getting to this lake, you can come. The John Muir trail and the PCT lead to this location, also Mammoth California has a trail that leads here as well. We even encountered mule train options on our way in if you prefer that type of transportation. But this is definitely somewhere you want to visit.
Dispersed camping areas near Mono City, California sit at elevations ranging from 6,400 to 8,000 feet with a high desert climate. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 40-50°F at night. The surrounding Inyo National Forest offers numerous unmarked forest roads suitable for primitive camping with minimal facilities.
Hiking with horses: The area around Obsidian Creek on Little Walker Road provides access to multiple wilderness trails. "The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek is just past site 14. One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness on the North East boundary of Yosemite National Park," notes a camper. The Emma Lake trail is also accessible from this area.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies offer exceptional night viewing at higher elevations near Silver Lake Campground. A camper described the experience: "Amazing star gazing! Hiked up a rock face and laid out for hours watching the stars." The minimal light pollution in this region makes it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Fishing: Several lakes and streams provide fishing opportunities. A visitor to Silver Lake mentioned, "The fishing at silver lake was awesome." Many local campgrounds offer direct water access, making them convenient for anglers bringing horses to remote fishing spots.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Sage Hen Dispersed camping area offers large, flat spaces. "The dirt road into this spot off of Hwy 120 is washboarded but doable. This spot is at an intersection of forest service road 1S158A and Sage Hen Rd," reports one visitor. The open terrain provides ample room for horse trailers and equipment.
Mountain wildlife viewing: The forests and meadows surrounding equestrian camping sites host diverse wildlife. "I've camped here with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran. Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails," shared a frequent visitor to Obsidian Creek campground.
Cost-effective options: Most dispersed camping in the region is free, while established sites have modest fees. At Obsidian Creek, a camper noted the pricing structure: "$12/Night for single unit, $6/Night for extra vehicle." This makes extended stays with horses economical compared to other recreation areas.
Road conditions: Many horse-friendly sites require navigating rough roads. A camper at Scenic Loop Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Easy access to all vehicles except some areas that may need a little higher clearance." Large horse trailers may struggle on certain forest service roads after rain or snow.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. At Sage Hen, a visitor reported, "Cell service with Verizon, weak but usable." Another camper noted at Scenic Loop: "Poor and spotty cell." Having alternate communication methods is recommended when traveling with horses.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly, particularly at higher elevations. A camper at Silver Lake advised, "Remember that you're at elevation so it can get cold at night even in the summer." Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common.
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds near Mono City. A visitor at Twin Lakes Campground warned, "Keep you food in the bear lockers, they have daily visitors late in the evening and throughout the night." Teaching children about bear safety is important at horse camps.
Mosquito protection: Insects can be numerous in meadow areas where horses often graze. A camper noted, "It can get mosquito-y so pack bug spray," which applies especially to camping areas near water sources. Long sleeves and insect repellent are necessary for comfort.
Water access: Most dispersed camping areas have no potable water. At established sites like Twin Lakes, "The bathrooms have flushing toilets and running sinks, so they don't stink and aren't terrible to camp next to." Families camping with horses should bring sufficient water for both people and animals.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit generator use. At Reds Meadow Campground, generators are not permitted at all. This affects RV campers with horses who need to plan accordingly for power needs.
Parking considerations: Dedicated spaces for horse trailers vary by location. At Obsidian Creek, a camper mentioned, "Horsetrailer parking/camping across from campground in a turn around spot." Most dispersed areas offer more flexibility for large rigs with trailers compared to established campgrounds.
Seasonal accessibility: Many horse-friendly areas close during winter months. A visitor to Silver Lake Campground reported its season runs "April 25 to November 8." Most high elevation horse camping areas are only accessible from late spring through early fall due to snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mono City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mono City, CA is Silver Lake Campground at June Lake with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mono City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Mono City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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