1 campground with availability this weekend
Horse camping options near Navarro, California are limited, with none of the campgrounds in the area offering dedicated horse corrals according to available data. Jackson Demonstration Forest allows pets and provides picnic tables in a forested setting, though specific equestrian facilities are not mentioned in reviews. Middle Creek Campground permits pets and offers drinking water, with campsites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. The campground is primarily designed for dirt bike and four-wheel enthusiasts, with the surrounding Elk Mountain area being popular for off-road recreation.
Trail access information for horseback riders is minimal in the Navarro region. Russian Gulch State Park Campground and MacKerricher State Park Campground both allow pets but don't specify equestrian accommodations. For serious equestrians, traveling further to areas with designated horse facilities may be necessary. The closest campgrounds with potential horse access include Oak Flat Campground near Lake Pillsbury and Usal Beach Campsites in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, though neither explicitly mentions horse corrals or equestrian-specific amenities. Potable water availability varies by location, with Middle Creek offering water spigots without hose fittings, requiring campers to bring containers for water transport.
"There are many sites next to the ocean."
"PROS Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.
→ Campsites have bear lockers."
from $45 - $260 / night
"There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice. It was about a 30 minute drive to fort Bragg made for an easy day trip. The campground is maintained by cal fire $20 a night."
"Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway. Beautiful, clean and peaceful."
"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
"But make sure you only go during the week, because of the rowdiness, hell raising, dune driving doing donuts, drunken idiots that are there on the weekends."
"Some nice hikes close by."
"Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."
"If it's in a beautiful location and if you're into four-wheeling or dirt bikes, you're going to have a blast."
from $8 / night
"Was 0.75 miles away from water (we have been in a drought?) but beautiful spacious campsite. Even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet."
"The local store is about a 10 minute drive away and during the summer has ice beer and provides firewood for sale (during winter no ice but plenty of snow)."
from $5 / night
"If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."
"The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
GuideRough getting here but worth the struggle! Had it to ourselves during the week left Friday. Very windy at night but great sunny in the day. No cell service (Verizon) for me but starlink was fine. Headed out now because we heard it might rain but and that one way dirt road will be a nightmare!
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
LegendNeeded a hot shower and some chill time. And some saltwater. All the superlatives apply; just wish the spaces were more private. And paying for showers after the $45 camping fee was a bummer.
GuideThe road in is hilly and twisty. You don’t need 4x4, but you’ll want it. It’s a very amazing area and is in the middle of nowhere. BUT, there is trash and toilet paper everywhere. Avoid the place on weekends, unless you like drunks, idiots and loud trucks. During the week, it’s quiet and you can see elk on the sand, or a bear.
GuideApparently this place has been closed for four years and is just re-opening. It definitely looks like it. Sections of the campground are still closed, and the parts that are open were ROUGH. This places does have potential- views of the lake are good, bathrooms have showers. By far the worst part of camping here is that there was no camp host and no park ranger. Saw unsafe fire practices, and experienced extremely loud music that went to 2:00 am and started again at 6:30 am. Did I ask for it by coming here on Fourth of July weekend? Probably. On the whole, the entire experience felt like trying to camp in a run down city park. Having no one to contact when things get out of control after the sun goes down invites campers to try to regulate other campers, which is always recipe for disaster. I’ve camped in all kinds of place - Nat’l park, state parks, county parks, BLM, National Forests, and have experienced the full range of camping experiences . I will never come back to this place again.
ScoutThis is a great place to camp. Very clean and beautiful views.
TravelerState park site showed zero availability. However drove in, tons of spots open, park rangers extremely helpful. New showers and bathrooms. Fire pits, bear boxes, picnic tables. Can see the ocean from our Surfwood spot!
TravelerSpending 3 nights here at Surfwood campground. Short walking distance to the beach. Cleanest restroom and shower we’ve ever been. Highly recommend this campground
LegendAfter finding the local state parks closed for a few days due to having no water, we headed out to take a chance on this dispersed site. It was simply a pull off as all the designated campgrounds in the area were closed for the season. The sign posted at the day use noted they close campgrounds in wet weather to save wear and tear on them since they are maintained by the forestry service. It does make sense as the road was quite muddy.
Equestrian camping near Navarro, California presents challenges due to limited dedicated horse facilities in the immediate area. Navarro sits at approximately 300 feet elevation in Anderson Valley, with mixed oak woodland and redwood forests defining the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while winter brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, creating muddy conditions on many trails.
Horseback beach access: At MacKerricher State Park Campground, riders can explore coastal trails. "This state park was so much fun, very dog friendly! Campgrounds were nice and well kept, and just a short walk to the beach! I highly recommend:)" notes Jessica N. The park offers access to black sand beaches with tide pools.
Trail exploration: Russian Gulch State Park Campground features forested paths suitable for day rides. "Great hiking trails, a small protected beach, helpful camp host, and well-maintained showers and flush toilets," writes Marcia M. The Fern Canyon trail provides a scenic route through dense vegetation.
Forest rides: Explore Jackson Demonstration Forest's trails among towering trees. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," shares Danielle F. The forest roads connect to wider trail networks suitable for longer rides.
Secluded camping spots: Usal Beach Campsites offers more primitive options for equestrians. "I've now been 3 times and each time it's a little different and always Total Zen Peace to be had! But make sure you only go during the week," advises Mike C. The beach areas provide open spaces for horses.
Accessible water features: Campers appreciate the natural water features at many sites. "The noyo river runs right through the middle of the campground," notes Rich D. about Jackson Demonstration Forest. These water sources can provide drinking opportunities for horses during day trips.
Year-round availability: Oak Flat Campground remains open throughout all seasons. "The campground is open up all year round. Fires are allowed depending on regulations from Cal fire," explains Keith B. This consistency allows for equestrian camping planning regardless of season.
Limited equestrian facilities: Most campgrounds lack dedicated horse corrals or paddocks. At Middle Creek Campground, "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people cuz the Elk mountain area is very much a dirt bike and four-wheel Haven," notes Justin W. Equestrians should bring portable corrals or high-lines.
Water availability challenges: Water access varies significantly between sites. "Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," continues Justin W. about Middle Creek. Bring water containers for your horses.
Seasonal road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds deteriorate during rainy seasons. "At least in Dec, very muddy. Would not advise without 4x4 and some experience," warns Seth M. about Usal Beach Campsites. Check road conditions before hauling horses, especially during winter months.
Playground access: Liberty Glen Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is also a playground on site, with multiple trails," notes April H. This provides entertainment for children while adults tend to horses.
Noise considerations: Select campsites strategically for family comfort. "This is great for groups, especially if you have a few loud people in the mix because you can pick a more secluded site," April H. continues about Liberty Glen.
Beach exploration opportunities: Families enjoy the coastal access at several sites. "The campsite was near the road used to reach the beach but traffic wasn't a problem. The beach was really close which was nice for an evening stroll," shares Brian K. about Russian Gulch State Park.
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose campgrounds with adequate turning space. "We camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups," notes Michi P. about Middle Creek Campground, making it suitable for rigs with horse trailers.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian-accessible campgrounds lack RV amenities. "No water but fire pits and grills, and picnic tables in campsites," explains Danielle F. about Jackson Demonstration Forest. Prepare to dry camp when bringing horses.
Dump station availability: Some campgrounds offer dump stations for extended stays. "The dump station has a mandatory fee of $10. You pay with a credit card. When payment is approved, the cap to the dump hole unlocks," explains Mea H. about MacKerricher State Park, which can be convenient after multi-day equestrian camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Navarro, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Navarro, CA is Mackerricher State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Navarro, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Navarro, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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