Best Equestrian Camping near Nice, CA
Cowboy Camp offers dispersed camping with limited horse amenities in an open setting along Cache Creek. This BLM-managed area provides primitive sites accessible by horse trailers with ample parking space for rigs. While there are no dedicated horse corrals, the open terrain allows for flexible horse containment options and temporary paddock setups. Vault toilets serve the camping area, but visitors must bring their own water for themselves and their horses. The campground is situated in a grassy field with minimal shade, making summer visits challenging due to heat and abundant flies. When open, the campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with horse trailer parking available directly at campsites.
Equestrians access the Cache Creek Ridge Trail directly from Cowboy Camp, offering diverse terrain for day rides through oak woodlands and grasslands. The relatively flat layout makes this location suitable for horse camping beginners or those with less trail-savvy mounts. Limited seasonal closures affect access, with gates occasionally locked without prior notice on the BLM website. Horse owners should come fully prepared with portable water troughs, feed, and containment systems as no dedicated equine facilities exist. Group camping is possible in the open areas, though the lack of shade makes spring and fall the optimal seasons for comfortable horse camping. The nearby creekbed provides a natural landmark for orientation but may be difficult to cross during certain seasons.
