Horse camping near North Fork, California offers diverse options in Sierra National Forest at elevations between 3,000-6,000 feet. This region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September, while fall brings cooler conditions and colorful foliage. Most equestrian sites are primitive with limited facilities requiring self-sufficiency for both riders and horses.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: Some campgrounds connect directly to forest service trails. At Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site, campers report access to various riding paths. "Beautiful scenery, clean, close to Yosemite, and easy to reach," notes Derrick H., who adds that following Mount Raymond Road leads to multiple camping areas.
Swimming spots: Several lakes and streams in the area provide cooling options during hot summer days. At Fish Creek (CA), "the kids loved playing in the creek," according to Aya-Mei D., though be aware that "a lot of trees survived in the creek but the surrounding area was decimated" from past fires.
Hot springs exploration: The region offers natural hot springs for post-ride relaxation. At Mono Hot Springs, "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," explains Mollie M.
What campers like
Peace and seclusion: Many riders appreciate the remote setting of equestrian sites. At Big Sandy Campground, Leon G. notes it's "very peaceful and clean," adding that "it has a very nice stream that runs right down the middle of campground that basically every site is next to the water."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Goat Meadow, Alexander Mark C. warns that "coyotes and bears are active in the area—coyotes raided a bag I had hanging from a tree and stole my food!" This highlights the importance of proper food storage when camping with horses.
Fishing opportunities: Streams and lakes offer fishing options after a day of riding. At Mono Hot Springs, one camper explains that "the river runs right close to the campsites and it is amazing fishing, I was told that it gets stocked often."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many horse-accessible campgrounds have challenging access roads. For Sweetwater, Crystal C. advises that "Before you visit this area of California familiarize yourself with Bear Safety and learn not only what to do but how to make sure you are safe at your camp when you are away."
Water availability: Most equestrian campgrounds require bringing your own water supply. As Bernadette A. from Sweetwater confirms, recreation.gov information isn't always accurate: "Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true."
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning to use campfires. At Big Sandy, Kelly M. notes it's "rough road in" and suggests that "you can have pretty large groups (covered by the 20-something dollar camp fee)," making it suitable for group trail rides.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access: Sites near water provide natural entertainment for children. At Sample Meadow Campground, Regina P. notes that "the campsites are far enough apart to feel like you are all alone in the woods! The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids."
Bear safety education: Turn wildlife awareness into a learning experience. Darlene M. reports Sample Meadow "is a beautiful campground located off Kaiser Pass Road. Even in June there was so many wildflowers and vibrate green. There was bathrooms and each site had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box."
Proximity to attractions: Some sites offer easy access to natural features. At Fish Creek, campers note that while facilities are limited, the creek access provides recreation for children even though the campground has seen damage from past fires.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access challenges: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds have limited space for large rigs. At Goat Meadow, Kevin T. reports: "Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between."
Generator restrictions: Check rules regarding generator use. At Mono Hot Springs, Chris M. explains the challenging access: "The road in was an adventure. The last 18 miles over Kaiser Pass took 1.5 hours. A sub-par road surface little bigger than one lane in many places made transit interesting."
Seasonal considerations: Plan visits during optimal weather windows. Collin from Sample Meadow recommends checking conditions: "Most easily accessed via Kaiser Pass. Be aware that the road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners. This campground can also be accessed via Big Creek. I recommend checking conditions with the Prather Ranger Station before setting out."
