L
Lani B.
Guide
GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Loads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
Equestrian Camping near North Fork, CA
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Horse camping near North Fork, California offers one primitive equestrian campground for riders seeking remote, self-sufficient outings. The facility requires guests to bring all necessary equipment for both themselves and their horses, as amenities are extremely limited. No horse corrals are provided, making it essential for riders to bring their own portable containment systems or use high-lines for securing horses overnight. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Bakersfield Field Office, offering tent camping in a rustic setting. Sites accommodate both horses and riders with sufficient space for horse trailers, though the exact specifications for trailer size limits are not specified.
Trail access from the Equestrian Campground connects directly to surrounding Bureau of Land Management trails, offering various riding opportunities through the Sierra National Forest terrain. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Riders should plan to bring all water needed for both horses and humans, as no drinking water is available on-site. No sanitary facilities or trash service exists at this location, requiring campers to pack out all waste. The surrounding area offers access to additional riding trails, though the specific trail systems are not well-documented in recent visitor reports. This primitive horse campground appeals primarily to self-sufficient riders comfortable with minimal facilities in a remote setting.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near North Fork (28)
1. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
"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."
2. Sweetwater
"The site is pet friendly and has horse stables. Our neighbors were friendly and quiet. The site had a picnic table, fire pit, water spout and full electricity hook ups."
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $43 / night
3. Fish Creek (CA)
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $41 - $43 / night
4. Big Sandy Campground
"Off-road on the way to the camp site. We stayed at #4, with a good shade and it’s by the creek. Everything is good only it’s too dusty when other cars pass by without slowing down."
"Has a creek through the middle next to pretty much all sites. The stars at night are incredible. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite."
5. COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
50 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 - $200 / night
6. Sample Meadow Campground
"It 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."
"When I visited some people had buried human waste next to the campsite and I cleaned it up. Most easily accessed via Kaiser Pass. Be aware that the road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners."
7. Mono Hot Springs
"I 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."
"Our campground was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $37 - $78 / night
8. North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $48 / night
9. Equestrian Campground
10. Summer Fun Campground
Drive Time
- 42 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 19 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 21 min from Hanford, CA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near North Fork, CA
2 Photos of 28 North Fork Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near North Fork, CA
259 Reviews of 28 North Fork Campgrounds
Rav H.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
This is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
Nick B.GuideGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Great dispersed spot
We came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
Samantha M.GuideTwin Lakes Campground
One of my faves
Clean and spacious. Water was just a short walk away. Amazing views all around the campground. Restrooms were always clean.
Jen F.
TravelerAzalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Bring your levelers
CONS: Most sites need some (or a lot) of level help. No RV dump. Pretty popular (so don’t expect privacy). PROS: sequoia is beautiful. You can find some amazing trails.
Zack P.
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Beautiful Campsite
I had a huge campsite site-one camping spot over from the lakeside. the whole back of the site open to forest-46a (this is a prime cluster of sites). Close to what are probably the cleanest, best maintained bathrooms in the park system (cleaned twice daily). The Mamouth lakes area is not for campers seeking solitude, it's just too popular an area for that. However, despite a lot of people around, it is beautiful and stunning area nevertheless!
There is one thing to note-don't forget to bring clothes to layer up with as it can turn cold and windy without a moment's notice. In fact, because of a relentless, daily wind, it was the only camping spot I felt compelled to fully stake down my large Wonderland Tent. all summer...
Another highlight of Mamouth is there are plenty of fish at nearby lakes-this area is considered one of the best regions in USA for trophy trout. The Lakes are also stocked with plenty of good-sized trout for eating; however, Twin Lakes is not the best lake for shore fishing-you need a boat or float to get to the best spots-plus, it is a very weedy as well.
Besides GREAT FISHING, you are nearby to a dozen FANTASTIC day hikes and there are many more great hikes for a bit longer drive- this is a day-hikers paradise!
If the lack of solitude doesn't bother you (find it by hiking), it is also nice camping area for extended stays because you are so close to the town of Mammoth Lakes-it has good restaurants, bakeries, ice cream, and a Vons supermarket (best price on ice here),
All in All, it was a great place to pitch my REI Wonderland Tent for a week and I highly recommend it.
- LLeonard H.
RangerTwin Lakes Campground
Near Paved Bike / Hike Trail
Stayed at shaded site 4 next to main road between main lodge and store. Site was a little sloped for 24' RV. Clean flush toilets with sinks. Easy walk to store and main lodge. Paved bike/walking trail a big plus. Showers were closed at store. Water available. A little windy and chilly on lake but site protected under trees. Free shuttle stops nearby if want to visit town or upper lakes.
Hans V.RangerAzalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Restrooms too far
We had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
- Hans V.Ranger
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close to Yosemite
Many spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
Guide to North Fork
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near North Fork, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Fork, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Fork, CA is Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site with a 4.5-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
North Fork, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Fork, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near North Fork, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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