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Best Equestrian Camping near Olancha, CA

126 Reviews

Horseshoe Meadow Campground provides equestrian-focused sites within Inyo National Forest, accommodating both horses and riders. The campground features designated hitching posts, water access for horses, and sites specifically designed for trailer parking. While no dedicated horse corrals are present, the meadow setting offers ample space for portable corrals or highlines. Tent camping and RV sites are available with picnic tables and bear boxes at most sites. Vault toilets and water spigots serve the camping area. The meadow setting attracts equestrians preparing for backcountry trips with abundant space for horses to rest before hitting the trails. Many sites are spaced generously under Jeffrey pines with flat tent pads.

Multiple trailheads originate from the campground, connecting riders to the Pacific Crest Trail and several alpine lakes accessible by horseback. The elevation at 10,000 feet provides cool summer temperatures ideal for both horses and riders during hot weather. Trails vary from beginner-friendly meadow routes to expert backcountry paths leading to alpine destinations. Water access for horses exists throughout the meadow and along several trails. Kennedy Meadows offers additional equestrian camping options, with a working horse packing station that provides guided riding trips. The campground connects directly to numerous hiking and riding trails, with the South Fork Kern River nearby. Restroom facilities are basic vault toilets, and campers should bring their own drinking water as potable water sources are unreliable.

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Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground

Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground

1 hr 22 min away

Horseshoe Meadow Campground

Horseshoe Meadow Campground

1 hr 22 min away

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Olancha, California (15)

    1. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    42 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

    "Right in the middle of many trails and sites to see, not to mention a quick skip away from Lone Pine."

    2. Whitney Portal

    29 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $95 / night

    "Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you."

    "Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls."

    3. Kennedy Meadows Campground

    9 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 379-5646

    "This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same."

    "Adventure Awaits folks get outside!"

    4. Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-6200

    $6 / night

    "I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!"

    "Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes."

    5. Fossil Falls dry lake bed

    11 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "Overnight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds."

    "We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. "

    6. Lone Pine

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $81 / night

    "It is also very close to the town of Lone Pine, which has a little market and several restaurants in case you accidentally forget anything or don’t bring enough food.

    The views of Mt."

    "We camped at one of the walk-in sites. Enough space for the 4 of us, 2 tents, and the family pup. The parking spots are only 50 yds away and next to the restrooms."

    7. Alabama Hills Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 872-5000

    "First site is large and was to turn around a larger trailer or rv. The SuperDrive get to spots is getting a large rut go slow and even my Subaru Forester had no issue."

    8. Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-6200

    "It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets."

    "We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail. It’s so beautiful!!"

    9. Horse Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    33 miles
    Website

    "We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near."

    "The entrance to the road which leads from Sherman Pass to the campground does not give a clear indication that there is, in fact, a campground at the end."

    10. Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites

    2 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    35 miles
    Website

    "This is one of my favorite here in sequoia national park south entrance by gen hi way. Park rangers were so helpful at the entrance and they are well organized."

    "The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off. Plenty of tree coverage for both some shade and to hang your food."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Olancha, CA

1 Photos of 15 Olancha Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Olancha, CA

126 Reviews of 15 Olancha Campgrounds

  • Kristian W.
    May. 19, 2022

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Good for tents, not for campers

    Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2023

    Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

    Trailhead campground for Mt Langley hike

    We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.

  • Christy S.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Going back in time

    Started coming here over 40 years ago as a kid. This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same. Fun horse riding trips. Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge. This is a great starting point for many backcountry backpack trips as it is near the PCT. Lots of hiking. Great fishing spot, river is generally stocked with fish on a weekly basis.

  • Sonia P.
    Apr. 23, 2021

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Beautiful, but horse poop

    The hike to Kennedy meadows campground was wonderful and scenic and the campground itself is in a nice location. The only downfall is the trail and campground is shared for horses and there is POOP EVERYWHERE. Somewhere midway through the hike there is a trail leading to Sharon Lake. Very isolated lake with lots of trout - they were jumping out of the water.

  • Gabby G.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Whitney Portal

    Amazing

    By far the best campground I've been too.

    I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead

  • K
    Jan. 17, 2022

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Great base camp for hiking

    Many campgrounds close to each other but not on top. Cast meadow to the west is wonderful for morning walk with coffee. Hikes nearby from beginner to expert take you to alpine lakes.

  • Amanda B.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Whitney Portal

    MT Whitney Trail, Lone Pine Lake and Trail Camp, Whitney Portal, CA

    We recently backpacked to the summit of MT Whitney. On the way to the summit there are several options for overnight camping. Lone Pine Lake is your first option, about 2.8 miles from the trailhead at Whitney Portal. This is a beautiful little lake, surrounded by pines and imposing granite walls. This is the last place you can camp without a Whitney zone overnight permit. Outpost camp is your next option at mile 3.8. Flat and shady with meandering streams and a waterfall, this is a beautiful place to stop for the night. Trail Camp is located at mile 6.3. Surrounded by tall, jagged granite peaks, and edged by a beautiful alpine lake, Trail Camp is awe inspiring. Trail Camp is about 12,000 ft elevation, so be prepared to camp at high altitude. If you can swing it, taking your time to ascend slowly, and camping along the way for at least a couple of nights will make your MT Whitney experience truly unforgettable.

  • C
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Beautiful and spacious

    This is a walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips. There are campsites spread around the meadow with picnic tables and bear boxes.The campsites are spread well apart under the pines. The parking encircles the large, flat meadow. The area is just gorgeous. It’s a great spot to get away from summer heat at 10,000 feet. Vault toilets, water spigots. Lots of hiking.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Whitney Portal

    Cool, popular, gorgeous, has lots of bears

    Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc.  Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions.  So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service. 

    The Whitney Portal store is a stroll away with famously good food, run by the same family since before I was a ranger there back in the 1990s.  They have some last minute supplies too, if you discover you forgot anything from rain gear to a stove canister. 

    I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes.  It's a great camp for acclimatization.  The National Rec Trail gets overlooked, but showcases the transition from forest at the Portal to desert scrub at the bottom, following the stream, albeit from a neighboring ridge. 

    I'd also consider other campgrounds in the area, as there's a fair bit to do around Lone Pine for such a small town, and the Whitney Portal's position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return. 

    The bears and popularity of the Portal limit my enthusiasm for it a bit, but the positives of a store and restaurant, showers, and great hikes make camping here worth the effort for a few days.  It's certainly a great way to get used to the thinner air if you're then headed for the back country. 

    If one had the luxury of time and the luck/good planning of getting reservations for Cottonwood as well as Whitney Portal, I'd check out both for additional hiking and fishing, as well as the Alabama Hills, which offer free boon docking.  

    The whole Owen's Valley is one great opportunity after another for all sorts of outdoor sports and enjoyment, but Lone Pine has more than its share of nearby attractions and the Whitney Portal is high on that list.

Guide to Olancha

Horseshoe Meadow Campground serves as a high-elevation staging area for equestrians and hikers accessing the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Located at 10,000 feet, the campground receives consistent daytime temperatures in the 70s during summer months, while nights can drop below freezing even in July. The area receives heavy winter snowfall, typically closing the access road from November through May.

What to do

Alpine lake fishing trips: From Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground, access several alpine lakes with established trout populations. "We spent the day backpacking to check out spots for a future trip. We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail," notes Taylor.

Summit nearby peaks: The trailheads provide access to multiple 14,000-foot mountains. "We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley," explains Les R., who adds practical details: "It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets."

Explore volcanic formations: Visit Fossil Falls dry lake bed to examine unusual geological features. "This area is pretty trippy going from volcanic rock and flows to various brush to the dry, beautifully cracked dirt," writes Pinkie K. "The black dirt and yellow grass make this a magical place to wake up," adds Will.

What campers like

Stargazing conditions: The high desert location creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The night sky splashed with the Milky Way visible most nights," reports Michael A. about Horseshoe Meadow Campground. "Verizon cell service was great and stars were bright," confirms Pinkie K. about the Fossil Falls area.

Secluded camping spots: The Alabama Hills dispersed site provides privacy with minimal facilities. "There are 3 legal spots with camping signs. First two are level. Third will need leveling blocks," reports Kent G. about Alabama Hills Dispersed Site. "Easy to find at night, even had a fire ring," adds Stephanie R.

Creek access: Multiple campgrounds provide water access for both drinking and recreation. At Horse Meadow Campground, Joseph Z. notes, "We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there's no fires near." Allison A. confirms: "Some [sites] are spacious, shady, flat, and along a creek."

What you should know

Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have unreliable water sources, especially in late season. At Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead, Les R. found "the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September."

Wildlife considerations: Area wildlife includes marmots, bears, and mice. Deb H. warns about Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills: "We were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them... There was a poster on the vault toilets warning about hantavirus in the area."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Olancha, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Olancha, CA is Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Olancha, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Olancha, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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