Dru Barner Campground offers equestrian-friendly camping in the Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown. The campground sits at approximately 3,800 feet elevation, providing a cooler forest setting than surrounding valley areas. Water access can be limited due to recurring quality issues, so campers should plan accordingly with personal water supplies.
What to do
Trail hiking near campground: Multiple campgrounds provide direct trail access for day hikes with varying difficulty levels. At Loon Lake, campers can access "the Pacific crest trail & many other hiking routes" according to Anthony K. The nearby Otter Creek Trail features "a bit of switch backing elevation to get down to the creek" as noted by Lily S.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and reservoirs around Pinecrest offer productive fishing spots with several species available. At Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, some campers have success with gold panning: "If you're lucky and know how to read the river, gold panning is a must!" writes Jason A. Lake Oroville is known for "great fishing" according to Melissa K.
Water recreation: Several lakes in the region support multiple water activities. Jackson Meadows Reservoir provides "excellent paddleboarding & kayaking, but be aware this is a water sports lake - so expect powerboats & jet skis" explains Ron G. from East Meadow Campground. For kayak rentals, Sly Park Recreation Area offers options where "kayak and paddle board rentals make exploring the lake relaxing and fun" as Alyssa S. mentions.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Many equestrian campgrounds near Pinecrest, California provide tranquil settings away from crowds. At Dru Barner Campground, Lily S. found it "lovely and quiet midweek." Similarly, Digs R. noted, "You get the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere, but yet, still only 15 minute drive to Georgetown."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife that regularly visits campgrounds. Lily S. reports seeing "Lots of wild turkeys, deer, and birds" at Dru Barner. Sly Park campers appreciate stargazing opportunities with Carly D. noting, "The stars are breathtaking at night. Gotta be my favorite part. It's also fun to look across the lake and see all of the campfires sparkling in the distance."
Easy access to water: Many sites provide convenient lake or river access. At Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Brian O. noted they "pitched our tent along side the American River. The sound of the river was calming." At East Meadow Campground, julie B. appreciated that it was "Close to the water and sites have plenty of space."
What you should know
Water availability concerns: Several horse campgrounds near Pinecrest report water limitations. At Dru Barner Campground, Cheri S. advises: "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality." Similarly, Deanne S. discovered the campground "by accident...TWICE!" and noted it was "fantastic" in winter but recommends checking water conditions.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Kevin W. warns that Ruck-A-Chucky's "3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'." The drive to Bidwell Canyon Campground is described as "an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road" but "well worth it" according to one reviewer.
Bug activity: Insect populations can affect camping comfort, especially in summer. At Dru Barner, Theron W. reported their experience was "great besides the bugs and all the wasps." Similarly, Erika B. warned about Loon Lake: "we had cut our camping trip short due to meat bees (Labor Day weekend, 2016). There were TONS of them!"
Tips for camping with families
Check site terrain: Many campgrounds have uneven sites that can affect tent placement and comfort. At Bidwell Canyon Campground, Sean J. observed: "A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent. When I took a drive around it looked like many were similarly sloped/terraced not a flat site."
Consider shoulder seasons: Summer heat can be intense at lower elevations. Sean J. recommends: "The campground would likely be better in late September/October" for Bidwell Canyon Campground due to summer temperatures reaching "108 or so as highs."
Beach access for children: Sly Park Recreation Area offers family-friendly water access with Monique R. noting it's "Great for families. Beautiful hikes that are easy for young children. Plenty of trails to choose from." The park also has "nice beaches to hang out at" according to Alyssa S., making it suitable for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds have restrictions on large RVs. At Ruck-A-Chucky, Kevin W. cautions it has "only 5 walk-in spots" and another reviewer clarifies it's "mostly used by the river rafters and rafting companies" with "all 5 sites are tent camping only."
Site orientation challenges: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned RV sites. At East Meadow Campground, Ron A. noted: "We reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that." They resolved this by moving "to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Pinecrest offer limited or no hookups. At Ghost Mountain RV Campground, a reviewer explains there's "Water and Electricity only. There is Honeybucket truck that comes around Monday Wednesday and Friday. A dump station on site."
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