Best Equestrian Camping near Pinecrest, CA
Looking for a place to camp near Pinecrest with your horse? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. You're sure to find the perfect site for your California horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Pinecrest, CA (32)
1. Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Granite Bay, California30 Reviews•140 Photos•329 SavesBeal's Point Campground is one of two locations on the lake that allows overnight camping in the campground. Barbecue pits, shade areas and large grassy areas can accommodate many family picnics and other activities. The Beal's Point Snack Bar also rents beach equipment. The beach equipment includes kayaks, standup paddleboards, shade canopies, and rafts of all sizes. Additionally, catering for family and company picnics, as well as group discount rental rates, are available.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$28 - $48 / night
2. Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
Georgetown, California7 Reviews•32 Photos•80 SavesOverview
Dru Barner Campground offers 48 campsites that are nestled in the forest just 6 miles from Georgetown, CA. The campground offers access to trails, creeks and is a short drive from some nearby reservoirs. This campground was designed for equestrians, but it can also be used by tent, camper, trailer and recreational vehicles. Common wildlife to the area includes turkeys, deer, bears, coyote and racoons. Portions of the campground have a canopy of trees, but many of the camp units have very little shade.
Recreation
Dru Barner Campground provides some good camping opportunities without having to drive long distances into the forest. Dru Barner Campground provides access to many non-motorized trails. It also is close to the Rock Creek Trail System that has both non-motorized, motorized, and multiple use trails. Several horse clubs have used Dru Barner Campground as the staging area for equestrian recreation events under special use permits. Several horse clubs have hosted barbecues and taco bars at the group kitchen area after their trail rides. Some couples have used the group kitchen area for weddings. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is located only about 15 miles to the east for those seeking water-based recreation. There is a campground concessionaire that operates the Stumpy Meadows Boat Ramp and Picnic Area. A day use fee is charged for those facilities. Stumpy Meadows Reservoir has a 5-mile speed limit for motor boats. Rafts, canoes and kayakers frequently travel on the reservoir. There are some shorelines that provide access for swimming and wading.
Natural Features
Dru Barner Campground sits on a ridgeline of the Hornblende Mountains. To the north, Otter Creek has cut a forested canyon. To the south, there are the rolling ridges that surround Rock Creek. There are forests of Ponderosa pine, sugar pine, Douglas-fir, white fir and incense cedar with groups of black oak and madrone. This campground is about 15 miles west of Stumpy Meadows Reservoir.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 334-6477.
Nearby Attractions
A nearby attraction is the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, CA. This attraction is located about 16 miles southeast of Dru Barner Campground. It is where James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848. This started the California Gold Rush. Historic building such as the blacksmith shop, mill workers cabin and the Coloma schoolhouse are available to see. There are gold panning demonstrations. There is a Gold Discovery Trail to learn the history and see the sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$4 - $8 / night
3. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area
Applegate, California6 Reviews•9 Photos•142 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
4. Loon Lake
Tahoma, California16 Reviews•42 Photos•273 SavesOverview
Loon Lake Campground is situated on the south shores of Loon Lake, and attracts many visitors with its variety of campsites and beautiful waterfront setting. Popular activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and exploring off-road vehicle trails.
Recreation
Anglers delight in fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while boaters head out for water skiing. Five picnic areas in the campground and a day-use area provide visitors with nice lake views.
Natural Features
The campground sits just west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (831) 245-6891.
Nearby Attractions
The 18-mile Rubicon Jeep Trail begins nearby. An exciting stretch of scenic, un-maintained, rocky road awaits off-road thrill seekers.
Charges & Cancellations
.Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation. Customers who cancel a GROUP overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.. Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below). Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld. Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$28 / night
5. Sly Park Recreation Area
Pollock Pines, California13 Reviews•56 Photos•237 SavesSly Park Recreation Area is a wonderful place to bring the whole family for an unforgettable camping experience. Sly Park camping features 10 campgrounds that contain a total of 191 individual sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue. Vault toilets and water faucets are conveniently located throughout the campgrounds.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
6. East Meadow Campground
Sierra City, California7 Reviews•22 Photos•158 SavesOverview
East Meadow Campground is located alongside the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. Its location provides for a great base camp, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. East Meadow Campground is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Recreation
The adjacent 1,000-acre lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout. A boat ramp is located at Pass Creek Campground. A designated swim beach is nearby. The lake is an irrigation source, meaning its level will drop as the season progresses. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail meanders along the east side of the lake. It is open to hiking and horseback riding and provides opportunities for viewing wildlife. Hunting and biking are popular activities in the surrounding area.
Natural Features
Jackson Meadow Reservoir is situated in a rolling forested valley, where visitors are awarded beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and English Mountain. The campground lies on the northeastern shore of the lake, in a forest of pine and fir trees. Some sites have a view of the lake, and boats can be moored nearby.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 994-3401.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
$24 / night
7. Mumford Bar Trail Campground
Emigrant Gap, California1 Review•5 SavesLocated 17 Miles northeast of Foresthill on Foresthill Divide Road. This small campground is located at the roadside, near the Mumford Bar Trailhead. Mumford Bar Trail offers hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian access to the North Fork of the American River. Featuring 4 campsites (Ok for equestrian use), hitching posts, and vault toilet. No trash service so please pack-in, pack-out. And no potable water so be sure to bring plenty for yourselves.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
8. Ghost Mountain Ranch RV Resort
Pollock Pines, California5 Reviews•2 Photos•6 SavesGhost Mountain Ranch located in the Sierra Mountains, nestled among the tall pines is the gateway to South Lake Tahoe! Come and find out why this is the best RV Camping near South Lake Tahoe. Originally designed by Paramount Pictures, this resort was once the set of the popular TV series “The Virginian”and perfectly captures the pure essence of old west life. A vintage ghost town complete with a saloon, ice cream parlor and general store are only the beginnings of its delightful charm. The spacious campsites and rental cabins are surrounded by miles of hiking trails and streams to explore on this amazing 325 acre preserve. Don’t forget to pack your poles, tackle and bait because it’s time for you to reel in the big one, at our very own stocked Fishing Pond. Located in the resort we have a large, crystal clear swimming pool with a seasonal snack bar that is guaranteed to be a big splash! The areas surrounding our 350 acre campground has dozens of trails and literally hundreds of square miles to explore by horseback! Hiking in the Sierras is a trail hikers dream come true! El Dorado National Forest has hundreds of miles of beautiful hiking trails all located nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9. Ghost Mountain RV Campground
Pollock Pines, California5 Reviews•14 Photos•16 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Ascension Ranch
Granite Bay, California2 Reviews•28 Photos•148 SavesWELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH
Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned, we're a small operation with big dreams. Offering a serene environment, an abundance of farm animals, and good old fashioned Ranch activities, we invite you to spend some time with us out on the Ranch!
Come play for the day or reserve a private campsite, and see what all the fuss is about.
Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around and of course, good company.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$49 - $245 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Pinecrest
148 Reviews of 32 Pinecrest Campgrounds
- G
Guy
Guide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Had to kick me out
This place and his staff were absolutely amazing. I had a couple of different times where I needed to change the spot and without fail they were there to help. Quite CLEAN everything! I wanted to stop awhile 30 days later I was told goodbye👋 cause I know the rules at a State Park!🤦😔😔💩
- TTim M.
Scout
Cal Expo RV Park
No Skoolies
Disappointed to be told they don't allow any buses unless they have the RVCIA (sp?) sticker. There were some really old and knackered looking caravans and daggy RV's in the park, but the place was pretty much deserted as it's November. All in all it was frustrating. ggggrrrrrrr
- GGuyGuide
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Great staff
I am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
- BBradford H.
Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
- MMarty P.Guide
Logger Campground
Beautiful campground with lake views.
Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.
- aaddison G.Scout
Haskins Valley Campground
Nice, easy access to lake
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
zachary L.TravelerBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
6/10 nice spot
Great view onsite, sites are clean. Bathrooms however where not.
Lee D.
LegendBeals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Many recreational activities
General: 69-site campground in two sections – one with electric hookups and one without.
Site Quality: We stayed in the non-hookup section. Site 36 was in a small spur with just four sites and direct access to the American River Bikeway. Although better suited for tents, the site worked fine for our camper van. The fire pit and picnic table were located quite a distance from the short paved camper pad, creating a sense of privacy.
Bath/Shower house: The building closest to us had three toilet/sink combos, one toilet only (there was an outside sink) and two showers. No soap, paper towels, or air dryers in any of the toilet rooms. Showers took quarters – two to turn it on and although I did not time it, two quarters gave a decent amount of time for the shower. Good hot water and a bench but no hooks.
Activities: Folsom Lake with all water-related activities. In addition to biking, the paved American River Bikeway was good for walking, running, and horseback riding. The grass was very dry, and I was surprised to see there was not a fire ban, as we’ve seen in almost every other campground not located on the coast. Four stars for the abundant recreation activities.
- Michell C.
Ranger
Sly Park Recreation Area
Stayed all summer as a camp host and it was FANTASTIC
I worked at Sly Park as the Rainbow Camp camphost from early June-mid September and had a fantastic experience. The park itself is gorgeous and well managed while the rangers and hosts are super friendly. Day use areas and day use parking fill up very quickly, especially on weekends, so arrive early if you want a good spot. The hiking trails around the lake are beautiful and easy to traverse. I’m in my mid 40’s and walked the south side waterfall trail from Hazel Creek to the first dam and back in about 3 hours…and I’m by no means a regular hiker. The rangers and camp hosts alike make regular rounds to insure that there is no picnicking/day use or day use parking going on in the numbered camp sites and to make sure the park rules are being followed. Numbered sights are available by reservation only.
Rainbow, Kam Loop, Dogwood and Hazel Creek camping loops are nicely shaded and stay much cooler than the camping loops toward the front of the park but it can be tough to get a larger motorhome or travel trailer into the back of the park. The roads are very narrow with plenty of blind corners. Unsupervised children on bicycles, hikers, and other campers walking dogs on the roads is very common, unfortunately so are speeding cars. Be cautious on the roads and keep a close eye out. There is plenty of potable water spigots available throughout the park and plenty of pit toilets. There is also a lovely, short hike to a waterfall! It’s just a 1 mile walk along the lakeshore from the Hazel Creek day use parking area. I definitely recommend this campground. It does get very busy on weekends, so if you would rather not deal with the “Weekend Warrior” type of campers, book your stay for mid-week (Mon-Thurs) and probably avoid camping in July altogether. - JJoshua T.Scout
Loon Lake
Great campground
My wife and I love Loon Lake. It is a beautiful mountain lake located far enough away from the crowds to get some peace and quiet. Not a bad site in the campground.
Ron G.Guide
East Meadow Campground
Still a great place !
Back again for the first time since the Sierra winter. Reservoir is pretty high, and not too busy this weekend with boaters. Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5. Otherwise outstanding!
- Renee A.Guide
Sly Creek Campground
This is an absolutely lovely campsite
With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir.
Wildlife is all around you and you can see some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see in your life.
We enjoyed our camping trip immensely and enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water.
We took some video footage as well.
There was a great fishing but we didn't catch anything.
It was very quiet and peaceful.
- CCheri S.Scout
Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
Beautiful quiet place
The good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality.
Jordie G.GuidePine Cone - Sly Park Recreation Area
Excellent campsite, terrible booking website
Beautiful view of the lake, level plot, toilets, picnic table, potable water, fire ring, grill, recycling stations and large dumpsters. Dog friendly too. This campsite has everything you need to enjoy a nice evening by the lake. However, booking online or by phone is a pain in the ass. If you toussle around with the website, you'll see what I mean. We were also unable to reach anyone by phone.
They do not do walk-ins for campsites on Fridays or Saturdays. We came on a Sunday and were able to set up camp and leave our stuff to hit the grocery store in Pollock Pines. I think it was $45 for the night but very well worth camping in an established zone for the first time in a week! We drove into our site in a Ford E-350 and next to us was a converted schoolbus. Many SUVs as well. The camp host was on premises as well.
At the time of this review, the store across the check-in gate, Sly Park Resort, was closed until further notice.
- ddanaScout
Sly Creek Campground
Sly park
Great place to visit. Great walking trails group sites are great love it
HandL C.RangerCal Expo RV Park
If it must be Sac...
...then you want a good location for your home base. Cal Expo definitely has the centralized location for exploring Old Sac, Cal Expo, State Capitol, the rivers and beyond. Cal Expo RV Park is a parking lot where your rig is nose-down, not necessarily level, and your septic goes uphill to drain. It is quite noisy at night with traffic, sirens and other noise.
- SSHELDON G.Scout
Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom SRA
This is a very clean and well maintained State camp ground. Full hook ups, but unfortunately low water pressure.
- Digs R.Scout
Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest
Solitude
You get the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere, but yet, still only 15 minute drive to Georgetown. Hopefully they get water or lack there of figured out soon, other than that, perfect spot for 🐎 and campers alike.
- mmary F.Legend
Black Rock Campground
Really poor condition
Despite the beautiful Joshua trees this campground is not a great to stay. The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven. Not a great place for a trailer nor class A. No direct access to park via road. Is next to neighborhood
- MMiriam B.Scout
Loafer Creek Horse Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Roomy campsites at Lake Oroville
Pleasant setting in the trees. Only 3 other campsites in use that we noticed in October. The lake is super low, but a pleasant campground on our way home.
Davidson L. H.GuideLogger Campground
Great For Families
Cold night's starting in September. I have stayed here in summer and in fall. I prefer fall because there are not many people and you can have the lake to yourself. Summer I would not attempt it as it turns into an RV city. The lake attracts lots of wildlife and it is bear country so lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree especially in fall when the bears are bulking up for winter. In summer you might not see wildlife as the hordes of campers scare them off from the lake. There are also beautiful sunset here, and nice stargazing.
- HHieu N.Traveler
Loon Lake
Loon Lake Camping Trip
You should definitely check out Loon Lake right off on I-50 but the road to get to it is on ice house road which is about an hour drive. Also, is next to the known trail that people 4x4 is call Rubicon Trail.
Loon Lake was beautiful and such scenery to enjoy. Big rainbow trout and camping was amazing if your going in as a group.
Brian H.Traveler
Jenkinson Campground—Sly Park Recreation Area
Sierra fun
This was perfect. We brought our paddle board and we’re walking distance to the lake front. Lake was quiet, trails well maintained and facilities were cleaned regularly. Will definitely stay here again.
Sarah M.TravelerLoon Lake
Beautiful, fairly easy, weekday trip
We stayed at sites 15 and 17 during the week. It wasn’t too crowded since school had just started and burning man was happening. These two sites are right on the road next to the toilets and trash bins. Some smells and lots of noises and foot traffic, some 4x4 traffic as well. Otherwise we had a short path to lake front and could keep our floats and boats tied up close by. The site was incredibly rooty/rocky - just be careful moving around at night! I pulled my van into the spot, while others tent camped. Lots of space and convenient. The water was chilly, the weather was pleasant (personally could have enjoyed a few degrees hotter), and there was a massive bug hatch blanketing the water with flying ants. Lots of bats flying around us at night. Dogs loved the site - we had a couple little ones and some hounds. I used an electric trolling motor inflatable boat to cruise around the beautiful lake. There is some road traffic/noise across the way and planes fly right over. The elevation made exercising surprisingly difficult here, including swimming! Overall wonderful camp trip.
- Ron G.Guide
East Meadow Campground
Great Campground Near Jackson Meadows Reservoir
Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking, but be aware this is a water sports lake - so expect powerboats & jet skis.
Eric D.ScoutMumford Bar Trail Campground
Good free option near Sugar Pine resevoir and Robinsons flat
This is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River.
One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT.
Excellent spot if ya wanna get away from crowds and don’t mind less amenities. If the local backcountry is posted no fires, usually can still burn in designated pits at this camp.
OHV and backcountry camping options abound in this area.
The hike down to the American via Mumford Trail is NOT a leisurely stroll. Pack plenty of water and be prepared to spend the night down at the river if you head out late. There is a camp space down there once you reach the river and pass through the thickets.
- HHeather G.Guide
Loon Lake
Great Lake, not so great campground
I love Loon Lake. It is beautiful. The campground wasn't so great. I was in site 31. My picnic table was half height because it had been sinking into the ground. Good thing I didn't have to use it. The vault toilets were almost full (kind of disgusting). To make things worse, one of my neighbors thought everyone in the campground should listed to their music all day! No peace and quiet here. This part of the campground (sites 1-34) seem to be old and in a need of some improvements. Sites 35-53, which was further away from the lake, was much nicer, long paved parking areas, spaced further apart, newer picnic tables. The boat ramp area was very nice and not too crowded.
Guide to Pinecrest
Horse camping in California offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- At Dru Barner Campground, enjoy beautiful trails that are perfect for horseback riding amidst serene forest surroundings.
- Skillman provides access to numerous trails, allowing riders to explore the stunning landscapes of Tahoe National Forest.
- Mumford Bar Trail Campground features walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail, leading to the American River, ideal for a scenic ride.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- Ghost Mountain Ranch RV Resort offers horse corrals, making it convenient for equestrian campers to keep their horses secure.
- Loafer Creek Horse Campground is designed specifically for horse camping, featuring spacious sites and access to trails.
- Ascension Ranch provides a serene environment with ample space for horses, along with various ranch activities.
Equestrian campgrounds include essential features
- Sly Creek Campground is well-reviewed for its big rig-friendly sites and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
- Ruck-A-Chucky Campground allows fires and has toilets, making it a practical choice for equestrian campers looking for basic amenities.
- Beals Point Campground features reservable sites and trash disposal, ensuring a clean and organized environment for horse camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pinecrest, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pinecrest, CA is Beals Point Campground — Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pinecrest, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 equestrian camping locations near Pinecrest, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.