Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers equestrian access within the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area at 1,200 feet elevation. The facility connects to several wilderness trail systems, with most trails requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. The camping area contains only two primitive sites with water available from a hand pump during summer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: Riders can connect directly to wilderness trails from Black Rock Campground, where equestrians find solitude and natural surroundings. "Go to this camp for the quiet. Hiking is good going up or down Mill Creek. Fly fishing good and rarely more than one other camp used," notes Gordon C.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways near horse campgrounds provide fishing access. At Stony Gorge Reservoir, anglers find uncrowded conditions with basic amenities. "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water. There are some campsites that are private and some where you can bring a big group," reports Cat C.
Day trips to recreational lakes: Within 30 minutes of most horse campgrounds near Red Bluff, California, visitors can reach multiple lakes for swimming and boating. Alissa C. from Black Rock Campground shares: "There are some nice places to fish that are just a short walk from the campsites and the campsites are nicely shaded to help cut the heat during the day. We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs."
What campers like
Quiet, remote locations: Equestrian campers appreciate the solitude found at most primitive horse camps in the region. Kyle M. reports about Black Rock: "This is a great place to escape city life. Don't mistake this camp ground for the one in Joshua state park. The road to get there was the only headache especially since we drove a small car."
Accessible water features: Many equestrian camping areas include proximity to rivers or creeks for horse watering. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, Corey L. notes: "The little town of Lewiston is pretty cool and a 5 min walk from the campground as well is the trinity river. We will definitely be back."
Basic amenities: Despite primitive conditions, most horse camps maintain essential facilities. Web H. comments about Horse Camp: "Nice clean outhouse and potable hand pump water. Picnic tables and trash bins provided as well as a fire pit. The only negative was the Carr fire that burned many trees in the area."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Most equestrian camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. Kaye S. warns about Surveyor Campground: "Take Forrest Route N17 off of Spouts Spring Rd. What a sweet surprise after spending an hour on an unimproved wash board road. This is an ideal Campground for those with OHV's."
Limited cell service: Prepare for disconnection at most horse camps in the region. Jules S. notes about Horse Camp: "No cell service but starlink worked great. It was $20 for site for a night plus you have to get a whiskeytown national forest pass unless you have the NP yearly pass."
Mosquito preparation: During summer months, insect protection is essential for horses and humans. Alissa C. shares from her experience: "The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must. There was evidence of bears around our site but we didn't have any issues."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe various wildlife species near most equestrian camps. At Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot, Jason D. explains: "We enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot. We had our dogs and 5 year old with us. There was a fair amount of space between sites. We all enjoyed a meal at the steak house."
Safety considerations: Family camping requires extra vigilance near waterways and with wildlife. Valerie T. notes about Horse Camp: "Nice huge site with basically your own valued bathroom one other campsite shares. Perfect for dry camping with your rv if you want some extra quiet and privacy."
Entertainment options: Some facilities near horse campgrounds offer additional family activities. Deborah R. comments: "The pool was amazing and the shuttle was great considering the heat. The Casino was ok the food not so good."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many equestrian sites require leveling blocks for RVs. Jules S. advises: "Sites are SUPER uneven and not really defined. The picnic table/fire pit area has large boulders around them and a road runs right between both sites. Good spot for large rigs."
Water and waste management: RVers should arrive with full water tanks at primitive horse camps. Mary S. from Rolling Hills suggests: "Great overnight stop. Surprisingly quiet! Level pull-thru sites, full hook-ups. $40, well worth the price when temps are 90+ and need your a/c."
Rig size considerations: Some horse camps accommodate larger trailers better than others. Tara D. from Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort shares: "Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space. There is a great area for tent camping or a place to dry camp with your RV just below the main RV park."
