Best Equestrian Camping near Shasta Lake, CA
Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers two campsite options with facilities suitable for equestrian use in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. The campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping with ample space for horse trailers. Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings, and access to a shared composting toilet. Sites are reasonably far apart providing privacy for campers and their horses. The campground provides access to trails leading down to nearby creeks. While the 2018 Carr fire affected some of the surrounding trees, the area remains functional for equestrian visitors. Primitive camping with horses costs $20 per site per night plus a Whiskeytown National Forest pass.
Several horse-friendly camping options exist throughout the Shasta Lake region, including Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground in Fort Jones, open from June to October. Carter Meadows Horse Campground provides drive-in access with fire rings and picnic tables available through a reservation system. Trinity National Forest offers additional horse camping opportunities with varied terrain for trail riding. Most equestrian sites in the region feature access to natural water sources for horses, though campers should verify seasonal availability. The campsites are typically situated on uneven terrain with limited site definition, making them best suited for experienced horse campers comfortable with primitive conditions. Parking for large rigs and horse trailers is available at most locations, though access often requires navigating long, winding mountain roads.
