7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse Camp Primitive Campground in the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area provides basic accommodations for visitors bringing horses. The campground features only two campsites spaced reasonably far apart with picnic tables, trash bins, and fire rings. While the campground name suggests equestrian facilities, reviews indicate it's primarily a primitive camping location that allows horses rather than offering dedicated equestrian amenities like corrals or stalls. The sites are notably uneven and not clearly defined, with large boulders surrounding picnic and fire areas. A hand pump provides potable water, and a clean composting toilet serves both sites. The area experienced damage during the Carr Fire, with many trees burned in the vicinity.
Access to Horse Camp requires navigating a long, winding road that can accommodate large rigs despite the challenging terrain. Visitors need to purchase a Whiskeytown National Forest pass unless they possess an annual National Park pass. The camp costs $20 per night for each site. The nearby creek offers recreational opportunities with a trail leading directly from the campground. For equestrians seeking more substantial facilities, nearby Hat Creek Resort & RV Park and Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort accommodate a variety of camping styles including tents, RVs, and cabins, though neither specifically advertises horse-focused amenities. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout the region, with Starlink providing the only reliable connection at Horse Camp during recent visits.
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."
"Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"
"Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."
"Stayed at Butte Lake for two nights in late June 2022. None of the campsites has an unobstructed lake view, but it’s a short walk to the day use area on the shore."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"We were looking for.a place to camp near Redding, our home town. This campground is about 30 mins from Redding. It was an easy tow on rural but well maintained roads all the way to the campground."
"There are tent sites away from the rv part, but we never checked that area out. The rv spots are very clean, and even though they’re close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."
"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."
"Casino nearby has multiple restaurants and entertainment, including golf. Cheap gas for California. Little bit of a hike to clean restrooms. Quiet. Convenient location for traveling down I-5."
"Conveniently located just off I-5, far enough away from the noise. Casino, restaurants, doggy daycare and golf just next door. Sites are level 75 ft pull through sites. We will stay again."
from $49 - $69 / night
Check Availability
ScoutIt’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
GuideGreat CG, bigger than expected but spots are spread out. Cool pine forest, pretty lake, Cinder Cone Hike worth the sweat for the views. Stayed in site 8, not super level for a van, but made it work.
GuideI tent camped here. My spot was very close to the bathroom and shower area. (You don't have to pay extra coins for the shower.) The tent camping spots are nice. The have a picnic table and a metal firepit and they provide wood. The front office has a little store. The wifi isn't good here. But, they do have a "club house" where you can get on the wifi, charge your phone, and watch a movie on the TV or play a board game. So when you check in they give you the password for the wifi and bathroom.
TravelerThe casino is pretty dominating and intense as is the truck stop, but if you don't mind those it's not a bad place.
GuideNice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP
RangerSites 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. Luckily the noise died down after the sunset but it was pretty heavily traveled during the day. Good spot for large rigs.
Long windy road to get up to sites. There was potable water as well as a pit toilet at top. 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.
TravelerGreat little park. Lots of shade and green grass, good management, Clean restrooms and well kept grounds. Close to river and lakes for boating and fishing. There is a great area for tent camping or a place to dry camp with your RV just below the main RV park. There are targets set up for bow hunters in the pines below the park.
Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space.
LegendNice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!
We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park for closed for the season and what a nice surprise. They had a little grocery store with ice cream..we had some ice cream. It was delicious.
They had the cutest little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area. Great little spot! We would absolutely come back. Internet on my phone was hit or miss outside. They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day. 12 minute drive to Park entrance. Otherwise, you are in the middle of nowhere. 20 minutes to a grocery store. Beautiful spot!
GuideIt's a great place to camp out of the way from all the other campgrounds in Lassen Park. Just beware of the 5 mile gravel road into camp. The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water.
Horse Camp Primitive Campground sits within the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area at approximately 3,000 feet elevation. The campground operates between April and October when mountain weather permits access. During summer months, temperatures typically range between 50-90°F with cooler evenings compared to lower-elevation options in the region.
Creek exploration: The nearby creek at Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers recreational activities with direct trail access. "There's a trail that leads down to the creek," notes Brittany S., highlighting natural water features available to campers.
Volcanic hiking adventures: At Butte Lake Campground, visitors can access unique volcanic landscapes. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," shares Laura F.
Fishing opportunities: Several area campgrounds support fishing activities. Black Rock Campground offers "some nice places to fish that are just a short walk from the campsites," according to Alissa C., who adds, "We saw some salmon, deer, quail, and frogs."
Natural water features: At Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, the stream access ranks highly among visitor preferences. "1st RV park that I ever took my trailer to. Easy to get in and out of the camp site large camp sites, the hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning," says Frank P.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the spacing between camping spots. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, "the spaces are wide. Wider than any other places we have stayed. The spots are grassed, all clean and well maintained," according to Jason D.
Wilderness solitude: Visitors to more remote sites appreciate the quiet. At Black Rock Campground, Kyle M. notes it's "a great place to escape city life" while Gordon C. recommends visitors "Go to this camp for the quiet. Hiking is good going up or down Mill Creek."
Road conditions: Access to several horse campgrounds near Shasta-Trinity National Forest requires careful navigation. For Butte Lake Campground, Moni R. notes, "Despite the remote location and the bumpy gravel road to get to this park, it is a very popular campground. Advanced reservation is a must."
Bear safety: Wildlife concerns affect multiple sites in the region. Moni R. adds, "Make sure to read the signs about the wildlife and take the advice of how to store food seriously. We saw a bear just a mile outside the campground."
Water access challenges: Limited water availability affects planning at some locations. At Butte Lake, Bill T. reports, "The toilet houses are the only place you can get drinking water and there are only about four locations. There is no way to hook up a hose, even with a water robber, so you have to fill jugs and carry from the sink."
Swimming opportunities: Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot offers family-friendly water recreation. "The pool was amazing and the shuttle was great considering the heat," notes Deborah R., highlighting amenities beyond standard camping.
Entertainment options: Some locations provide additional activities for children. At Rolling Hills, Jason D. shares, "We had our dogs and 5 year old with us... we all enjoyed a meal at the steak house. After we let mama gamble as my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade, then we switched."
Bug preparation: Insect protection ranks as essential for family comfort. At Black Rock Campground, Alissa C. warns, "The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must," while describing an overnight family getaway.
Site leveling: At Horse Camp Primitive Campground, RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "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," warns Jules S. about the challenges.
Full hookup options: For those seeking amenities, some locations provide complete services. At Hat Creek Resort, Amanda V. notes the campground offers "Full hookups, Laundry, Wifi available for purchase, Close to Lassen Volcanic NP," making it suitable for extended stays.
Connectivity planning: Cell coverage varies significantly between locations. At Hat Creek Resort, Kristi D. shares, "Internet on my phone was hit or miss outside. They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day," providing essential information for remote workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there horse camping facilities in Shasta-Trinity National Forest?
Yes, Shasta-Trinity National Forest has dedicated horse camping facilities. Black Rock Campground offers equestrian-specific sites with hitching posts, corrals, and ample space for horse trailers. These sites are designed to accommodate both riders and their horses comfortably. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort is located near equestrian-accessible areas and can accommodate horse trailers with advance notice. Most horse camps in the forest feature amenities such as vault toilets, water for horses (seasonally available), and access to nearby trails. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months, as these specialized sites fill quickly with equestrian enthusiasts.
What permits are required for horseback riding in Shasta-Trinity National Forest?
For day rides in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, no special horseback riding permits are typically required beyond standard forest entry passes. However, if you're planning overnight trips with horses, you'll need a wilderness permit when entering designated wilderness areas like Trinity Alps or Mount Shasta Wilderness. For camping with horses at Butte Lake Campground or other developed sites near the forest, reservations are essential. Some areas may have seasonal restrictions or group size limitations for horse parties. Commercial guides and outfitters need special use permits. Always check with the ranger district office for the most current regulations before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally based on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife management concerns.
Where can I find horseback riding trails in Shasta-Trinity National Forest?
Shasta-Trinity National Forest offers numerous horseback riding trails throughout its vast wilderness. The areas near Horse Camp Primitive Campground provide excellent access to equestrian trails that wind through dense forests and alpine meadows. Another popular area is around Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, which serves as a gateway to several horse-friendly trails with stunning views of Mount Shasta and surrounding landscapes. These trails vary in difficulty, from easy rides suitable for beginners to challenging routes for experienced riders. Many trails connect to the Pacific Crest Trail system, offering multi-day riding opportunities. For current trail conditions and maps, check with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest ranger stations before your trip.
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