Horse camping opportunities exist near Shoshone, California for equestrians seeking dispersed camping in the Mojave Desert region. Located at elevations ranging from 1,600 to over 5,000 feet, the area's climate features dramatic temperature variations between seasons. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring campers to pack accordingly for their chosen season.
What to do
Trail riding access: Campgrounds near Shoshone connect to multiple trail systems through desert terrain. Blue Tree Group Camp provides direct access to the Sawmill trailhead with routes appropriate for various experience levels. "For just being under an hour outside of Las Vegas this campsite met our needs beautifully. It wasn't very crowded when we went in early March. Still had patches of snow on the ground," reports one camper at Blue Tree Group Camp.
Explore elevation changes: Riders can experience significant temperature differences by exploring trails at various elevations. The higher campsites offer relief from summer heat. One visitor notes, "AOK FINE! Clean bathrooms, 10-15 degrees cooler than Vegas. Some trash left around campsites, but nothing disqualifying."
Day use facilities: Some horse campgrounds maintain additional amenities at nearby day use areas. As one camper at Guadalupe's State Line Nevada/California Camp Ground reports, "This place is the best price and close to all the action in Armargosa Valley."
What campers like
Temperature respite: Horse campgrounds at higher elevations near Shoshone provide welcome relief from regional heat. One camper states, "I went to the end of the road towards the sawmill trailhead and found a great spot. There are more people here than Champion Road, both campers and hikers, runners and bikers."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites maintain minimal connectivity. One visitor reports, "I have T-Mobile and was pleasantly surprised to have a bar or 2 of 4G LTE service. Most of Lee Canyon does not have any service."
Off-season solitude: Winter and early spring camping offers solitude with fewer visitors. "It was beautiful and easy to get to, just recommend something a lil bigger than a sedan, it can make it, just kind of sketchy. Lots and lots of flies, keep that in mind," notes one camper about the access conditions.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently affect horse campgrounds near Shoshone. "Keep in mind that fires may not be allowed if a No Fire mandate is being enforced. Fire pits in this campsite will have a little yellow flag in them as a reminder as well as a large sign at the entrance to the camp stating the same," explains one visitor at Blue Tree Group Camp.
Permit requirements: Some dispersed camping areas require permits for overnight stays with horses. Check current requirements before arrival as regulations may change seasonally.
Site availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Great spot for RVs and Campers, the front spots do fill up quickly so make sure if you have a big RV you get there before the weekend if you need a spot," advises one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom access planning: Facilities vary significantly between established and dispersed horse campgrounds. One visitor recommends, "If you walk a mile or so to the spring mountain trail they do have bathrooms so take note of that if you like to be close to a bathroom."
Insect protection: Desert flies can be prevalent at certain times of year. Bring appropriate repellent and screened shelters. "Lots and lots of flies, keep that in mind, didn't get a single bite but heard buzzing around our heads and near our food most of the time," reports a camper at Blue Tree Group Camp.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require flexible clothing options. "Had an overall good experience camping here! Plenty of spaces, both big and small, with some far enough from the main road so you don't hear traffic," notes one visitor regarding the site layout.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds near Shoshone vary in quality. "Despite the misleading name of this place you don't have to be part of a reserved group to camp here! Plenty of small dirt roads with camping pull outs," explains an RVer at Blue Tree Group Camp.
Site selection: Look for pull-outs that accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment. "Lots of open areas with flat grounds for tents and plenty of greenage between other spots and if you have 4 wheel drive you can go pretty much anywhere and find a neat camp spot," recommends one experienced camper.
Stay duration limits: Most dispersed camping areas enforce maximum stays. "Also states you can stay for 14 days," notes one camper regarding regulations at their chosen site.
