Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Smartsville. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Beal'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.
$28 - $48 / night
Loafer Creek Horse Campground
$45 / night
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.
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.
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.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 334-6477.
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.
$4 - $8 / night
23 units - trailer space available first come first serve. For information call the Feather River Ranger District
Bring potable water. Water system being repaired. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices
$20 / night
WELCOME 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.
$49 - $245 / night
$50 - $1000 / night
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 994-3401.
$24 / night
Located 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.
Black Rock Campground is a walk-in tent campground that features shoreline sites. Campsites are adjacent to the lake. Spaces are also available in the parking area for overnight RV camping. Open campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 20 walk-in units Potable water, vault toliets, trailer space Boat launch Click here for photo tour
Guide
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!🤦😔😔💩
Scout
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
GuideI am not the easiest but the staff has a heart of gold and at every turn we’re really there to help.
Scout
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.
TravelerGreat view onsite, sites are clean. Bathrooms however where not.
LegendGeneral: 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.
Guide
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!
Guide
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.
Scout
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.
ScoutGreat place to visit. Great walking trails group sites are great love it
Ranger...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.
ScoutThis is a very clean and well maintained State camp ground. Full hook ups, but unfortunately low water pressure.
ScoutYou 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.
Legend
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
Scout
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.
GuideSuper 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.
ScoutThis 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.
Scout
This was my first time going and I got to say, I enjoyed it! Super relaxing and has a lake that is at the end of the trail. Super convenient. It was cool to experience the animals that were in the pastures as well. I'd definitely come back.
ScoutI joined my brother and his 2 young kids at this great camp ground. The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to near by stores. This camp area is near city area but feels like you are far away from it.
GuideVery pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade.
TravelerEven with the increased costs this was a fantastic campground. Great access to hiking, bike trails, clean and fairly quiet.
GuideBeautiful sunsets. No showers. Bathrooms are clean. Some sites are rather small and have little flat ground. Pics on website are tough to see when booking. Lake to most sites is a drive, but there are a few campsites on the lake. Many sites are on hill, you walk up the hill or down a hill with stairs. Lake has day use area, but also a dock area for camping folks. Lots of mosquitoes. They have a fire are to cook, no fire ring, have a bear box and picnic table. Some sites have plenty of shade while others are just plain sun so be prepared.
Water is nice temperature and super clean! Nice to kayak, paddle, boat (they have boat ramps), fish, swim. Beach areas are rocks with weeds, but pretty.
GuideIt’s nice place to camping there.
ScoutGreat little campground with everything you could want, beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, flushing toilets, hot showers, and full cell service! If you're looking for serine nature, probably look elsewhere. As this is more of a park with camping.
TravelerMust visit for horse lovers!
GuideStaff was very nice and friendly and let us pick a spot. Price was very reasonable for dry spot 28$
Dyrt says that it has wifi but couldn’t find one and the showers needs QUARTERS and we were out of coins. So remember to take quarters with you if you want to shower.
Spot was really nice and certainly peaceful place but unfortunately we had loudly crying child next to us.
GuideThey claim tents are allowed be you can’t reserve a spot. The site says oops something went wrong and then it begins to show you all the attractions that are happening in coming to Cal Expo RV it’s basically a commercial. Very unhappy about that so I never went
Horse camping in California offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, perfect for those looking to explore the state's stunning landscapes on horseback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smartsville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smartsville, 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 Smartsville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Smartsville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
