Loafer Creek Horse Campground provides overnight lodging for equestrian travelers near Smartsville, California. Located within the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area at an elevation of approximately 900 feet, this campground operates year-round in the Sierra foothills. The equestrian sites include corrals for horses with campsites positioned in oak woodlands that provide natural shade during summer when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Trail riding access: Trails connect directly from Bidwell Canyon Campground to various routes around Lake Oroville. "Lots of local hiking trails, and of course all kinds of water recreation at the lake. The Lake Oroville Visitor Center has a small museum and exhibits. Staff there were wonderful too," notes Patricia O.
Fishing opportunities: The reservoir offers multiple fishing spots accessible from horse campgrounds. "Nice lake, great fishing," reports Melissa K. from Bidwell Canyon Campground. Fish species include bass, catfish, and trout depending on the season.
Swimming access: During high water seasons, several beaches become accessible from the horse trails. At Beals Point Campground, a camper mentions, "Nice campground. As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to."
What campers like
Scenic views: The landscape surrounding horse campgrounds provides views of Lake Oroville and the Sierra foothills. "Super clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water," writes zachary L. about Bidwell Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings of equestrian campgrounds attract diverse wildlife. At East Meadow Campground, which offers another horse-friendly option in the region, Ron G. notes: "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."
Quiet atmosphere: Horse campgrounds typically offer more seclusion than standard campsites. Regarding Dru Barner Campground, Lily S. comments: "A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare. The campground itself is well maintained, though ants can be an issue if you are careless."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary dramatically by season affecting trail access. "The lake itself sits at some distance from the campsites" and according to one Bidwell Canyon camper, "Unfortunately the beach access/swimming area has turned into a meadow which was nice to see deer but there wasn't a place for the little ones to swim (but that's the drought out here for you)."
Site terrain: Many horse campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires careful setup. A Bidwell Canyon visitor observed: "A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent. When I took a drive around it looked like many were similarly sloped/terraced not a flat site."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F while winter brings significant rainfall. At Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, a visitor recommends: "Soak up some sun and enjoy the cool snow melt waters. (The current is much faster than years past due to excellent winter)."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible trails: Some trails from horse campgrounds offer easier routes for younger riders. "Sparse campground and hot. But good sites and great location," notes Ethan T. about Loafer Creek Horse Campground.
Beach activities: When water levels permit, beach access points provide family-friendly activities. Kevin W. reports about Ruck-A-Chucky: "It's right on the river with fishing and boating opportunities. Lots of hiking trails right from camp."
Educational opportunities: The Lake Oroville Visitor Center offers programs about local wildlife and geology. "We stayed here for a trip to Feather Falls, then Table Mountain on the way home. There are local hiking trails, and of course all kinds of water recreation at the lake," shares a Bidwell Canyon visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites near horse corrals often require advance planning. At Ascension Ranch, Ashlynn L. mentions: "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."
Water hookups: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full RV hookups. A Dru Barner camper advises: "Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality."
Access routes: Some horse campground access roads present challenges for larger rigs. "The 3 mile road down is a bit treacherous (maybe don't take your RV) but makes you feel 'out there'. Highly recommended," notes a visitor to Ruck-A-Chucky Campground.
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