1 campground with availability this weekend
The Stanislaus National Forest offers limited dispersed camping options for equestrians near Sonora, California. Most campgrounds in this region lack dedicated horse corrals or equine-specific amenities, requiring horse owners to create temporary containment solutions. Forest Route 4N39 provides accessible dispersed camping with adequate space for horse trailers and room to set up portable corrals or highlines. The dirt roads have some rough sections with ruts and potholes, but most vehicles with decent clearance can navigate them without difficulty. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 dispersed camping area accommodates tent camping with horses, though the dusty terrain may require additional management considerations for equines.
Trail access remains the primary draw for horse camping in this region, with several forest service roads connecting to bridle trails throughout Stanislaus National Forest. Horse owners must bring all necessary supplies including water for their animals, as no water sources are reliably available at dispersed sites. Portable corrals, picket lines, or highline systems are essential for containment. Forest regulations require that manure be scattered away from campsites and water sources. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with higher elevation areas typically snow-free from May through October. The network of forest roads provides varied terrain suitable for day rides directly from camp, though riders should be prepared for encounters with dirt bikes and OHV traffic on shared trails and roads.
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
Available this weekend
from $18 - $22 / night
"We were able to rent a boat for tuning on the lake, which made the trip."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
"The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance."
"Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."
"Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"
"Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet."
"You are aboute 12 Mi. to Yosemite Park entrance. It is family business , very clean and you feel country! They provide everything for you. There are few fool hock ups and they provide also fire wood."
from $40 - $80 / night
"Price has gone up compare to past years but I like it due to it location. Certain time of the year it get pretty busy but we always camp on the far end of the campground where there is less people."
"The positives:
The natural setting is beautiful — right by the water with lots of ducks, and the campsite layout is quite nice."
from $40 - $60 / night
"Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious."
"There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground. You are also in easy walking distance to the path to Mirror Lake and the ever popular Mist Trail."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $48 / night
"Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk."
"Bear valley is my favorite place to go camping, the most you get close to the top of the mountain, the most curvy the road is, so be prepare."
GuideOnly one designated site from what I saw, but more cars could fit! A rocky and bumpy drive up, but my 2WD rav-4 did just fine. Did see some bears on the way! Had two bars with t-mobile
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
GuideLoved our stay all the campsites were very spacious can fit so much stuff in on campsite they’re huge. Loop a is vaulted bathrooms and loop b is flushing. Great spot to relax and hit up the river/creek!
GuideVery warm weekend (as to be expected in July) bathrooms and showers were satisfactory. It’s a public campsite with lots of families and most are there for the lake. Sites were large enough but No hookups for RV. We just stayed at night and spent the days with family in the area. Met our needs.
TravelerYou don’t exactly need to go all the way to the pinpoint, I pulled off to the side about a mile before pinpoint. Amazing spot, several areas to pick from, safe and quiet with amazing views. Few other people but that also made me feel safe. I would definitely come back.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful campground. 40 min or more to Yosemite valley. Very quiet, no reception, pick your own firewood (not sold at campground but at the Valley), no showers but flushing toilets and plenty of water. Boulders throughout the campground and the occasional bear strolling through. Check in and check out required. Also bring warm clothing and sleeping bags for the night.
ScoutThe area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
TravelerThere are a couple spots alongside the road. Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet.
ScoutWe stayed here in B loop site 25 over Memorial Day weekend. The site was FHU with a level concrete pad for the RV. Each site has a concrete picnic table and very large concrete fire pit. That’s where all the good things about this campground end.
There are burrs, goose poop and spiders everywhere. Tent campers are allowed to reserve FHU RV sites, and many do. Because the 6 people per site rule is NOT enforced, the tent campers easily infringe on others’ campsites and are constantly walking through others’ campsites. When asked about the tents in RV sites, the staff at the campground entrance shack stated “We do not discriminate”, which clearly contributes to the chaos of the campground. The staff at the entrance shack are rude and incompetent.
There is absolutely NO enforcement of quiet hours. Other campers keep their music loud and the party going all night, every night. They literally never turned it down and were blasting it like they were at the club… 12am, 2am, 4am, 6am… ALL NIGHT. My kids and I couldn’t get a good night sleep because of it. This is not a true family campground. It invites all the wrong elements, because they don’t enforce the rules. Drunken, loud, yelling campers are everywhere at all times.
This is not relaxing camping. It’s just non-stop loud music and partying. I would NEVER recommend this campground to people I actually like, and will never be returning.
Equestrian camping opportunities near Sonora, California remain limited, with most established campgrounds lacking dedicated horse corrals or equine-specific amenities. While several campgrounds allow pets in general, review data indicates none offer specialized facilities for horse accommodations such as tie-outs, wash racks, or designated trailer parking for equestrians. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed provides a primitive camping option where visitors with horses might find suitable terrain, though the access road requires vehicles with decent clearance and becomes challenging for horse trailers particularly during wet conditions.
Trail riders exploring the Sonora region must plan accordingly for horse water access and feed storage, as established campgrounds like Glory Hole Recreation Area and USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground focus primarily on general camping and water recreation rather than equestrian needs. The dirt roads to dispersed camping areas often contain ruts and potholes that present challenges for vehicles towing horse trailers. Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed offers ridge line camping with tree shade in back areas and level grounds suitable for horse camping, though power lines follow the entire road. When seeking horse-friendly camping, contacting local ranger stations for current regulations regarding horse camping in dispersed areas remains essential for planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sonora, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sonora, CA is USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sonora, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Sonora, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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