Top Horse Camping near Sonora, CA
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Best Equestrian Sites Near Sonora, CA (25)
1.
Woodward Reservoir
Oakdale, California17 Reviews9 Photos156 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Fall River Lake, California4 Reviews12 Photos31 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
3.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Angels, California4 Reviews10 Photos92 SavesOverview
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River. The 12,500 surface-acre lake is the fourth largest reservoir in California and is situated along the edge of the Mother Lode, the rich gold vein that prompted the California Gold Rush of 1849. At an elevation of 1100 feet, the diverse and resource-abundant Foothill Oak Woodlands hug the 100 miles of shoreline. Popular activities on and around the large, yet uncrowded lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picknicking. The New Melones Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and a museum highlighting natural and cultural resources.
Recreation
Hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, sailing and road and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Camping is also permitted in designated campsites. Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public. Other interesting sites include Natural Bridges, which can be accessed from Parrott's Ferry Road and has a nice hiking trail and a creek that flows through a marble cave. The Table Mountain Trail provides visitors an opportunity to hike to the top of an extensive lava flow which occurred over nine million years ago.
Facilities
Hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, sailing and road and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Camping is also permitted in designated campsites. Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public. Other interesting sites include Natural Bridges, which can be accessed from Parrott's Ferry Road and has a nice hiking trail and a creek that flows through a marble cave. The Table Mountain Trail provides visitors an opportunity to hike to the top of an extensive lava flow which occurred over nine million years ago.
Natural Features
New Melones Lake is located in Northern California between the historic gold rush towns of Sonora and Angels Camp. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep marble cliffs, and the vegetation consists of oaks, Ponderosa pines, chamise and buckbrush shrubs. Visitors can experience the beauty of New Melones by hiking the many trails in the Tuttletown and Glory Hole Recreation Areas. The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. For those who wish to venture outside the main recreation areas, there are many unique places to visit. Overall, the geography is quite varied and provides many opportunities for all types of recreation.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-7290.
Nearby Attractions
Glory Hole Recreation Area is surrounded by many places of natural beauty including Natural Bridges, Camp Nine, Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest, Moaning Caverns, Big Trees State Park and Columbia State Park. Angels Camp Museum, Calaveras County Museum and Sonora Military Museum also provide great opportunities for learning interesting information about the area. Surrounding communities are popular vacation and retirement destinations and provide necessary services and shopping opportunities. Golfing, snow skiing, river rafting, commercial caves, historical railroad and Native American museums are close by as well.
Charges & Cancellations
All site changes and cancellations need to be done through the Recreation.gov website.__
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$22 / night
4.
USBR Tuttletown Recreation Area Oak Knoll Group Site
Fall River Lake, California1 Review9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
5.
Lake Amador Resort
Ione, California11 Reviews20 Photos122 SavesPlease note: Tent Camping is by reservation only.
Here at Lake Amador we have a large campground consisting of 113 sites located on a 100 acre portion of the facility that is surrounded by shade giving Oaks. Most campsites have running potable water, some have electricity and many sites are located on the waters edge when the lake is full. There are hot showers and flush toilets located throughout the campground and some sites located by swim pond also have free WIFI access!
Lake Amador also has a 73 site Deluxe RV Park on a private peninsula. All sites located in the RV Park have Full hookups and FREE WIFI. Some sites are reserved year round for residents and as vacation spots. All open RV sites are first come first served so call prior to your visit to check availability.
At the Lake Amador Clubhouse we offer food and fun. There you will find both air conditioning and a large fireplace so no matter the weather outside you can always find refuge inside. While there you can utilize the FREE WIFI, play pool, horse shoes, foosball, watch TV or even play Checkers, Chess, or Cribbage on our custom gaming tables. The Clubhouse features a well stocked Beer Bar as well as The Tackle Box Café where you can get a delicious Breakfast and Lunch on the weekends. Now if supplies are all your after you’ll be happy to know we also have a fully stocked general store with any essentials you may have forgotten at home.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $45 / night
6.
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley, California22 Reviews72 Photos402 SavesOverview
The North Pines Early Access Lottery has ended and regular booking windows have resumed. Campsites at North Pines are available up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. (PT). For example, on February 15, arrival dates for the time period June 15 to July 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from season opening to July 14.__ North Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and so much more. Reservation tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes on the regular on-sale dates. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates__
Recreation
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and many additional trailheads are within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.
Facilities
Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, and photography are all very popular activities within the park. Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and many additional trailheads are within Yosemite Valley. Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities,and an art center with workshops.
Natural Features
Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, Incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliff faces are visible, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Within one to two hours, visitors can drive or ride a shuttle bus to some of Yosemite's most grand viewpoints and historic sites. Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks. A visit to Wawona and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is like stepping back in time. The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Tuolumne Meadows embodies the high-country of the Sierra Nevada, with its broad sub-alpine meadows and granite domes and peaks. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged (Exception: 1 night reservations do not incur an additional $10 fee, but do not receive a refund). No-shows will be assessed a $20 service fee along with the loss of the first night's fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$24 / night
7.
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Arnold, California2 Reviews5 Photos147 SavesDispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8.
Modesto Reservoir
Waterford, California5 Reviews7 Photos32 SavesModesto Reservoir Regional Park is located at 18143 Reservoir Rd., a few miles from the town of Waterford, just off Highway 132. It offers over 3,200 acres of land and 2,800 acres of reservoir for recreation and camping.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$40 - $60 / night
9.
Yosemite Ridge
Groveland, California3 Reviews2 Photos32 SavesYosemite Ridge Resort is located on State Highway 120, which is open all year and only 12 miles from Yosemite National Park’s west gate. We are located in Buck Meadows, population 50, within the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest surrounded by pine covered mountains. Since we are so close to the park, our lodging near Yosemite Park is the perfect base camp for your Yosemite Adventure, whether it be for one night or one week.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$40 - $80 / night
10.
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Bear Valley, California7 Reviews16 Photos403 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Sonora
122 Reviews of 25 Sonora Campgrounds
Forest Route 4N39 Dispersed
On the mountain
Drive to the back area for tree shade and level grounds. Side of road camping. Camping on Ridgeline
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Pin is incorrect
So disappointing this app has failed us like 5 times now on camping spots. Not the right location.
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Crowded
Wooded campground, cool weather, good phone reception, many spots taken with no activity probably by locals. Lake, hiking, close shopping.
Highland Lakes Campground
Heat Wave Escape
This area is beautiful. At almost 9000 feet elevation, it is a great place to escape a heat wave on either side of the Sierra. Reno was having 104 degree highs, so we were looking for elevation that was not too far away. 20 degrees cooler here. Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass is an interesting drive. About 1-1/2 lanes wide, winding, no guard rails. The 7 mile dirt road from Highway 4 to Highland Lakes takes awhile. We go slow. We put our van with a great unobstructed view over the lake out the slider and from under our awning looking towards Hiram Peak. The hiking in the area was spectacular. Lots of trails, snow fields, wild flowers, and wonderful views.
Lake Amador Resort
Great camping for families!!
Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole. There is also a old school playground for the kids. The staff is super friendly and always there to help. I take my kids at least 3-4 times a year and enjoy any of the seasons. There is Frisbee golf as well.
Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park
Yos
Near the revie
Lake Amador Resort
Beautiful in the Spring
We enjoyed our first visit and will definitely come back! The park is a mix of old RV’s that folks have long term stays and open spots for visitors. Some nice spots and some tight spots. We stayed in site 62 with 41 foot MH. There was no room for a tow vehicle and we did not put our awnings out. We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait. The resort is very clean and quiet!
Stanislaus National Forest Sand Flat Campground
Disaster Creek and Clarks Fork Trailheads
There is no dispersed camping on this road. Only trailheads leading into the Carson/Iceberg Wilderness. It is great for hiking or backpacking in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Stay at the campgrounds of either Sand Flat or Clarks Fork and do some day hikes.
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Fun Spot
Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot.
Plasses Resort
Beautiful
Convenient, has a general store as well as a restaurant/bar. Staff is welcoming. Ports pottys, but there are showers.
We had a large spot right on the creek. Its less then a ten minute walk to silver lake. I’d come back again.
Lake Camanche North Shore
Love it
Nice place lil shade open and close to water
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping at its finest
There are no Volt toilets here nor running water but pretty good Verizon signal. Lots of trails to ride your bike and walk.
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Camp in Bear Valley Park
This is a nice little private camp spot for the most part, There's a campground with its own fence around it for private camping With signs posted very near it, "no camping here" in the other spots without the signs good to go.
Highland Lakes Campground
DANGER - NOT RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME !
Toilets are full to the brim and the camp host is a psychopath thief. Beware of this guy, he is not whom he appears and has no problem stealing and deceiving you. NOT RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME!
Clark Fork Campground
First time but not the last
Never been up 108 past strawberry, after some research and talking with friends, we decided to camp here. Definitely did not disappoint. Beautiful views, close enough to the river. Camp sites were nice and bathrooms. Host was super nice too. Lots of hiking trails near by. Can't wait to come back up here.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Be prepared for the heat in summer
We were there for 1 night. The view at campsite 57 is gorgeous! However, be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade. Restroom and showers need maintenance.
Clark Fork Campground
Hidden Gem
This campground was a great find. Baker and deadman’s were FULL so we drove out a little to Clark’s and it did not disappoint. Lots of good site. Single and double. It’s not right off the river but a short walk to it. Loop A has vaulted toilets loop b has flush. Water all through out. First come first serve but there are plenty of sites.
North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
Beautiful river front spot
We stayed at North Pines for 4 nights after winning the new lottery they did this year. It was so amazing! The site was actually really large. We didn't set up tents but it would've fit several. The site had its own small beach right on the river. Unfortunately the water was too swift to swim while we were there but I think most times it would probably be good. It says it fits a 24 ft trailer. We have about a 25 foot trailer, more like 28 with the hitch, and my husband's F250 hooked up still pretty much fit in the spot. That does include a few feet of overhang over the back curve. We also had my sons CRV and when we unhooked we were able to fit both cars on the pad no problem. We have verizon and cell service pretty much sucked but it's yosemite so you get over it. We could get some calls/texts, def no internet except at Yosemite Village. There are enough trees for a hammock and we had one up. Bathrooms were flushable but the nearest shower is in Curry Village. My parents stayed in site 303. It's small and right next to the bathroom. Their 29 ft RV fit perfectly though. Plus their site obviously floods in the winter/spring cause there was mud everywhere.
Woodward Reservoir
Forgo alot almost drowned
River raft popped. Gotta sunburn
Bear Valley Dispersed Camping
Great place to dispersed camping!
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. There is a point where the paved road disappears and is only dirt road, you can keep driving as far as you want, it is easy to find a good spot to park and set your camp. The night views are amazing!
Lake Amador Resort
Okay
Finally got to break in our roof tent so decided to check this out. Our site was awkwardly slanted (so I thought we would trip and fall into the lake) but on the lake so that was nice. 4 wheel drive recommended since I saw people struggling to get in and out of sites. Lots of mosquitoes. Bring Raid and repellent. Friendly staff at cafe/registration and dog friendly. Water was murky so we didn't bother going in but lots of fishermen and we could see fish in the water. Okay overall. Maybe will stay at a different site next time.
Lake Amador Resort
Great in low season
Nice campground on the lake. We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. We noted that the sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there. The showers worked well and didn’t require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station. Note that there’s a gate that closes so that you can’t enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time (I think this time varies by day of the week).
Miner's Camp RV Park
Lake Comanche South sure
Nice place quiet lots of places for big RVs pull through spots and back in spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around a good place good people quiet time is 9:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. I believe doesn't mean you can't be up just no loud music no carrying on to disturb the other people lake is almost full
Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
Clean and quiet
This was our first time here. It was quiet and the sites were clean. There is no shower and only a couple outhouses so it’s definitely only if you want to use your camper/rv bathroom. The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose. There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away.
Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
Perfect start to Fall.
Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Peaceful spot
Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.
Guide to Sonora
Camping near Sonora, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there are options that cater to all types of campers.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers rave about the access to beautiful hikes right from their campsites. One reviewer from Upper Pines Campground said, "Great camp experience with trail heads outside your door."
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Wawona Campground mentioned, "The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities, including wildlife viewing."
- Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful," making it a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts.
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the breathtaking views. A review from North Pines Campground highlighted, "We were surrounded by the giant granite cliffs. One of my favorite activities was floating down the river."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A visitor at Tuolumne Meadows Campground shared, "The sites are big and although it is a big campground, it never felt like it."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful experience. A reviewer at Hodgdon Meadow Campground mentioned, "It was a nice and quiet place and only a 45 min. drive to Yosemite Valley."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A camper at Camp 4 pointed out, "The site will be filled with as many parties as it takes to reach 6 individuals at each site."
- Booking Challenges: Reservations can be tough to secure. A visitor at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
- Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Wawona Campground noted, "Campsite didn’t flood like the others when the rain started."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer amenities for kids. A reviewer at Yosemite Pines RV Resort mentioned, "The petting farm was a big hit too with the kids."
- Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Acorn Campground shared, "With my family, I may come here and play games."
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at North Pines Campground advised, "The water was too swift to swim while we were there."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort noted, "We are in a 45 ft toy hauler and taking 120 up here was an ok drive."
- Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. A reviewer at Camp 4 mentioned, "There are zero hookups and you can use a generator 3 times per day."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Hodgdon Meadow Campground pointed out, "There bathrooms and area to wash dishes."
Camping near Sonora, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
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 Woodward Reservoir with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sonora, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Sonora, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.