Eagle Meadow Horse Camp offers dispersed camping in Stanislaus National Forest, situated at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The road to the camp becomes increasingly curvy as it climbs, with the final portions transitioning to dirt surfaces that can be challenging during wet conditions. Located within the forest boundary, this camp provides access to multiple trails suitable for equestrian use throughout the summer months when snow has melted.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Eagle Meadow Horse Camp serves as a base for exploring forest trails. At Clark Fork Campground, "there is a great hiking trail along side of the river you just have to climb over a few boulders then it an easy hike from there well until you hike back up the trail," according to Mike F.
Fishing in nearby waters: Multiple fishing spots are accessible from horse campgrounds near Stanislaus National Forest. A camper at Spicer Reservoir Campground notes, "The lake is nice but better for fishing than swimming/paddle boarding/kayaking. We did find swimming at the river leading to the lake, and it was only a short hike down."
Stargazing after sunset: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Bear Valley Dispersed Camping, Josie H. found it was a "Perfect spot for star gazing!!" while another camper mentioned they "could watch the sunset from some rocks across the road" near forest campsites.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Many equestrian campsites offer separation from other campers. William S. from Clark Fork Campground shares, "Great sites. Some were tight but very peaceful," while others note the privacy between sites as a major benefit.
Cool mountain temperatures: The high elevation provides relief during summer heat. At Highland Lakes Campground, Ray B. notes, "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."
Access to water features: Campers appreciate streams and lakes near horse camping areas. Ken J. states that at Hermit Valley Campground, "Many opportunities for fishing and hiking here. It is rustic, with no freshwater or garbage service."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to horse camps often involves challenging terrain. According to a camper at Top of Arnold, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping areas lack facilities. One camper observes, "It is rustic, with no freshwater or garbage service," while another notes, "This is real camping so there is no bathrooms. There is no running water."
Cell service is inconsistent: Connectivity varies throughout the forest. At Top of Arnold, Michael S. reports "2 bars LTE of Verizon," while other areas may have no service at all, requiring advance planning for communication needs.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with children: Families typically prefer sites with basic facilities. Melissa B. shares her experience at Clark Fork: "We went for 5 days for 4th of July holiday... After driving nearly 3 hours I was directed to then turn off the main highway and take a semi paved road off into the woods... The sign for the turn to the campground appeared and we headed over the river into a well forested quiet well kept campground."
Pack extra water supplies: Most horse camps lack running water. Reese F. warns about Highland Lakes: "This park didn't even open until late July this year due to all the snowfall. There is 1 vault toilet and an old-school hand pump for water, which isn't always functioning so bring plenty of water."
Check weather forecasts carefully: Mountain weather can change rapidly. One visitor recommended "a 4 season tent, even in the summer" due to cold nights at higher elevations, even during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Assess road access before bringing larger rigs: Not all horse camps accommodate large vehicles. At Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping, Alex P. advises, "Easy to drive into just be careful of potholes and large puddles from rain, even in summer."
Look for level parking areas: Finding flat spots for RVs can be challenging. One camper at Scotts Lake Road notes, "Large spaces and plenty of room for more than one vehicle per site," making it suitable for those traveling with both RVs and horse trailers.
Plan for self-containment: Most equestrian camping areas lack hookups or dump stations. Heather D. mentions that at Spicer Reservoir, there are "No reservations, hookups, or America The Beautiful pass discounts," requiring RVers to be fully self-contained.
