Equestrian camping near Stonyford, California offers varied terrain in the eastern foothills of the Mendocino National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet with a Mediterranean climate featuring hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Most equestrian-suitable sites lack formal amenities, requiring visitors to be largely self-sufficient with water supplies during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Trail riding from base camp: Multiple unimproved forest roads connect to Cowboy Camp for riding access. "[Cowboy Camp is] open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes," notes Jorg F. about this horseback-friendly option.
Visit nearby reservoirs: Stony Gorge Reservoir offers swimming opportunities within 15 minutes of most campgrounds. "The lake is amazing for swimming!" shares Cat C. about Stony Gorge Reservoir, which provides water recreation as a break from trail riding.
Wildlife observation: Early morning hours offer the best wildlife viewing. "Watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays," recommends Angela about Oak Flat Campground, though she cautions weekends bring more human activity that scares away wildlife.
What campers like
Primitive camping atmosphere: The remote nature attracts those seeking genuine outdoor experiences. "Great free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," writes Jorg F. about Cowboy Camp.
Cost-effective options: Several no-fee camping areas exist near Stonyford. "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water. There are some campsites that are private and some where you can bring a big group," reports Cat C. about Stony Gorge Reservoir.
Spacious sites: Many camping areas offer ample room for horse trailers and equipment. "The campground is nice and has a lot of availability- even on weekends! The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," notes Joshua H. about camping options in the area.
What you should know
Seasonal closures happen without notice: Check current conditions before traveling. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp. Another camper, Derek D., confirms: "The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website."
Insect activity can be intense: Horse-friendly areas often have significant fly populations. "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were," writes Patricia Y. about Middle Creek Campground, warning about potential insect issues.
Water availability varies: Plan to bring your own water during summer months. "It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," explains Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground water sources.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for younger visitors. "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus," shares Joshua H. about Bu-Shay Campground, making it more suitable for families with children.
Consider weekday visits: Weekends bring different crowd behavior to many campgrounds. "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends," advises Angela about Oak Flat Campground's different weekend atmosphere.
Proximity to supplies: Some sites offer better access to necessities. "There's a small town not far, 15 minutes or so, that has gas, a market, pizza places, and a few other stores. So there's plenty of access to food and gas when necessary," notes Justin W. about Middle Creek's location advantage.
Tips from RVers
Level parking for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles despite primitive conditions. "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding," shares Jorg F. about horse-trailer-friendly Cowboy Camp.
Prepare for basic conditions: RV sites lack typical hookups. "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people cuz the Elk mountain area is very much a dirt bike and four-wheel Haven," explains Justin W. about Surveyor Campground, which offers similar primitive conditions to most equestrian camping options.
Road conditions affect access: Forest service roads may challenge some vehicles. "Bring lots of water and drive a well running car. You don't want to get stuck out here!" advises Ann N. about accessing remote camping areas around Stonyford, noting the challenging road conditions.
