Loafer Creek Horse Campground at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area features horse corrals for equestrians camping with their animals. Located in Oroville, this established campground operates year-round and provides amenities including drinking water, fire rings, trash disposal, toilets, and shower facilities. The campground maintains reservable sites with access to sanitary dump stations. Campers note the campground's quiet atmosphere during weekdays, though some mention that many sites are not particularly level. The campground's proximity to the lake offers recreational opportunities, though visitors should be aware that the water access points may require a significant walk, with the boat ramp nearly a mile away and beach areas approximately two miles from the camping area.
Direct access to riding trails connects equestrians to the surrounding Lake Oroville State Recreation Area landscape. The campground serves as a practical base for exploring the region on horseback, with adequate space for horse trailer parking. Riders appreciate the separation between equestrian camping areas and standard camping sections, reducing potential conflicts between different user groups. Recent construction projects may improve some facilities and access points. Campers should secure all food items properly as wildlife is active in the area. For those seeking primitive equestrian camping experiences, the surrounding Plumas National Forest offers additional options with varying levels of amenities and trail access, including several campgrounds that accommodate horses but provide fewer facilities than the state recreation area.
$20 / night
"Great walking trails group sites are great love it"
"With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."
$45 / night
"If you are looking for a small campground with full hookups, on the lake, close to Table Mountain and Feather Falls, this is for you."
"Really enjoyed this campground which is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. The staff where we checked in were helpful with all of our questions about the area."
"Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade."
$45 / night
"Water pumps near the sites. Vault toilets, hot water and showers. The campsites do not overlook the water. We visited in the off season with no reservations and there was plenty of availability."
"The lake is super low, but a pleasant campground on our way home."
$15 / night
$31 / night
"Walking trails connect to the campground! What a delight and right near Bucks Lake!
It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night.""Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day."
"It's close to the lake and market. We love to get ice cream before dinner :) Only negative - not all of the spaces have bear boxes and we had a nice visitor one morning."
"It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake."
"This is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. "
$24 - $48 / night
"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
ScoutThe good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality.
GuideThis is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. Although this is a horse camp, anyone can camp here. It is primitive, but if you have your own toilet you'll be ok. Otherwise, you can use the old pit toilets provided. Because this is a horse camp, the sites are spacious. Kick back and enjoy.
ScoutForest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.
TravelerNever been during peak (summer) but both times we have stayed here in winter and it was FANTASTIC! Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!
TravelerMust visit for horse lovers!
GuideBack again for the first time since the Sierra winter. 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. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5. Otherwise outstanding!
ScoutThis is a great small campground with walking access to the Mumford Bar Trail hike down to the American River.
One vault toilet. No water spigot. Pack it in, PACK IT OUT.
Excellent spot if ya wanna get away from crowds and don’t mind less amenities. If the local backcountry is posted no fires, usually can still burn in designated pits at this camp.
OHV and backcountry camping options abound in this area.
The hike down to the American via Mumford Trail is NOT a leisurely stroll. Pack plenty of water and be prepared to spend the night down at the river if you head out late. There is a camp space down there once you reach the river and pass through the thickets.
GuideJust a short drive down a forest service dirt road and you'll find yourself at Soldier Meadows---a gem of a campground! Located just 15 minutes from the oh so popular Lake Almanor, Soldier Meadows is a peaceful campground nestled among towering pines and a babbling brook. The campsites are huge, with lots of room to spread out. There is no water at this campsite, but if you bring your filtration system you can get water just steps away from your campsite. One pit toilet is located at the front of the campground. My mom and I camped here for a couple of nights as we were doing so day hikes on the PCT, great base camp. You are only 20 minutes from the town of Chester if you need to run in for a milkshake or more beer, you know the essentials! This is not a fancy campground by any means, but with no camp host there, it all seems a bit more peaceful ;)
GuideThis has been my favorite spot after traveling all across US. I wanted to hide in the forest. Nothing but trees and the wind blowing through them. It was an adventurous drive on a curvy mountain road to get here, but we'll worth it. There are 48 sites (no hookups) and it's just me and one other person pretty far away. Very clean. With a pass, I only paid $4 per day. Nice clean vault toliets. Water available. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Corrals for horses. Wood to burn laying around everywhere. Rangers were very friendly and helpful when I came in. I'm staying 4 days this time. I'll be back. I used my WeBoost and was able to teach online and even stream some TV. The dog has loved the nice forest floor to run on and lay on. I drove into Georgetown (6 miles) one day and had the best time exploring the shops and talking to the locals. Gas station has propane. Back in or pull through sites. You can call and reserve or just show up and find an open spot. I was there in May 2021.
Loafer Creek Horse Campground sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground provides dedicated equestrian facilities within Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, with immediate access to miles of riding trails. Temperatures in summer months often exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for equestrian camping in this region.
Trail riding: Several riding trails connect directly from Whitehorse Campground, allowing easy access to explore Bucks Lake Recreation Area. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here," notes Erin C., highlighting the family-friendly nature of the area.
Fishing opportunities: Many horse-friendly campgrounds offer fishing access within walking or riding distance. A visitor at Sly Creek Campground shared, "There was great fishing but we didn't catch anything. It was very quiet and peaceful," making it ideal for campers seeking solitude with their horses.
Water recreation: When not riding, campers can enjoy paddling and swimming. "We enjoyed our camping trip immensely and enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water," reports Renee A. about Sly Creek Campground. Most water recreation areas require a short drive or ride from horse camping areas.
Spacious corrals: Horse camping facilities typically provide enough space for trailers and equipment. At East Meadow Campground, Julie B. notes it's "a small hidden little gem of a campground... sites have plenty of space," which makes it comfortable for equestrians needing room for gear.
Separation from standard campsites: Dedicated horse campgrounds keep equestrians apart from regular campers. One camper at Bidwell Canyon Campground appreciates that "we never felt crowded in our campsite here," reflecting the space many equestrian-focused areas provide.
Natural surroundings: Horse campers value the natural environment. "With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir. Wildlife is all around you," describes a camper at Sly Creek, highlighting the natural setting common to horse campgrounds near Strawberry Valley.
Uneven terrain: Many campsites in this region present challenges for setting up. "Most of the sites were not very level," notes Chris M. about Loafer Creek, a common issue at equestrian campgrounds in the foothills.
Seasonal considerations: Horse camping facilities typically operate seasonally. "We have been comping here for 3+ years and we love it," mentions Julie B. about Haskins Valley Campground, which operates from June to October like many higher-elevation facilities.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife frequent these areas. At Haskins Valley, Julie cautions, "Not all of the spaces have bear boxes and we had a nice visitor one morning. Be sure to put your food in your car if you don't have a bear box."
Look for dual recreation options: Campgrounds offering both riding trails and water access keep everyone happy. "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time," says Ron G. about East Meadow Campground.
Consider bathroom facilities: Families appreciate clean facilities. Jessica P. reports about Bidwell Canyon, "Bathrooms were top notch clean!" which is important when camping with children in horse-friendly areas.
Pack for temperature variations: Foothill horse campgrounds experience significant temperature swings. "Unfortunately this weekend was 108 or so as highs, so it was a very hot weekend. The campground would likely be better in late September/October," advises Sean J., suggesting timing considerations for family camping trips.
Site selection matters: RVers with horse trailers need to consider layout. Ron A. shares about East Meadow, "We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp," highlighting the importance of door orientation when parking larger rigs.
Water and waste management: Snake Lake Campground and similar facilities offer water hookups but limited services. "Great place to camp. Easy to get to, maybe 15 minutes from town," notes Scott R., emphasizing the convenience despite more primitive facilities.
Check road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds may present challenges. Ty G. warns about Whitehorse, "Biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road," a crucial consideration when towing horse trailers to camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Strawberry Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Strawberry Valley, CA is Sly Creek Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Strawberry Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Strawberry Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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