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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.
"Great walking trails group sites are great love it"
"With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $31 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability
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.
GuideCame here for a moto trip and really enjoyed the spaciousness, layout, and natural beauty the area had to offer. You’re also about 3 or 4 miles away from the Georgetown OHV which made it an easy ride to get to the dirt.
As others have mentioned, getting to town is a short 15 minutes despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Some decent restaurants and a pretty awesome grocery store there so you don’t have to fret if you forget anything.
I can’t speak for other months, but coming around Thanksgiving was just about perfect.
GuideThis is a small but,free camp site. Each camp site is spacious and has a metal firepit , picnic table. There is restroom in the middle of the camp sites. This is definitely bear country.....my first night i heard a bear. But there's also alot of deers,too. Cell service isn't great ....but I did get a bar or two with Verizon.
GuideWe spent the weekend here and camp host were great. Bathrooms were clean. Only downside was no dump or fresh water and it’s a 30+ minute drive to town. Biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road. Other than that everything was great. Fishing was good. Clean camp.
ScoutIt'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.
TravelerSuper clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water
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!
TravelerShowed up at 9pm on a Monday in mid July. Only 3 other sites with people.
-Automated checkin for after hours that accepts cards. -Clean bathrooms.
GuideWe really camp a lot in the summer, and we have been here a few times.
I have enjoyed every visit.
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 22 equestrian camping locations near Strawberry Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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