Martins Dairy Campground is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range approximately 25 miles northwest of Tulelake, California at an elevation of 5,200 feet. The campground sits within the Klamath National Forest where summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with cooler nights dropping to 40-50°F. A network of forest service roads connects the equestrian facilities to surrounding wilderness areas.
What to do
Trail riding access: Several designated equestrian trails branch directly from Martins Dairy Campground, connecting riders to the broader Klamath National Forest trail system. At Keno Camp, located about 30 miles southwest, visitors can enjoy "short trails... if you're looking for longer trails there are plenty all around that you could do a short drive to," according to Nicole W.
Fishing opportunities: The small stream flowing through Martins Dairy provides limited fishing, but more substantial opportunities exist at nearby water bodies. "There is a boat launch, and other areas where you can simply fish off the banks" at Keno Camp, notes Nicole W., making it a good alternative for anglers.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities beyond the deer mentioned at Martins Dairy. "There's lots of wildlife here as well! Deer, fish, birds, rabbits, the occasional mountain lion as well," reports Nicole W. about the Keno area, highlighting the diverse fauna throughout this region.
What campers like
Clean facilities: While Martins Dairy is known for its clean bathrooms, No Name Ridge offers a more primitive experience for those seeking solitude. In contrast, Keno Camp features "big clean heated bathrooms with flush toilets and free hot shower," according to Chris G., who appreciated that "dumpsters for our trash made it easy to do cleanup at the end of the day."
Quiet environment: The secluded nature of equestrian camping near Tulelake provides peaceful experiences. Chris G. reports Keno Camp is "so quiet all we heard were birds," while the campground has "mature trees and right next to the water," creating a tranquil setting for both horses and riders.
Affordability: Budget-conscious horse campers appreciate the value found throughout the region. Melissa B. notes about Keno Camp: "If you love camping in the woods you will love this place, plus you can't beat the price $10 a night." Similarly, Chris G. mentions, "Easy check in. Nice senior couple are the hosts. $20 a night for our van to park."
What you should know
Seasonal accessibility: Many campgrounds in the Tulelake area have limited operating seasons due to weather conditions. Fremont National Forest Cottonwood Complex Campground is only open from June to October, similar to Martins Dairy's seasonal schedule. Glen G. warns about Keno Camp: "Pushed through to stop here for the night only to find the entrance gated and the sign says 'Closed for the Season.'"
Variable site conditions: Horse camping facilities vary significantly across the region. While Martins Dairy has spacious sites designed for equestrians, other campgrounds may not accommodate large horse trailers. Rob W. describes Keno Camp as having "safe secure peaceful" areas, though not specifically mentioning horse facilities.
Water availability: Dependable water sources are crucial for horse camping trips. Unlike Martins Dairy with its stream access, some dispersed camping areas lack reliable water. Kelly B. notes about No Name Ridge: "Road up is gravel & steep. No place to pull over. Graffiti on rocks and seems to be a party place," indicating poor suitability for horses.
Tips for camping with families
Campground facilities: When selecting horse-friendly campgrounds for family trips near Tulelake, bathroom amenities vary widely. Rob W. notes that at Keno Camp, "showers are amazing and clean always" and there's a "park/playground for kids," making it potentially more comfortable for families than some equestrian-focused sites.
Safety considerations: Families with young children should evaluate campground security when bringing horses. Rob W. describes Keno Camp as "safe secure peaceful" and mentions "the host are return host there awesome," suggesting consistent management beneficial for family camping.
Recreational options: Plan activities beyond horseback riding to keep children engaged. According to Rob W., Keno Camp offers a "gorgeous river small damn fishing kayaking boat dock" providing alternative recreation for family members who may not ride horses.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Horse trailers with living quarters require adequate space similar to larger RVs. Keno Camp is described as "big-rig friendly" in its feature list, with Melissa B. noting the sites are "very clean and spacious," important for combined RV/horse trailer setups common in equestrian camping near Tulelake.
Utilities availability: Most equestrian campgrounds in the Tulelake region have limited hookups. While Martins Dairy offers water hookups but no electric, Alicia F. shares about Keno Camp: "I stayed here because of the reviews but it wasn't my favorite. The water was nice but I probably wouldn't return unless I needed a spot to sleep," suggesting temporary utility access may be adequate for short stays with horse trailers.
