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Valley Springs in California presents limited equestrian camping options, with none of the nearby campgrounds featuring dedicated horse facilities such as corrals or stables. Equestrians visiting this region should note that while Lake Amador Resort, Monument RV Park, and Lake Camanche North Shore accommodate tent and RV camping, they lack specific equestrian amenities. The campgrounds around Valley Springs generally prohibit horses or do not provide specialized equestrian facilities. Sites are typically in close proximity to lakes with fishing opportunities, but trail riding options directly from campgrounds are not available. The surrounding sites focus primarily on water recreation rather than horse-friendly activities.
Riders seeking equestrian camping near Valley Springs may need to venture further into surrounding areas. The closest free dispersed camping option is Top of Arnold on Forest Road 5N56, approximately 30 miles east in the Stanislaus National Forest, though it lacks dedicated horse facilities. Glory Hole Recreation Area and the USBR Big Oak Campground at New Melones Lake allow pets but have no horse-specific amenities. Campgrounds in this region prioritize fishing, boating, and water activities, with sites typically featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities. Equestrians planning trips to this area should contact campgrounds directly regarding horse accommodation policies or consider trailering to day-use equestrian areas instead.
"There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away."
"Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
"spots they have spots for family reunions have showers store boat ramp nice place to camp North Shore is not for RVs it's for tent camping the South Shore has hookups 30 50 amp service full hookups all around"
"Out in Central valley is Woodward Lake. Great for a day trip if you live in the Bay area and want to get away. They have boat access to the lake."
"Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities...They have primitive camping for the folks that like roughing it as well as people that like the home away from home experience"
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
"The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers. I would not pull a trailer of any kind up here. Or a vehicle with low clearance."
"As with most of California everything is dry. The lake is very low and a half mile walk from park to get to. The sites are surrounded by dry tall grass and spaced out nicely."
"The facilities are clean, easy access to lake beach swim area, and easy access to near by stores. This camp area is near city area but feels like you are far away from it."
from $28 - $48 / night
Check Availability"We were able to rent a boat for tuning on the lake, which made the trip."
"There are tons of activities to partake in: relax and do nothing, hike (entire lake is 9.5 miles with a waterfall!)"
"They are set into the mountains with trees behind you. The park rangers are very present to keep people in check and the camp host drives by multiple times to keep the bathrooms clean."
GuideOnly one designated site from what I saw, but more cars could fit! A rocky and bumpy drive up, but my 2WD rav-4 did just fine. Did see some bears on the way! Had two bars with t-mobile
ScoutEasy to find campsite, we arrived after hours on a Monday so drove around to find a spot and then paid using the collection box and envelopes, we couldn't get the QR code to work. Phone reception here is good. There is a constant hum of traffic but it is not loud and it is quiet around camp. Toilets and showers are clean and well stocked with toilet paper. We didn't stay long but saw some wildlife, coyote and squirrels mostly. A little bit of rubbish around from campers but overall very tidy. The sites are flat pull-in or reverse-in style, there are also some campsites marked with wheel chair access.
TravelerWe timed our visit in the middle of the week after school had started so we were alone which made this an incredible spot. Great spot if you have a big group. We only we to the large open spot at the top with what looks like two actual sites. It’s right in the OHV area so we could see how it could get really busy and noisy.
GuideVery warm weekend (as to be expected in July) bathrooms and showers were satisfactory. It’s a public campsite with lots of families and most are there for the lake. Sites were large enough but No hookups for RV. We just stayed at night and spent the days with family in the area. Met our needs.
LegendGeneral: Beals Point is one of two locations on Folsom Lake for camping. Large campground with a mix of electric and non-electric campsites plus some group sites.
Site Quality: Drives are paved and mostly level. We camped in a little “cul-de-sac” with just four sites. While these sites back up to the American River Bike Trail (aka Jedediah Smith Recreation Trail), it was overgrown, and I did not see direct access to the trail as we did the last time we were here.
Bath/Shower: Typical CA state park layout– all-gender units with toilet and sink (but no soap, towels, or dryers) and showers. Unlike other CA state parks, these take quarters instead of tokens. The units could use a little TLC, but what was most disheartening was how other campers had trashed them– toilet paper (and worse) scattered all over the insides. Obviously not the fault of the campground.
Activities/Amenities: Folsom Lake is the draw, and people were fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The 32-mile paved multi-use American River Bike Trail is easily accessible. There is a snack bar/concession stand for beach rentals, but it was not open when we were there.
Our stay here this time was over a weekend; it was completely full, and it reminded us once again that we prefer to camp during the week and shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded!
TravelerYou don’t exactly need to go all the way to the pinpoint, I pulled off to the side about a mile before pinpoint. Amazing spot, several areas to pick from, safe and quiet with amazing views. Few other people but that also made me feel safe. I would definitely come back.
ScoutThe area was quiet during my stay. Site is adjacent to the road, with a rock fire ring . The road up had some rough areas, but my outback had no real issues. I recommend hugh clearance, 4x4 to get here.
TravelerOur family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch.
Everything is affordable.
TravelerThere are a couple spots alongside the road. Powerlines are nearby but there are a few fire pits. They seem to be logging the area and running cattle but it’s pretty quiet.
Valley Springs sits at approximately 600-700 feet elevation in California's western Sierra Nevada foothills. Campers visit this Calaveras County location for its proximity to several reservoirs and recreational areas. While equestrian facilities are limited, nearby camping areas offer various accommodations ranging from primitive sites to full hookup RV spots.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Amador Resort provides stocked waters with multiple fish species. "The lake is stocked with Trout, Bass and Catfish. Tackle Box Cafe is really good, weekends only, and the staff is kind and helpful," notes camper Debbie R.
Water recreation: During summer, Woodward Reservoir offers refreshing swimming options about 25 miles south of Valley Springs. "Woodward Reservoir is a great place to camp with or without all the amenities... Bring your boat, jet ski, canoe, kayak etc...lots to do on the lake as well as swimming," shares Sharon A.
Hiking trails: Glory Hole Recreation Area provides accessible trails approximately 20 miles east. "There are a lot of hiking trails to choose from. The view was gorgeous," mentions Kayla M., who visited with toddlers.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Amador offers chances to observe local fauna. "The wildlife is RIGHT THERE! We saw a tarantula near the tee box on 2. I woke up with 4 deer casually strolling through our campsite, a huge group of turkeys were cruising around the whole weekend," shares Christy L.
Seasonal variations: Spring transforms the Valley Springs region. "It is beautiful in the spring," notes Dennis W. about Lake Amador Resort. For meteor shower viewing, summer evenings provide celestial shows. "Had a great time here. We had a spot 20ft from the lake. It was a meteor shower night and it was amazing," shares Reylan T.
Lake views: Many campsites offer water views and access. At Woodward Reservoir, "We have been there three times... On the T-Island sites you right on the water," states Craig & Linda L.
Quiet weekday camping: Less crowded experiences await midweek visitors. "The park is pack during the summer months on the weekends but during the off season if is a great time to go during the week when children are in school," advises Sharon A. about Woodward Reservoir.
Proximity to supplies: Convenient access to necessities remains available. "I enjoy this location because it has stores nearby," notes Javier J. about Woodward Reservoir. For Lake Amador campers, "Oakdale is about 10 minutes away if you happen to forget anything."
Gate closure times: Plan arrivals accordingly at campgrounds. "Note that there's a gate that closes so that you can't enter - we just barely made it by the 9pm Friday closing time," warns Mike A. about Lake Amador Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir levels fluctuate significantly. "The water levels drastically change due to it being a privately owned lake," explains Kimmee P. about Lake Amador. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "Water level is down considerably."
Limited dispersed options: Free camping requires driving distance from Valley Springs. At Top of Arnold on Forest Road 5N56, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up," reports Michael S. This dispersed area lacks amenities but permits tent camping about 30 miles east.
Horse camping limitations: No dedicated horse campgrounds near Valley Springs, California exist with corrals or equestrian facilities. Alternatives require trailering to day-use areas or traveling to more distant locations with horse-friendly camping.
Water play areas: Lake Amador features child-friendly water areas. "They have a water hole with a fun slide, which is all kept nice and clean with tables you can sit at. I would recommend a pop up tent for shade if you go to the water hole," suggests Moonlit_starrynights.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer play structures for children. "There is a old school playground for the kids," mentions a Lake Amador visitor, while another adds, "The man made pond is nice for the kids. It has a slide they can use."
Frisbee golf activities: Lake Amador Resort provides disc golf courses for active family recreation. "As disc golfers, of course we love camping here, having 3 courses to choose from. But there is something for everyone in the family here," shares Christy L.
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures require heat management strategies. At Glory Hole Recreation Area, Susan Y. warns, "The view at campsite 57 is gorgeous! However, be prepared for the heat. It can reach up to 110F in summer. It is toasting even with shade."
Hookup availability: Monument RV Park near Lake Camanche provides full service options. "The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose," advises Courtney C.
Site conditions: Expect varying terrain at campgrounds. "The full hookup rv spots are gravel & very dusty. Whole park is actually. Spots are a little tight for my 37' 5th wheel but it worked out pretty good. Back end of my trailer hung over a big hill," reports Kelly G. about Lake Amador.
Year-round options: Some facilities remain open throughout winter. About Monument RV Park, Clint W. notes, "Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Valley Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Valley Springs, CA is Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Valley Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 equestrian camping locations near Valley Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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