Best Equestrian Camping near Waterford, CA
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Best Equestrian Sites Near Waterford, CA (12)
1. Woodward Reservoir
Oakdale, California16 Reviews•9 Photos•162 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Modesto Reservoir
Waterford, California5 Reviews•7 Photos•32 SavesModesto Reservoir Regional Park is located at 18143 Reservoir Rd., a few miles from the town of Waterford, just off Highway 132. It offers over 3,200 acres of land and 2,800 acres of reservoir for recreation and camping.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$40 - $60 / night
3. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Fall River Lake, California4 Reviews•12 Photos•34 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
4. Glory Hole Recreation Area
Angels, California4 Reviews•10 Photos•93 SavesOverview
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River. The 12,500 surface-acre lake is the fourth largest reservoir in California and is situated along the edge of the Mother Lode, the rich gold vein that prompted the California Gold Rush of 1849. At an elevation of 1100 feet, the diverse and resource-abundant Foothill Oak Woodlands hug the 100 miles of shoreline. Popular activities on and around the large, yet uncrowded lake include fishing, boating, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and picknicking. The New Melones Visitor Center offers year-round interpretive events and a museum highlighting natural and cultural resources.
Recreation
Hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, boating, sailing and road and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Camping is also permitted in designated campsites. Equestrian trails are also present in the Peoria Wildlife Mitigation Area and open for the general public. Other interesting sites include Natural Bridges, which can be accessed from Parrott's Ferry Road and has a nice hiking trail and a creek that flows through a marble cave. The Table Mountain Trail provides visitors an opportunity to hike to the top of an extensive lava flow which occurred over nine million years ago.
Natural Features
New Melones Lake is located in Northern California between the historic gold rush towns of Sonora and Angels Camp. The terrain varies from rolling hills to steep marble cliffs, and the vegetation consists of oaks, Ponderosa pines, chamise and buckbrush shrubs. Visitors can experience the beauty of New Melones by hiking the many trails in the Tuttletown and Glory Hole Recreation Areas. The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. For those who wish to venture outside the main recreation areas, there are many unique places to visit. Overall, the geography is quite varied and provides many opportunities for all types of recreation.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (209) 459-7290.
Nearby Attractions
Glory Hole Recreation Area is surrounded by many places of natural beauty including Natural Bridges, Camp Nine, Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest, Moaning Caverns, Big Trees State Park and Columbia State Park. Angels Camp Museum, Calaveras County Museum and Sonora Military Museum also provide great opportunities for learning interesting information about the area. Surrounding communities are popular vacation and retirement destinations and provide necessary services and shopping opportunities. Golfing, snow skiing, river rafting, commercial caves, historical railroad and Native American museums are close by as well.
Charges & Cancellations
All site changes and cancellations need to be done through the Recreation.gov website.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$22 / night
5. USBR Tuttletown Recreation Area Oak Knoll Group Site
Fall River Lake, California1 Review•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
6. Lake Amador Resort
Ione, California11 Reviews•20 Photos•124 SavesPlease note: Tent Camping is by reservation only.
Here at Lake Amador we have a large campground consisting of 113 sites located on a 100 acre portion of the facility that is surrounded by shade giving Oaks. Most campsites have running potable water, some have electricity and many sites are located on the waters edge when the lake is full. There are hot showers and flush toilets located throughout the campground and some sites located by swim pond also have free WIFI access!
Lake Amador also has a 73 site Deluxe RV Park on a private peninsula. All sites located in the RV Park have Full hookups and FREE WIFI. Some sites are reserved year round for residents and as vacation spots. All open RV sites are first come first served so call prior to your visit to check availability.
At the Lake Amador Clubhouse we offer food and fun. There you will find both air conditioning and a large fireplace so no matter the weather outside you can always find refuge inside. While there you can utilize the FREE WIFI, play pool, horse shoes, foosball, watch TV or even play Checkers, Chess, or Cribbage on our custom gaming tables. The Clubhouse features a well stocked Beer Bar as well as The Tackle Box Café where you can get a delicious Breakfast and Lunch on the weekends. Now if supplies are all your after you’ll be happy to know we also have a fully stocked general store with any essentials you may have forgotten at home.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $45 / night
7. Yosemite Ridge
Groveland, California3 Reviews•2 Photos•33 SavesYosemite Ridge Resort is located on State Highway 120, which is open all year and only 12 miles from Yosemite National Park’s west gate. We are located in Buck Meadows, population 50, within the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest surrounded by pine covered mountains. Since we are so close to the park, our lodging near Yosemite Park is the perfect base camp for your Yosemite Adventure, whether it be for one night or one week.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$40 - $80 / night
8. Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
Wallace, California2 Reviews•3 Photos•11 SavesMonument RV Park has 99 spacious sites near four small fishing ponds and the lake. Recently renovated this park is located at South Shore featuring full hook-ups including 30 and 50 amp electrical service, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Monument RV Park is less than a quarter-mile from the front gate down Camanche Drive on the left just before the trout pond
Fish the stocked trout pond
Lakeside sites for those campers with boats
Short ride to marina and store
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9. Miner's Camp RV Park
Wallace, California1 Review•1 Photo•2 SavesMiner’s Camp RV Park (Long-Term stay available) is nestled in the hillside and sits above the campgrounds. This park can be rented for up to 14 days or six months and is a short walk away from basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. There are no fire rings available inside Miner’s Camp.
Miner’s Camp RV Campground is located off of Bret Harte Drive close to the tennis and basketball courts
Short walk or ride to beaches, marina, store, or amphitheater
Long terms stay are 6 months at a time-10 day out before return
All sites are full hookups featuring 30-50 amp electrical service, picnic tables, and can accommodate up to 55′ long.
Showers and laundry facilities are located nearby. All RV’s staying within Monument and Miner’s Camp must be self-contained. Self-contained RV’s may also camp at North Shore. We also feature 20 undeveloped primitive sites (on-water) that can accommodate a tent or a self-contained RV.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Arnold, California2 Reviews•5 Photos•153 SavesDispersed camping takes a lot more effort than camping in a developed campground, but for those with an adventurous spirit, it can be a lot of fun.
Here are some important points to remember about dispersed camping:
The maximum length of stay in a forest ranger district is 21 days per year. Please practice good outdoor ethics about camping, travel and behavior while visiting. Dispersed campers are allowed to park within one vehicle length (including any tow vehicle) of a National Forest transportation route and walk into camp. Dispersed camping is not permitted in developed campgrounds and day use areas. Other areas closed to dispersed camping include historical and archaeological sites. Also, be certain that you are within the boundaries of the National Forest before setting up camp. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway. Dispersed camping is not allowed in these areas: within one mile of Pinecrest Basin along 7N83, Clark Fork Road along Hwy 108 between Clark Fork Road and Kennedy Meadows Road Leave No Trace Camping – Camp so no one notices you while you are there, and no one even knows you were there after you leave. Please respect nature and other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Always pack out whatever you pack in. No permanent structures are to be constructed to an area, such as building rock-lined fire pits, trenches around tents, or carving into trees. Human waste should be deposited in a hole dug 6 - 10 inches deep and then covered with organic soil. Vehicles are not permitted off of roads, but if you can safely park your vehicle adjacent and parallel to the road and are not blocking the roadway, you may park and camp. Most sites will have a parking spot nearby while other sites may not. Because the footprint of a vehicle can have a large impact to soils, please do not create new “parking spot” for a campsite. Please park in designated or already impacted spots. If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact in the forest. We want you to learn some of the many reasons to enjoy the quiet and solitude of dispersed camping, it’s up to you to LEAVE NO TRACE.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Waterford
51 Reviews of 12 Waterford Campgrounds
Moonlit_starrynights
Traveler
Lake Amador Resort
Great camping for families!!
Amador is a laid back camping spot that never disappoints. Great for families. Not a party destination but you can still have a great time! 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. There is also a old school playground for the kids. The staff is super friendly and always there to help. I take my kids at least 3-4 times a year and enjoy any of the seasons. There is Frisbee golf as well.
- D
Dennis W.
ScoutLake Amador Resort
Beautiful in the Spring
We enjoyed our first visit and will definitely come back! The park is a mix of old RV’s that folks have long term stays and open spots for visitors. Some nice spots and some tight spots. We stayed in site 62 with 41 foot MH. There was no room for a tow vehicle and we did not put our awnings out. We enjoyed fishing from the bank and had some good luck with power bait. The resort is very clean and quiet!
Damien M.Traveler
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Fun Spot
Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine. There are a few people on dirt bikes ripping around trails so not fully secluded but still a good spot.
Alyssia S.
Guide
Lake Camanche North Shore
Love it
Nice place lil shade open and close to water
- SSusan Y.Guide
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Be prepared for the heat in summer
We were there for 1 night. 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. Restroom and showers need maintenance.
Genevieve M.ScoutLake Amador Resort
Okay
Finally got to break in our roof tent so decided to check this out. Our site was awkwardly slanted (so I thought we would trip and fall into the lake) but on the lake so that was nice. 4 wheel drive recommended since I saw people struggling to get in and out of sites. Lots of mosquitoes. Bring Raid and repellent. Friendly staff at cafe/registration and dog friendly. Water was murky so we didn't bother going in but lots of fishermen and we could see fish in the water. Okay overall. Maybe will stay at a different site next time.
- MMike A.Guide
Lake Amador Resort
Great in low season
Nice campground on the lake. We stayed in the dry camping area which was right on the lake. We noted that the sites were very close together with no privacy, but that was ok since there were few people there. The showers worked well and didn’t require coins, and there was a dump station up front by the fish cleaning station. 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 (I think this time varies by day of the week).
- Mike P.Scout
Miner's Camp RV Park
Lake Comanche South sure
Nice place quiet lots of places for big RVs pull through spots and back in 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 a good place good people quiet time is 9:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. I believe doesn't mean you can't be up just no loud music no carrying on to disturb the other people lake is almost full
- Courtney C.Traveler
Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
Clean and quiet
This was our first time here. It was quiet and the sites were clean. There is no shower and only a couple outhouses so it’s definitely only if you want to use your camper/rv bathroom. The hookups worked good but the sewer hookup is elevated so you will probably want sewer hose supports to lift your hose. There is a fishing pond directly next to the campground and access to the lake just a few minutes away.
- CClint W.Scout
Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche
Perfect start to Fall.
Great location and full hook ups. Open year round, planning on coming back during the Winter!
Michael S.GuideTop of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Peaceful spot
Great spot for a tent or small trailer. The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon.
- Craig & Linda L.
Ranger
Woodward Reservoir
Close family camp ground
We have been there three times, twice for day trips when our kids were camping there and one time where our son's and daughter's family and us were camping there for three days weekend. Full hookups were use and enjoyed by all each time. On the T-Island sites you right on the water. Which is were we go. Both our kids family have Kayaks so that makes getting on the water great. Nice bathroom.
- John G.Scout
Modesto Reservoir
Our Family favorite for 50 years.
We starter visiting Modesto Resivor in the sixties. My father would hail all of our gear out to one of the many islands, and let the kids and dogs run free. Now that we are older, we camp on the shore line. Rustic tent camping near the water-skiing course is my favorite. Quite nights and darker stargazing. Blonde Beach is where your likely to find us Jetskiing.
Wendi S.ScoutWoodward Reservoir
Great first trip of the season
Had an amazing overnight stay! Since it was a Sunday night hardly anyone on T Island. Rangers were so helpful!
- Craig & Linda L.Ranger
Woodward Reservoir
Close to home here in Modesto
They offer senior and military discounts. Both tent and RV full hookups around a lake. The only real problem is there are a few months during the year that they restrict the human contact with the lake water due to all the waterfowl poop in water. Many Geese that use their winter homes.
- Craig & Linda L.Ranger
Woodward Reservoir
Camp close to home.
Nice campsites full hookups
- MMahdiScout
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Clean Peaceful Beautiful
It is beautiful, clean and not crowded. We planned it last night and it had plenty of spots to pick from. 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.
Armando O.ScoutLake Amador Resort
Fishing/camping
We expected a bigger and cleaner area for kids to play in. Unfortunately, the pool area was not to expectations and had a foul smell. My son complained about green mold on the slide. The staff although are friendly and helpful.
- RReylan T.Scout
Lake Amador Resort
Meteor shower camp out
Had a great time here. We had a spot a 20ft from the lake. It was a meteor shower night and it was amazing. I would recommend this place during the cooler months.
Julian H.ScoutWoodward Reservoir
Party lake
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. My favorite thing about this lake campsite is almost every campsite is connected to the lake so if you have boat or jetski bring it up to the site after unloading. Also the campsites are super close to neighbors and people love to party here. To me this is a plus but I understand the other side of things just know that things get quite fun here and is 5 o'clock somewhere 24/7. Holidays usually offer fireworks. Overall great spot for family fun or even nonfamily fun haha .
- Kimberly R.Scout
Yosemite Ridge
Last choice - not recommended
Place is run down. No hot water. If you have a big rig then it's bearable. We didn't and should have looked another Yosemite entrance for camping. Obviously had to stay here because we didn't get a spot inside the park.
- CCarolyn S.Scout
Woodward Reservoir
Spring and fall
It’s best in the spring and fall. It’s nice and quiet and the spots are not too close to each other. Staff is nice and grounds are clean.
- Patty R.Scout
Woodward Reservoir
Groovy
Way huge depths of camp ground area... Water is nice excluding the dirty appearance it was fun taking the boat out there
- Rebekka S.Scout
Woodward Reservoir
this place is cool
cool place
- Kayla M.Traveler
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Beautiful spot
Came here for a spontaneous family trip and was one of the only campgrounds with any availability. Though my bar was low, the campsite exceeded my expectations. The view was gorgeous, and there were a lot of hiking trails to choose from. The only setback was the closeness of the sites and some neighbors weren’t always mindful after dark when it came to noise. Something I wouldn’t mind usually but I brought my two toddlers along. Overall amazing site, pack for cold nights, and bring earplugs lol. We were at site 70.
Lori T.RangerUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Five stars for Springtime Visit!
Hardly anyone here at the moment. We pulled in on Easter Sunday to a near empty campground. The campground is quiet and the scenery is amazing this time of year. There are easily accessible hiking trails that were a great help in wearing out the pups. We loved site 106 in the Big Oak campground, but found others that were even better view wise. 116 and 117 had great views of a larger part of the lake. Water level is down considerably. $22 per night plus online reservation fee. Our total for 2 nights was $52. No hookups.
Update: We liked this campground enough to come back a second time in two weeks. The campground was a little busier than last visit, but surprisingly empty during the week. The mosquitoes have definitely increased! Site #142 has great afternoon shade, a nice view, and is very level. It’s also a handicapped accessible site so I’m not sure what availability will be like in busier months. Took the pups for a walk on the Carson Creek Trail. It’s listed as a ‘moderate’ trail as is the Gold Rush Trail. Don’t be dissuaded by that. Both trails are really easy and offer great views.
- WWinnie K.Guide
Pacheco State Park Campground
Beautiful, Magnificent ... But No Camping
YOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.
NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.
NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.
VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)
Guide to Waterford
Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater specifically to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- At Woodward Reservoir, families enjoy kayaking and fishing, making it a great spot for both horse and water activities.
- Modesto Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities and is close to water sports, perfect for a fun-filled camping trip.
- Glory Hole Recreation Area features numerous hiking trails that are ideal for exploring on horseback.
Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities
- USBR Tuttletown Recreation Area Oak Knoll Group Site provides clean bathrooms with showers, making it convenient for horse campers.
- Lake Amador Resort features a fun water hole with a slide, perfect for families looking to enjoy some water activities after a day of riding.
- Monument RV Park - Lake Camanche offers full hookups and a fishing pond right next to the campground, enhancing the camping experience.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities
- Yosemite Ridge is well-suited for horse camping, with easy access to trails leading into the stunning Yosemite area.
- Pacheco State Park Campground is particularly horse-friendly, featuring a corral and extensive trails for horseback riding.
- Lake Camanche North Shore provides a scenic environment for horse camping, with ample space for riding and exploring the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterford, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterford, CA is Woodward Reservoir with a 4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waterford, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Waterford, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.