Carter Meadows Horse Campground and Hidden Horse Equestrian Campground provide horse camping options near Weaverville, California from June through October. Located in Klamath National Forest, these equestrian sites feature basic facilities with picnic tables and fire rings. The campsites require advance booking, as space is limited during summer months. Surrounding trails connect to multiple wilderness areas, with terrain varying from heavily forested paths to alpine meadows.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort serves as a convenient base for fishing trips to nearby lakes. "We fished Lewiston lake less than 10 min. away and Whiskeytown Lake about 20-25 min. away with great luck," reports Corey L., who received "great fishing tips for the area" from the camp host.
Creek exploration: Trinity National Forest campsites offer creek access for cooling off during summer months. At Philpot Campground, "a creek runs through the campsite" according to one camper, providing natural water features in "lush green forest all around."
Mountain biking: Lacks Creek BLM features well-maintained trails for cyclists. "The whole BLM management area is well developed and has signs to guide you," notes Derrick H., highlighting the area's suitability for outdoor recreation beyond just camping.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers secluded camping with minimal neighbors. "There are only two camp sites reasonably far apart," writes Web H., noting the "nice clean outhouse and potable hand pump water" that make this location comfortable despite its primitive designation.
Full hookup options: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides complete amenities for longer stays. "The rv spots are full hook up with nice green grass," mentions Corey L., who appreciated that despite sites being "close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."
Free camping with views: Dispersed camping options provide no-cost alternatives with scenic vistas. At Lacks Creek BLM, Luke D. found camping spots up the hill that "even has an area with picnic tables under the trees," making it "a great spot overall" despite the drive in.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving on unpaved roads. At Lacks Creek BLM, Jules S. notes "chunks of the gravel road were under construction; some blind, narrow turns, but nothing too intense; and dips, washouts, and big exposed rocks, so drive with care."
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted throughout the region. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, campers report "ok Verizon signal" while Matt S. found "Verizon (best carrier for Trinity Co) coverage was nonexistent" at Horse Flat Campground.
Weather considerations: The camping season varies by elevation, with some areas closed in winter. Campgrounds like Carter Meadows Horse Campground operate only from mid-June through late October due to snow and road conditions at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities: Horse Camp Primitive Campground lacks showers but offers basic amenities. "Bear boxes, composting toilet, trash bins, picnic table, and a fire ring. There's a trail that leads down to the creek," reports Brittany S., making it suitable for families comfortable with minimal facilities.
Recreational amenities: Some campgrounds offer additional facilities for entertainment. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, Cathy H. found "a 'club house' where you can get on the wifi, charge your phone, and watch a movie on the TV or play a board game" when tent camping there.
River access: Locations near water provide natural play areas for children. "Just around the corner from the campground (walking distance) is access to the river. The whole family enjoyed dipping in when it's warm outside," shares Jason D. about staying at Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Horse Camp Primitive Campground accommodates larger vehicles but requires planning. "Perfect for dry camping with your rv if you want some extra quiet and privacy you could rent both sites at $20ea," advises valerie T., noting the value of securing adjacent sites.
Parking logistics: Some campgrounds have specific requirements for larger vehicles. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, Jason D. notes "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle," which is important information for RVers planning their stay.
Site conditions: Uneven terrain can create challenges at some locations. Jules S. reports that at Horse Camp Primitive Campground, "Sites are SUPER uneven and not really defined," with large boulders around picnic table and fire pit areas, making leveling an important consideration for RVers.