Snake Lake Campground provides free equestrian camping for riders exploring the Plumas National Forest, located about 9 miles from Quincy. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet with a forest ecosystem dominated by tall pines and seasonal creeks. Summer daytime temperatures typically range between 75-90°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 45-60°F.
What to do
Hiking on the PCT: Access to the Pacific Crest Trail and other hiking routes makes Hat Creek Resort & RV Park a strategic base camp. "We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park were closed for the season. 12 minute drive to Park entrance," notes Kristi D.
Volcanic exploration: Butte Lake Campground offers direct access to unique volcanic features. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," shares Laura F.
Fishing in remote waters: The mountain lakes around Westwood provide fishing opportunities away from crowds. About Antelope Lake Recreation Area, one visitor notes: "The lake is nestled in the mountains. The scenery, fishing and water sports are superb! They also have group camping right on the water!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Butte Lake Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "This was a very peaceful campground, given it was in a popular National Park. The setting is very open, with tall pines and no undergrowth, but the sites are far apart," mentions Bill T.
Proximity to water: At Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, the creek access is a major draw. "Stayed at a full hookup site in my 22 foot travel trailer. We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," reports Jason D.
Clean facilities: Equestrian campgrounds near Westwood, California often maintain basic but functional amenities. At Whitehorse Campground, a camper noted: "Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day. We have done both tent only and loop A and don't have many complaints."
What you should know
Road conditions: Some horse campgrounds near Westwood require navigating rough roads. At Antelope Lake Recreation Area, access can be challenging as one camper notes: "The camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved my trailer to a different site."
Water availability: Many forest campgrounds require you to bring your own water. At Soldier Meadows Campground, a visitor advises: "There is no water at this campsite, but if you bring your filtration system you can get water just steps away from your campsite."
Bear safety: The forests around Westwood have active bear populations. A visitor at Whitehorse Campground reports: "The campsite was visited by a bear at night. Just one night, when the night before the dumpsters were emptied. The bear messed with the campground dumpster but left everything else alone."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Lakes in the area provide safe swimming for children. At Taylorsville County Park, "There is also a water access to go easing and a few deep spots for swimming."
Wildlife viewing: Children can observe local wildlife in natural settings. At Butte Lake Campground, a camper advises: "Make sure to read the signs about the wildlife and take the advice of how to store food seriously. We saw a bear just a mile outside the campground."
Diverse activities: Many campgrounds offer multiple recreation options. Karissa R. notes about Taylorsville County Park: "There are lots of tall trees for shade during the day, and the trees separated the spots enough that groups can be separate or together. There are also 3 Poké stops and a gym for Pokémon Go players."
Tips from RVers
Trailer size limits: Equestrian camping areas typically accommodate modest-sized trailers. At Soldier Meadows Campground, Amy C. notes: "Just a short drive down a forest service dirt road and you'll find yourself at Soldier Meadows. The campsites are huge, with lots of room to spread out."
Road preparation: Forest roads can be rough on RVs and horse trailers. For Butte Lake Campground, one visitor cautions: "The campground is at the end of a six-mile gravel road. Not too dusty or bumpy. Maybe that is why it wasn't so populated."
Hookup availability: Most horse campgrounds near Westwood offer limited hookups. At Hat Creek Resort, a camper appreciates: "Nice Campground right on the Hat Creek! Full hookups, Laundry, Wifi available for purchase. Close to Lassen Volcanic NP."
