Horse Camp Primitive Campground provides basic facilities for equestrians in Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area. The campground features two primitive sites with uneven terrain situated in an area affected by the 2019 Carr fire. While potable water is available through a hand pump system, campers should be prepared for rustic conditions and limited amenities. Access requires navigating windy roads to reach the campsite location at higher elevations.
What to do
Creek exploration: Trinity County offers multiple creeks for water activities near equestrian camping options. At Philpot Campground, "a creek runs through the campsite it's a very beautiful place with lush green forest all around!" according to reviewer DirtyMountainBoy A.
Fishing opportunities: The area provides excellent fishing access for campers seeking water recreation. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort offers proximity to multiple fishing locations, with one visitor noting, "We fished Lewiston lake less than 10 min. away and Whiskeytown Lake about 20-25 min. away with great luck."
Trail riding: Multiple forest trails remain accessible for equestrians despite fire damage. At Philpot Picnic Area, the surrounding forest is "good for hiking and just good scenery all the way around there was a burn scar from a fire a couple years back but still beautiful nonetheless!"
What campers like
River access: Campers appreciate water features near equestrian camping options. At Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, "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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds receive positive reviews from equestrians. One reviewer at Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort notes, "Clean restrooms and well kept grounds. Close to river and lakes for boating and fishing."
Quiet atmosphere: The relative isolation of horse camping areas provides peaceful experiences. A visitor described Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort as "an amazingly quiet park" despite its layout, noting that "even though they're close together with no privacy it was an amazingly quiet park."
What you should know
Fire impacts: Recent wildfire activity has affected forest conditions throughout the region. A reviewer at Horse Flat Campground observed significant maintenance issues, reporting, "Trees are dying causing danger from falling limbs &/or trees. The canopy is dense enough that there is very little sunlight."
Facility limitations: Expect basic accommodations at most equestrian sites. Horse Camp Primitive Campground provides "a nice clean outhouse and potable hand pump water. Picnic tables and trash bins provided as well as a fire pit."
Road conditions: Access to equestrian camping often requires traveling on unmaintained routes. One visitor to Horse Flat Campground warned, "The road up the the campground is a rough dirt road," while another noted Horse Camp requires traveling a "long windy road to get up to sites."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Family-friendly water features provide recreation options. One visitor to Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort shared, "Our dogs loved the area down below, we would take them off leash and let them do dog-things."
Tent options: Some equestrian areas offer dedicated tent sites separate from RV areas. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides "tent sites away from the rv part" according to one reviewer, who added "There is a great area for tent camping or a place to dry camp with your RV just below the main RV park."
Supply access: Stock up on necessities before arrival at remote horse camps. Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort maintains "a nice little store and a fish cleaning stand" which visitors find convenient when staying multiple days.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large rigs face challenges at most equestrian campgrounds. One reviewer at Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort advised, "Biggest I would put in here would be about a 30 foot trailer. You have to disconnect your tow vehicle."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at primitive horse camps. A visitor to Horse Camp Primitive Campground reported, "Sites are SUPER uneven and not really defined. The picnic table/fire pit area has large boulders around them and a road runs right between both sites."
Hookup options: Most equestrian camping near Whiskeytown offers limited or no hookups. For those requiring amenities, Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides "full hook up with nice green grass, no cable but ok Verizon signal and we got a few local channels on the tv antenna."
Traveler
