Best Equestrian Camping near Yosemite National Park

I stayed here for 4 nights while visiting Yosemite National Park. This was the closest campsite that I could get without a reservation (about 15 minutes from park entrance, & 1 hr. from Yosemite Valley) The campground looks like it used to be much nicer but it was obviously burned in the Rim Fire. Even if it wasn't burned, I still wouldn't be too impressed. The sites are pretty close together and the campground is right on the highway so the noise is pretty bad. Also, they are doing some kind of construction around the site so we woke up to the sounds of equipment driving right behind our tent. Also, this place is WAY over priced for what you get. I paid $20 per night plus $8 per night per extra vehicle. If you're planning on spending most of your time in the park, this place can be a decent last resort if everything else in the area is full.

Five couples took over the far end of Obsidian Campground to celebrate my wife's birthday for a couple nights.  The elevation in this part of the Sierra's is a great way to beat the August heat.  We were at sites 12, 13 and 14 with our custom van, a Sportsmobile, trailer, fifth wheel, and a tent.  Campground had one other campsite occupied, so basically just us.  Easy access two miles off US 395 by gravel road.   It is know as an infrequently utilized destination.

The trailhead for Molybdenite Creek is just past site 14.  One day we took this trail about 2-1/2 miles up a canyon that leads into the Hoover Wilderness on the North East boundary of Yosemite National Park.  The next day we did the 1 mile hike to Emma Lake, also in the Hoover Wilderness.  Take a vehicle from the campground up the road another 2 miles to the Emma Lake trailhead.  See photos.

Campground Review

I gave this campground a 3 out of 5 stars for two primary reasons. The first being that there is very little information available out there about the campground and the actual location of the grounds can be somewhat cumbersome to find. We spent a fair amount of time researching how to find this place and asking around at multiple information centers within Yosemite National Park before eventually finding it. The second reason being that the sites are not reservable and considering how crowded Yosemite NP can get, this is quite the gamble. Some crowd control is provided, as you need a backcountry permit in order to stay at the campground but with only 20 sites available, there’s a likely chance you may not get a spot. Most hikers use this campground as a basecamp before or after making their treks through the backcountry but it can be difficult to plan out your trip if you’re not sure that you can reliably find the campground or even secure a spot. That being said, this campground is located very close to some amazing amenities (10 minutes to Half Dome Village and 10 minutes to most trailheads). In addition to nearby amenities, the campground itself offers some great amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, bathrooms and bear boxes. The campsites are also really beautiful, as the grounds are situated near a picturesque wooded area, creek and unique rock formation. All in all, if you’re willing to wage the risk of not knowing how to get there or if you’ll even have a spot when you get there, you’ll be rewarded with one of the only remaining patches of solitude in Yosemite Valley.

Clark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent “double sites” makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends. The 25 sites on Loop A offer vault toilets and cost $19 an night. Loop B sites offer flush toilets and cost $20 a night. There are also 14 nice family-sized equestrian sites and one group equestrian site. Sites are within easy walking distance of the water. No matter what kind of camping you want to plan, Clark's Fork offers options. A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful wooded campground is on the Stanislaus River, recommended for your fishing and scenic pleasure.

Been here many times with my son and my horses over the years. Still quiet and not over ran. Close to fishing streams, high mountain lakes, hiking trails, off roading and don't forget that trip into Bridgeport and Bodie.

Obsidian took a beating two cleaned up and they are still fixing some things. I would vonsider Obsidian more of a primitive campground, not dispersed but minimal.

Outhouse is clean, bring your own water, can get 5G/LTE here.

Tables, campfire rings, park at your site, tent, small camp trailer. At the end of the campground there is a bigger spot for groups.

Horsetrailer parking/camping across from campground in a turn around spot.

$12/Night for single unit $6/Night for extra vehicle

    I agree the road out is pretty scary I don't advise trailers but I have seen them while driving in. It is one lane and you must pull out for opposing traffic. But definitely one of my most favorite places in the Sierras. The views are amazing, I recommend giving yourself extra time to stop and get out for the views a few times on the way in. 

   Once in the campground/resort area there are two separate loops to camp in as well as cabins to rent and a small dispersed camping area there is also a general store, bath house, and small Cafe that are all seasonal since the road is closed most of the year. So open and close dates vary depending on snow. You can get firewood, drinking water at the store but it can be a little pricey, so I recommend bringing your own. The baths/showers are usually included for anyone paying for a campsite, but this may have changed. It is very cheap for day use persons to use the showers though. The sites are all very nice and surprisingly private though some are pretty close together. All provide a firepit, table, bear box, and parking space. I love that there are bear boxes at such a remote place! There are vault tiolets and dumpsters for trash. The river runs along one side of the campsites so about half of the sites are on the river. Bring extra bugspray for these sites as you are close to the water. 

     Most important if you made it this far reading 😅😂 there are multiple NATURAL HOT SPRINGS!! There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot. They also pump the natural mineral water to the bathhouse for the showers! The springs are the main reason to come out and camp. There are also tons of hiking trails and other lakes in the area including 2 thermal lakes and tons of breathtaking views. I highly recommend this place. 🏞🏕

Also: I have not personally stayed in the cabins or dispersed camping area only the paid sites along the river, but I have been here several times and have seen them. There is also a corral area for horses so I'm not sure if that qualifies it as an equestrian camp but there is a spot for the horses.