Horse Campground
4.407 reviewsFEATHER RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 875 MITCHELL AVE, Oroville, CA, 95965, USA
Horse Campground
$23.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Equestrian nonelectric campsite fees during peak season (June 19 - September 6, 2025) are $23 per night. Additional fees may apply for late cancellations ($10), reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person), and changes ($10).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Horse Campground beckons equestrian enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike to discover a hidden gem in Northern California's wilderness. This intimate campground seamlessly blends the thrill of horseback riding with endless opportunities for water recreation and forest exploration. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, diving into refreshing swimming holes, or navigating scenic trails on horseback or mountain bike, this tranquil retreat wrapped in towering pine and fir forests promises an authentic escape from the everyday.
Horse Campground is tailored for equestrian camping and offers tent and RV camping options. It has 10 equestrian sites, with 8 reservable online.
Historical SignificanceBorn from the ambitious water projects of the 1960s, Little Grass Valley Reservoir emerged when engineers flooded this mountain valley, creating what would become a recreational paradise. Today, the campground serves as a gateway to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, where modern adventurers follow in the footsteps of countless hikers who have traversed this epic pathway stretching from the Canadian wilderness to the Mexican border. This proximity connects campers to one of America's most storied long-distance trails and its rich heritage of exploration.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Horse Campground unfold under brilliantly clear skies that dominate the season with an impressive 91.7% sunshine rate. Comfortable daytime temperatures reaching 74.88°F invite endless outdoor adventures, while cool evenings dipping to 50.74°F create perfect conditions for campfire gatherings. With minimal rainfall at just 4.66% and refreshingly dry air, summer camping here feels effortless. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, drawing snowmobile enthusiasts to carve fresh tracks through the pristine powder.
ElevationPerched at 5,060 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Horse Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape where the elevation works its magic year-round. Summer visitors relish the naturally air-conditioned environment that provides welcome relief from valley heat, while winter transforms this high-country haven into a snowy playground perfect for snowmobiling adventures. This elevation sweet spot delivers the best of both seasons—comfortable summer camping and exhilarating winter recreation.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and majestic firs create a living cathedral around Horse Campground, their fragrant needles carpeting the forest floor and filtering golden sunlight. The sparkling 1,615-acre Little Grass Valley Reservoir stretches before you, its sapphire waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and inviting endless exploration. Adventure calls from every direction—the spectacular 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail winds along hidden coves and scenic overlooks, while the challenging Bald Mountain Trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch across the Northern Sierra.
Geological RegionHorse Campground claims its place in the heart of the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, where ancient geological forces sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. At 5,060 feet elevation along the eastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, this northern California treasure showcases the region's signature granite peaks and volcanic history. Dense forests of pine and fir thrive in this mountain ecosystem, creating a verdant sanctuary that exemplifies the Sierra Nevada's unique blend of rugged terrain and lush vegetation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible. Specific details about wheelchair-accessible trails or campsites are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with plenty of room for large rigs or portable corrals.
Sites PrivacySites offer privacy with thick stands of pine and fir trees surrounding the campground.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor equestrian campers, sites with hitching posts and spacious layouts (e.g., sites 1, 5, and 9) are ideal. Campers seeking quiet should avoid weekends due to increased occupancy and visitor traffic.
Best CampsitesSites 1, 5, and 9 are recommended for tent camping, while site 003 is praised for views and proximity to the reservoir.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not specified but sites are described as spacious, with room for large rigs and equestrian necessities.
Groups
Group camping sites are not specifically mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 10 equestrian-focused campsites with gravel parking surfaces. Lantern posts, hitching posts, tables, and fire rings are provided at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 19, 2025, to September 6, 2025, during the peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityEight of the ten equestrian campsites are reservable online. Walk-up availability is possible for the remaining sites, but fill patterns are not specified.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the check-in date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within one day of check-in) also forfeit the first night's fees. Changes to reservations outside the original dates incur a $10 fee. Refunds for early departures depend on staff availability and campground rules.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horse Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding. The 1,615-acre Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a hub for water activities like SUP'ing, water skiing, and fishing for trout and kokanee salmon. The Lakeshore Trail provides a 14.5-mile loop for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Winter activities, including snowmobiling, are popular in the area.
Hiking
The Lakeshore Trail, a 14.5-mile loop around Little Grass Valley Reservoir, is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. A nearby Bald Mountain trail offers a 5-mile moderate hike with approximately 1,150 feet of climbing.Fishing
Fishing at Little Grass Valley Reservoir offers catches of trout and kokanee salmon, among other species. A fishing license is required.Swimming
Swimming is available in the reservoir, which is within walking distance of the campground.Biking
Mountain biking is supported along the Lakeshore Trail, which loops around the reservoir.Boating
Boating activities, including paddleboarding and water skiing, are popular at the reservoir.Wildlife viewing
The area is inhabited by bears, chipmunks, and various bird species. Campers should use bear boxes for food storage.Winter Activities
Snowmobiling is a popular activity during winter months in the area.Water Sports
Water skiing, paddleboarding, and SUP'ing are popular water sports at the reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings with grills.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBears inhabit the area, as noted by users: "It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night." Dust from dirt roads may also be a nuisance.
Active alertsBear activity is common. Campers are reminded to store food securely and follow safety protocols.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Feather River Ranger District located at 875 Mitchell Ave, Oroville, CA, 95965. Phone contact: 530-534-6500.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 19, 2025 - September 6, 2025
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides dumpsters for trash disposal. User reviews highlight the need for securely disposing of garbage due to bear activity.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to Little Grass Valley Reservoir, offering fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Common complaintsUsers frequently noted dust issues due to dirt roads and fast-driving vehicles. Vault toilets were mentioned but described as clean and regularly maintained.
HostAn on-site host may be available but was not present during user visits in July 2022.
Campground Map
FEATHER RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 875 MITCHELL AVE, Oroville, CA, 95965, USA
Driving directionsFrom Oroville, California, travel east on Oro Dam Boulevard to Highway 162/Olive Highway. Continue on Highway 162/Olive Highway for 5 miles to Forbestown Road. Turn right and go 16 miles to La Porte Road. Turn left and travel 27 miles to La Porte, then 2 miles to signs for the recreation area. Turn right and continue just over 3 miles to the campground.
Road access is primarily via paved highways, but the final stretch involves dirt roads which can be dusty due to fast-moving vehicles. It is noted by users that "The roads are dirt and people tend to drive fast, creating a lot of dust."Nearby places
Oroville (approximately 60 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive), La Porte (approximately 2 miles, 5-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Nearest grocery and camping supply stores are located in Oroville, approximately 60 miles away. Some basic amenities may be available in La Porte, 2 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
7 reviews
Horse Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Horse Campground has generally positive reviews, with users appreciating the solitude, spacious sites, and proximity to the reservoir and trails. Complaints mostly revolve around dust from dirt roads and traffic.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, spacious sites suitable for large rigs, proximity to trails and reservoir, and bear boxes with flat tops for additional workspace.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Dust caused by fast-driving vehicles on dirt roads, occasional lack of a camp host, and annoyance from visitors driving through the campground without staying.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Use bear boxes to store food securely. Vault toilets are serviced daily, so don’t worry about cleanliness. Prepare for some dust due to dirt roads—consider bringing a tarp or covering for outdoor...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight water activities and hiking trails, while winter reviews note snowmobiling opportunities. Dust from dirt roads is a common concern during warmer months.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Everything we wanted! Solitude and nature. The campground is small, which was perfect.' - Sarah Janus
2. 'Horse Camp is a great campground and I would highly recommend coming back. The campground...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 003 is praised for proximity to Bald Mountain trailhead and views of the reservoir. Sites 1, 5, and 9 are noted as tent-only sites but not labeled as such in the reservation system.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but additional details about accessibility features are not provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews mentioning pet experiences are available.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025