Horse Flat Campground
01 review360 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093
Horse Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Horse Flat Campground beckons adventurers with 13 pristine campsites and the promise of authentic wilderness experiences—all without any camping fees. This rustic retreat serves as a perfect basecamp for equestrian enthusiasts, with dedicated horse corrals and direct access to the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Whether you arrive on horseback or on foot, you'll discover two distinct camping areas: a spacious main section designed for horse camping and a tranquil walk-in area tucked alongside the melodic waters of Eagle Creek. From casting lines in crystal-clear waters to tracking game through ancient forests, this wilderness sanctuary offers endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Horse Flat Campground offers primitive and tent camping options. An equestrian-friendly section with a horse corral is available, along with a walk-in camping area near Eagle Creek.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October, Horse Flat transforms with the seasons, offering dramatically different experiences throughout its operational window. Summer days can soar to a toasty 91°F, perfect for creek-side relaxation and high-country exploration, while crisp autumn nights may dip to a brisk 26°F, demanding cozy sleeping bags and warming campfires. This remarkable temperature range creates an ever-changing tapestry of conditions that seasoned campers cherish—from sun-drenched summer afternoons to frost-kissed October mornings when the wilderness takes on a crystalline beauty.
ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet in the Trinity Alps, Horse Flat offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat and breathe crisp, pine-scented air, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mornings, pleasant afternoons even in summer's peak, and spectacular star-filled nights unobscured by lowland haze. The mountain setting creates its own microclimate, where afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair, and morning mist often clings to the creek valleys before burning off to reveal stunning wilderness vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of towering conifers and graceful deciduous trees creates an ever-changing canopy above Horse Flat Campground. In summer, this verdant ceiling provides blessed shade for both horses and hikers, while autumn transforms the deciduous groves into a breathtaking display of gold and crimson. The star of the show, however, is Eagle Creek—a pristine mountain stream that tumbles and sings its way through camp, providing both a soothing soundtrack and endless entertainment for those who appreciate the simple pleasure of creekside contemplation. This harmonious blend of forest and water creates intimate camping spots where the wilderness feels both welcoming and wonderfully wild.
Geological RegionHorse Flat sits within the legendary Trinity Alps Wilderness, a dramatic landscape where ancient geological forces have sculpted a paradise of granite peaks, deep valleys, and pristine waterways. This rugged terrain showcases the classic features of Northern California's Klamath Mountains, where diverse forest communities thrive in the varied microclimates created by the complex topography. The mix of coniferous giants and deciduous trees tells the story of this unique ecological crossroads, where coastal influences meet interior mountain conditions to create one of California's most biodiverse wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited information suggests no specific wheelchair-friendly facilities are available.
Sites SizeThe campsite can accommodate trailers up to 16 feet in length.
Sites Privacy"There is not much privacy between campsites." The campground layout does not provide significant seclusion.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Eagle Creek are walk-in and may offer a quieter experience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Groups
No dedicated group camping sites are listed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 sites divided into two sections—a smaller walk-in area near Eagle Creek and a larger area with horse corrals and access to trails.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15 through October 31.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are all first-come, first-served. Walk-in sites are available in the smaller section next to Eagle Creek.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for horse camping and horseback riding, as well as hiking and backpacking in the nearby Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Hiking
Hiking and day hikes are available in the Trinity Alps Wilderness area, accessible from the Eagle Creek Trailhead located at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each site includes a fire ring with a grill.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present; safe food storage techniques are recommended. Interior campground roads are described as under-maintained, and the single-lane dirt road access may pose challenges.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Weaverville Ranger Station at 360 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093; Phone: 530-623-2121.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - October 31.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to 'pack it in, pack it out,' indicating no on-site trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresEagle Creek runs through the campground, adding to the natural charm and providing auditory ambiance.
Common complaintsInterior campground roads are under-maintained, and there is limited privacy between campsites.
Campground Map
360 Main Street Weaverville, CA 96093
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville, take State Route 3 north for 41 miles. Take the second Eagle Creek Loop Road turnoff. Turn right at the T-intersection. Pass Eagle Creek Campground. Continue on dirt road for 2 miles to Horse Flat Campground.
Dirt road access; last 2.7 miles are described as rough, single-lane roads, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Weaverville (41 miles), Trinity Center (11.4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be available in nearby towns such as Weaverville and Trinity Center, but exact locations for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Horse Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is described as a hidden gem, offering tranquility and a reprieve from large groups. However, there are no comprehensive reviews to provide detailed insight.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Out of the way campground hidden in nature ... Great reprieve from the big groups of campers and wilderness explorers."
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned in the available reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should prepare for limited amenities, with no potable water or trash facilities available. Horse enthusiasts should note the availability of a corral for up to 10 pack stock.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal analysis has been provided in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Out of the way campground hidden in nature off a little road turn off of Highway 3. Great reprieve from the big groups of campers and wilderness explorers."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or experiences are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025