HORSE CAMPGROUND
Plumas National Forest, CAHorse Campground sits on the eastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, the only equestrian-equipped camp among eight campgrounds ringing this 1,615-acre lake. Ten sites with hitching posts give riders direct access to the 14.5-mile Lakeshore Trail and connections to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.73528, -120.95306
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-534-6500
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The ten single-family sites sit at 5,060 feet elevation among thick stands of pine and fir, each equipped with hitching posts, lantern posts, fire rings with grills, and picnic tables. Gravel parking accommodates both tents and RVs, though no hookups are available. Eight sites can be reserved online, with vault toilets serving the campground.
The reservoir setting provides a different flavor than high-country horse camps — you're looking at water rather than peaks, with opportunities for swimming and boating after a day in the saddle.
The Trail System
The Lakeshore Trail makes a 14.5-mile loop around Little Grass Valley Reservoir, open to horses, hikers, and mountain bikes. More significantly for equestrians, this trail connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, opening up the 2,650-mile route that runs from Canada to Mexico. Day rides can sample portions of the PCT or stick to the lakeside loop.
Anglers can work the reservoir for trout and kokanee salmon, though licenses are required. The lake also sees boats and water skiers, so expect company on summer weekends.
What to Know
Horse Campground serves as the hub for a popular snowmobiling area during winter, meaning seasonal access varies. The area supports seven other non-equestrian campgrounds plus cabins on the south side of the lake, so this isn't wilderness solitude.
For a day trip from camp, Fowler Lake sits 12 miles northeast at 5,446 feet elevation — a small natural lily pond that makes for an easy ride or hike with scenic payoff.