Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

3.89

21 reviews

Quick Facts

4,331 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Winter access is lim...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,331 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Winter access is lim...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

All user reviews and authoritative sources mention that the campground is free to use.

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

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What Campers Say

3.89

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelakesites

"User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. While some campers appreciate the peaceful environment and unique wildlife, others mention drawbacks such as poor lake conditions, lack of amenities, and occasional signs of negligent behavior by other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

39.9700, -121.0100

Driving directionsLocated off Bucks Lake Road in the Meadow Valley area. Specific turns and landmarks not provided.

Road access to the campground is fully paved, making it suitable for RVs and other vehicles. However, no details about seasonal closures or other challenges were mentioned.

Nearby places

Meadow Valley (distance not specified)

Bucks Lake (distance not specified)

Nearby supplies

No specific information provided about the nearest stores or supply points.

Best Time to Camp at Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

The campground experiences a dramatic seasonal transformation that adds to its year-round appeal. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a challenging yet beautiful landscape for the most adventurous souls. As spring arrives, the environment awakens with moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings warm, inviting days perfect for lake activities and trail riding, with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 80s and occasionally touching the 90s during late summer afternoons. Each season paints Snake Lake with its own unique palette, offering visitors distinctly different experiences throughout the year.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm months offer shade and access; mosquitoes and shallow vegetated lake are negatives.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen and pine setting implies strong fall colors and fewer insects; source notes seasonal appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Late spring likely pleasant and scenic; peak season extends into spring/early summer per notes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter is scenic but access is limited (no snowplow); services not maintained in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified, but weather data analysis suggests late spring to early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Winter access is limited due to no snowplow services.

About Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

Nestled in the scenic Meadow Valley area of the Mt. Hough Ranger District, Snake Lake Campground and Equestrian Camp offers a rare dual adventure experience with 17 thoughtfully designed campsites. This distinctive destination caters to both traditional campers and horse enthusiasts, with eight sites featuring dedicated corrals for equestrian adventurers. What sets Snake Lake apart is its direct OHV trail access, allowing riders to embark on thrilling off-road journeys straight from their campsite—a feature that makes this location a coveted basecamp for multi-sport outdoor enthusiasts.

Snake Lake Campground offers rustic, multi-use sites suitable for tents, RVs, and equestrian camping. There are no hookups available and the campground is ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground experiences a dramatic seasonal transformation that adds to its year-round appeal. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a challenging yet beautiful landscape for the most adventurous souls. As spring arrives, the environment awakens with moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings warm, inviting days perfect for lake activities and trail riding, with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 80s and occasionally touching the 90s during late summer afternoons. Each season paints Snake Lake with its own unique palette, offering visitors distinctly different experiences throughout the year.

ElevationNo elevation data provided.

Natural Features and ScenerySnake Lake creates an enchanting backdrop for your camping adventure, its surface adorned with delicate lily pads that dance on gentle ripples. Towering pines and quaking aspens form a natural cathedral around the campsites, providing generous shade and a symphony of rustling leaves. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow, while the lake's vegetation-rich waters attract diverse wildlife, turning each campsite into a front-row seat to nature's daily performances.

Geological RegionThe Mt. Hough Ranger District showcases nature's artistry through its diverse landscape, where Snake Lake serves as a tranquil centerpiece. This shady lakeside sanctuary is embraced by a mixed forest of aspens and pines, creating a cool microclimate that offers respite from summer heat. The region's unique topography supports both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, making it an ecological crossroads where mountain terrain meets wetland habitat, offering campers an immersive experience in Northern California's natural diversity.

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Check-in

No specified check-in time.

Check-out

No specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people

Groups

Group camping details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is multi-use with 17 sites, 8 of which are equipped with corrals. There are no hookups or group sites.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are required or available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites appear to be first-come-first-served, as no reservation system is mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system mentioned; cancellation policy is not applicable.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided materials.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as 'huge' by user reviews, suggesting ample space for campers and their equipment.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not directly mentioned in the sources.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with corrals are specifically recommended for equestrian campers. No other site-specific recommendations are available.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Snake Lake Campground can enjoy a range of activities including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, non-motorized boating, and OHV use. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight.

HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, though specific details about their difficulty and length are not provided.

FishingFishing is permitted in Snake Lake, but user reviews note concerns such as 'fish with worms' and 'bizarre growths' on some species of fish, including black bullhead catfish.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Snake Lake, though no additional details about facilities or equipment rental are provided.

Wildlife viewingSnake Lake is a good spot for observing wildlife, including frogs which are commonly noticed by campers.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note the presence of rattlesnakes, particularly on the eastern side of the lake. Caution is advised when hiking, especially in grassy areas. Other hazards include the potential for exposure to bear activity.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available, but user reviews note issues such as bullet holes in some of the lockers.

Weather at Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp

Reviews

3.9

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences. While some campers appreciate the peaceful environment and unique wildlife, others mention drawbacks such as poor lake conditions, lack of amenities, and occasional signs of negligent behavior by other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the 'shady lakeside campsites,' 'nice people,' 'plenty of shade,' and 'easy access' due to the paved entry road. Campers also appreciated the sounds of frogs at night and the...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the lake being 'covered with lily pads and vegetation,' 'fish with worms,' lack of garbage service, and no restroom maintenance. Mosquitoes are mentioned as an issue during...

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug repellent for mosquitoes, packing out all trash due to the lack of garbage service, and adhering to bear safety precautions. For fishing, some suggest trying Bucks Lake...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Warm months are noted for mosquito activity and shallow lake conditions. Winter access is limited due to the absence of snowplow services.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Meet nice people and love to hear the frogs all night long.' - Dana Mite 2. 'Nice free lakefront campground with multiple bathrooms. Lots of wildlife and plenty of shade.' - Matt Fisher 3. 'It...

Based on 21 reviews