Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp
4.068 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Winter access is lim...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
17 campsites
Season
Winter access is lim...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSnake 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.06
Satisfactory
Based on 8 reviews
17 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."
Fees & Passes at Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 days
Cancellation: No reservation system mentioned; cancellation policy is not applicable.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Plumas National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as 'huge' by user reviews, suggesting ample space for campers and their equipment.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not directly mentioned in the sources.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with corrals are specifically recommended for equestrian campers. No other site-specific recommendations are available.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonWinter access is limited due to no snowplow services.
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.
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.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, though specific details about their difficulty and length are not provided.Fishing
Fishing 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.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Snake Lake, though no additional details about facilities or equipment rental are provided.Wildlife viewing
Snake Lake is a good spot for observing wildlife, including frogs which are commonly noticed by campers.Winter Activities
In winter, the area is not serviced by snowplows, which may limit access.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to non-motorized boating, such as kayaking or canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser 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.
Weather at Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
No specific emergency service locations mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified, but weather data analysis suggests late spring to early fall.
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service available at this site. Campers must pack out all trash and waste.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is lakeside, adjacent to Snake Lake, which is noted for its extensive vegetation and unsuitability for swimming.
Common complaintsSome reviews criticize the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the lack of maintenance of the toilets. The overgrowth on the lake and the condition of the fish are also highlighted as recurring issues in user reviews.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
8 reviews
Snake Lake Campground And Equestrian Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 8 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 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsCamper 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 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or reviews tied to individual campsites are not provided.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews or feedback from users with disabilities are not available.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and user experiences regarding pets are not mentioned.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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