Horse Camp Primitive Campground

Star3.68
33 reviews
PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,083 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horse Camp Primitive Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard site fees are $20 per night for peak season from January 1st to December 31st. Additional reservation fees vary depending on the booking...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Provider
530-242-3412michelle_dulisse@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

3.68

Mixed Reviews

Based on 33 reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"User experiences at Horse Camp Primitive Campground are mixed, with many praising its seclusion, cleanliness, and spacious sites, while others have noted issues such as mosquitoes, post-fire damage, and distant road dust. The lack of horse-specific facilities is a recurring observation."

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Campground Map

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Horse Camp Primitive Campground

PO Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095, USA

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 in Redding, CA, drive 10 miles west on Highway 299. Turn left on Kennedy Memorial Drive at the visitor center and follow it for 1.6 miles until you reach a fork in the road at the dam. Turn left on Paige Bar Road and drive for two miles until you reach another fork in the road at the NEED Camp. Turn left onto the gravel road and proceed .5 miles to Horse Camp.
The campground is accessible via a mix of paved and gravel roads. From Paige Bar Road, the last stretch involves a gravel road. While high-clearance vehicles are not necessary, driving a nice car may not be recommended due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Redding: 15 miles, approximately 20 minutes
Sacramento: 3.5 hours.
Nearby supplies
Brandy Creek Beach, located 5.5 miles from the campground, offers a store with food and supplies during the Memorial Day to Labor Day season.

Best Time to Camp at Horse Camp Primitive Campground

Each season paints Horse Camp with its own distinct palette. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and flowing streams, though early visitors should come prepared for nature's tiny aviators—mosquitoes make their seasonal debut. Summer transforms the area into an aquatic playground, where nearby lakes and streams beckon with refreshing swimming holes and peaceful paddling opportunities. Fall arrives like a gentle exhale, bringing crisp air and tranquil camping conditions perfect for trail rides through golden hillsides. While winter's chill may discourage some adventurers, those who brave the cooler months discover a serene, frost-kissed wonderland largely untouched by crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Best access to lake activities in summer but mosquitoes and heat can be downsides.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers pleasant weather, good hiking and quieter conditions; fewer insect complaints.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and flowing streams; early mosquitos noted but scenery improves.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers discourage winter visits due to remote, 'abandoned' feel.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1st to December 31st (peak season rates apply).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; reservations required for access.
  • Current Alerts: Post-fire hazards related to the Carr Fire of 2018 remain active.

About Horse Camp Primitive Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers a rare escape where riders and their equine companions can share the wilderness experience together. This intimate hideaway features just two thoughtfully designed sites, each welcoming vehicles, tents, and most uniquely, horses. As the park's exclusive equestrian-friendly camping destination, Horse Camp provides a gateway to miles of scenic trails where hoofbeats blend with birdsong and the rustle of foothill pines.
Horse Camp Primitive Campground is a small, remote campground with two campsites, catering to a mix of tent and RV camping. It is the only campground in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area that allows horses but does not provide facilities specifically for equestrian users.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • 14 consecutive nights between May 15 and September 15
  • 30 total nights per calendar year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Horse Camp Primitive Campground offers a variety of activities ranging from hiking and horseback riding to water-based recreation at nearby Whiskeytown Lake. The area's natural scenery and secluded environment make it ideal for outdoor exploration and relaxation.
HikingHiking is a popular activity at Horse Camp, with trails leading from the campsite, including one that connects to Guardian Rock. These trails offer a mix of paved and dirt paths, suitable for varying skill levels.
FishingFishing is allowed year-round in Whiskeytown Lake, though specific details on fish species or fishing conditions at Horse Camp are not provided.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular nearby activity, especially during the summer, at Whiskeytown Lake and Brandy Creek Beach, which are a short drive from the campground.
BikingThe area supports mountain biking, offering trails of various difficulties through scenic backcountry and forested landscapes.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding are available on Whiskeytown Lake, located nearby.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and foxes are frequently observed at the campground. Foxes are particularly noted for scavenging food, requiring campers to store items securely.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area, requiring strict food storage. Post-fire hazards such as falling trees and branches may occur due to the Carr Fire of 2018. Mosquitoes have been noted as a nuisance by campers.
Active AlertsPost-fire hazards related to the Carr Fire of 2018 remain active.
Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with two bear-resistant storage lockers, emphasizing safety in bear country.

Weather at Horse Camp Primitive Campground

Reviews

3.7
33 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Horse Camp Primitive Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Horse Camp Primitive Campground are mixed, with many praising its seclusion, cleanliness, and spacious sites, while others have noted issues such as mosquitoes, post-fire damage, and distant road dust. The lack of horse-specific facilities is a recurring observation.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently highlight the campground's seclusion, cleanliness, and spacious campsites. Many appreciate the quiet atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and wildlife sightings, including deer and...
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Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include mosquitoes, especially during warmer months, and a lack of perfectly level ground for tents. Some campers noted disturbances from vehicles on a nearby dirt road, and one...
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Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring levelers for tents due to uneven ground. Foxes are noted for scavenging, so ensuring proper food storage is essential. Summer visits may require mosquito repellent.
Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are generally discouraged due to the remote and seemingly "abandoned" feel of the campground. Summer months offer better access to nearby attractions and activities but come with...
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Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice and secluded with only 2 spots." - Lucy S. "Bathroom was clean and well-stocked. Bear boxes in good working order." - Shauna H. "The mosquitoes were so bad that we actually had to pack up and...
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Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is often noted for being better suited to car camping and having more space for larger vehicles. Site 2 is considered more remote and less accessible for parking but offers a trailhead to...
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Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash or crated. No unique pet amenities are mentioned, but the campground's seclusion makes it dog-friendly for well-behaved pets.
Based on 33 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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