Horse Camp is on the northeastern shore of scenic Little Grass Valley Reservoir in the Plumas National Forest. The equestrian campground is limited to campers with horses or other trail stock. Visitors to the campground enjoy horseback riding along Plumas National Forest Trails, swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, and hiking. Horseback riding is permitted on the northern portion of the Lakeshore Trail only.
Several mountain roads lead to the remote reservoir - (1) Highway 162 and Forbestown Road out of Oroville, (2) County Road 21 off Highway 20 near Marysville.
Horse Camp has 10 campsites which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Amenities include lantern posts and hitching racks. Hand pumped potable water is from a deep well, "the best tasting water in the whole Recreational Area". The water is tested several times throughout the year. Campsites are back among the trees with no views of the lake. There is a warming hut available during winter
Notice: "RV campers may fill freshwater tanks at Tooms RV dump station only. There is no water available to fill tanks on the east side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir."
| Horse Camp Basics | |
|---|---|
| Horse Camp Location: | northeast shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, 68 miles northeast of Marysville |
| Elevation: | 5,100 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Marysville - 68 miles, 1:47 Oroville - 54 miles, 1:44 (via Hwy 162 and Forbestown Rd.) |
| Number of Sites: | 10 |
| Camping Season: | Open late May through the winter as conditions permit; no services or fees in winter |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Plumas National Forest |
| Feather River Ranger District: | (530) 534-6500 |
| Reservations for Horse Camp | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | Horse Camp reservations can be made for camping dates from late May through early September. At other times campsites are first-come, first-served. |
| Booking Window: | from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | Accessible sites and facilities |
| Fees: | $23 per night
No fee after Oct. 1 when there are no services |
| Reservations: | Horse Camp Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Horse Camp Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, food locker, lantern post, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, well water, warming hut available in winter |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | Nearby |
| Area Map: | Little Grass Valley Reservoir Map |
| Attractions near Horse Camp: | Lakeshore Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Pancake Beach Day Use Area, Maidu Boat Launch Ramp, Blue Water Beach Day Use Area, boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, swim beaches, horseback riding, mountain biking
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated February 2025 |
Map Posted at Horse Camp
Horse Campground
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a 1,600-acre lake set at 5,000 feet in the Plumas National Forest east of Oroville. Visitors to Horse Camp and the surrounding area have many opportunities for recreation.
Check Plumas National Forest - Horse Camp for any campground updates.
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
