Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp

For us Californians with a love for horses and the open trail, finding a campground that caters specifically to equestrian and pack stock animals is a true gift. Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp, nestled within the breathtaking Eldorado National Forest near Lower Forni, CA, is precisely that kind of gem. This isn't just a place to pitch your tent; it's a specialized haven designed to provide comfort and convenience for both you and your equine companions, making it an ideal destination for your next horseback adventure in our stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp offers a uniquely tailored experience for riders. It understands the specific needs of those traveling with horses or pack animals, providing facilities that support a seamless and enjoyable trip. Imagine setting up camp where your horses are as comfortable as you are, with amenities designed to make their stay, and yours, as pleasant as possible. This thoughtful approach sets Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp apart, ensuring that your focus can remain on the joy of riding and exploring.

The campground itself is lauded for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Visitors consistently praise the fact that "the campground itself is clean and the outhouses serviced daily." This attention to detail significantly enhances the camping experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy your surroundings without worrying about basic comforts. Furthermore, each campsite is equipped with essential amenities like "a nice picnic table, fire ring and large bear proof locker for food storage," ensuring both convenience and safety in bear country.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the natural setting is truly spectacular. The area is well-known for its "vistas, hiking, wildflowers and birds," promising a rich tapestry of natural beauty to explore. While the primary draw is equestrian activity, the picturesque surroundings also offer opportunities for non-riders in your party to enjoy the wilderness. In the following sections, we'll dive deeper into the specifics of Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp, providing all the details you need to plan your unforgettable equestrian (or simply nature-filled) escape.

Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp is located at RQR7+QW, Lower Forni, CA 95720, USA. This places it within the vast and beautiful Eldorado National Forest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. More specifically, it is situated near the larger Wrights Lake Campground, in a grassy, open timber stand close to the stream flowing from the spillway of Wrights Lake. The elevation of the campground is approximately 7,000 feet, providing a refreshing high-country climate.

Accessing Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp involves navigating mountain roads, but it is generally manageable. The recommended route is from Highway 50, turning north at Riverton onto Road #3, and following signs to Ice House Reservoir. From there, turn east onto paved U.S. Forest Service Road #32 (Wrights Lake Tie Road), and then proceed north onto Wrights Lake Road (Road #4). This route, especially through Ice House Reservoir, is considered "relatively safer for heavily-loaded horse trailers, compared with the steep and narrow road that begins 4 miles west of Strawberry." This is a crucial piece of information for equestrian campers.

Visitors have confirmed that "Wrights Lake Road is a viable option and we managed fine with a three horse goose neck and full sized pickup" in the summer, indicating that the roads are capable of handling larger vehicles and trailers. However, it's always wise for Californians to check current road conditions, especially if traveling with large rigs, as mountain roads can be affected by weather.

While the campground is set in a relatively wild area, its proximity to Wrights Lake (a 40-acre body of water where motorboats are prohibited) is a significant advantage. This offers a serene environment for activities like swimming, non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding), and trout fishing. The area is well-known for its "vistas, hiking, wildflowers and birds," indicating a rich natural environment for exploration beyond just the equestrian trails.

The specific designation as an "Equestrian Camp" means that anyone traveling with equestrian or pack stock animals is allowed here. While some sites might "prove challenging for modest sized rigs," the general accessibility for horse trailers is confirmed. This dedicated focus ensures that the infrastructure supports the unique needs of horse owners, from the campsite layout to the nearby trails.

Services Offered:

• 15 equestrian campsites: Specifically designed to accommodate visitors with horses or pack stock.
• Horse corrals or tethering areas: Provided at each campsite for equine companions.
• Clean outhouses: Serviced daily, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
• Water present: Available for campers, though noted for "low flow." Campers should be prepared for this.
• Picnic table at each campsite: For outdoor dining and relaxation.
• Fire ring at each campsite: For campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Large bear-proof locker for food storage: Essential for safety in bear country.
• Vault toilets: Accessible.
• Trash collection: Available on-site.
• Campsite accommodation: Each site can typically accommodate up to 2 vehicles (including horse trailers) and 6 people.
• Overflow/trailer parking: Available for additional vehicles.
• Camp host: A friendly camp host is available during the daytime.
• Firewood available for sale: From the camp host.
• No hookups: Campers should be prepared for dry camping conditions.

Features / Highlights:

• Dedicated equestrian camp: Designed for visitors traveling with horses or pack stock animals.
• Clean and well-serviced facilities: Including outhouses and bear-proof lockers.
• Beautiful camping spot in the woods: Offers a serene natural setting.
• Proximity to Wrights Lake: A 40-acre body of water for swimming, non-motorized boating, and trout fishing (motorboats prohibited).
• Stunning scenery: The area is well-known for its vistas, majestic rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and Desolation Wilderness.
• Opportunities for hiking, wildflowers, and birding: Beyond equestrian activities, the area is rich in natural beauty.
• Grass available for horses: A positive note for equine comfort.
• Quiet camp: Often less crowded than general campgrounds, offering a peaceful experience.
• Challenging horse trails: While limited in number, they offer a rigorous riding experience with varied, often rocky, footing and steps.
• High elevation: At nearly 7,000 feet, provides cooler summer temperatures.

Contact Information:

Address: RQR7+QW, Lower Forni, CA 95720, USA (within the Eldorado National Forest)

Official campground inquiries contact number for Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp: (530) 644-2324 (as per Recreation.gov)

Pacific Ranger District (Eldorado National Forest) General Information: (530) 644-2349

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is generally the national reservation line for federal campgrounds, Recreation.gov)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (Same as above, for reservations)

Reservations for Wrights Lake Equestrian Campground are recommended, especially during peak season, and can often be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling the national reservation line. For current conditions, seasonal closures, or specific questions about the horse trails, it is best to contact the Eldorado National Forest Pacific Ranger District directly.

For us Californians with a passion for horseback riding and exploring the wilderness, Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination. Its unique dedication to accommodating equestrian and pack stock animals fills a vital niche, providing a tailored and comfortable experience that is often hard to find. This allows us to share our love for the outdoors with our equine companions, strengthening that special bond amidst stunning natural beauty.

The campground's commitment to cleanliness and essential amenities, from daily serviced outhouses to large bear-proof lockers at each site, ensures a hassle-free and safe stay. While the water flow might be low, the presence of potable water is a significant convenience in a high-country setting. These details reflect a thoughtful approach to camper comfort, allowing us to focus on the joy of our outdoor pursuits.

What truly makes Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp shine for locals is its setting within the majestic Eldorado National Forest. The "hard to beat" scenery, with its vast vistas, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse birdlife, offers a truly immersive nature experience. The proximity to Wrights Lake itself provides opportunities for refreshing dips, serene non-motorized boating, and productive trout fishing, adding layers of recreation beyond just the trails.

While some horse trails are noted for their challenging, rocky footing, this can be seen as an opportunity for experienced riders to test their skills and explore more rugged terrain, ultimately leading to rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. The fact that the road to the campground is manageable even for large horse trailers further enhances its accessibility for our local equestrian community.

In conclusion, Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp is more than just a campground; it’s a premier destination for Californians looking to embark on authentic horseback adventures in the Sierra Nevada. It provides the perfect blend of specialized facilities, breathtaking natural beauty, and a welcoming environment, making it an ideal choice for your next unforgettable journey with your trusted equine partners.

Wrights Lake Equestrian Camp

RQR7+QW, Lower Forni, CA 95720, USA