Equestrian Campground

Campground · California ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Millerton Lake (Bureau of Reclamation Land) · Open Access

1,024 ft
Elevation

Nestled by large oak trees and located near the Nuckahee Learning center, the Equestrian Campground offers a large parking area for trailers, and corrals available for horseback riders. A short 1/4 mile bypass trail connects you to the main trail head that leads to the other trails in the management area.

 

Facilities

The Equestrian Campground offers 3 accessible campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and wood grill. Drinking water is available via a paddle style spigot next to the corrals. Garbage collection is available, and an accessible restroom is on site. Reservations for this site are not accepted and it is a first come-first serve basis. No electricity is provided, and cell service is typically nonexistent. Please practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles to recreate responsibly on your public lands.

 

Parking

The gravel parking area is large enough for 2-3 trucks with horse trailers and provides enough space to turn around. Please do not block access for others when parking.

 

Restrictions

A permit is required for campfires, and campfires must be in designated fire rings in the campgrounds.

Getting there

The San Joaquin River Gorge is located approximately five (5) miles northwest of the town of Auberry. The visitor center is located at 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California. Google Maps accurately locates the visitor center at it's actual location.

From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the Y onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it into the recreation area.

37.08590, -119.55180 · 37°5'9.2"N 119°33'6.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 94°F in Jul, down to 54°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F545762687787949388756254
Low °F373942465361686762534337
Precip in5.34.44.12.11.00.30.10.00.11.22.24.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$25 per night

Stay limit: 14 Day camping limit, Day Use 6am-10pm

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Equestrian Campground

Can you reserve a site at Equestrian Campground?
No. Equestrian Campground is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How long can you stay at Equestrian Campground?
14 Day camping limit, Day Use 6am-10pm

Camping near Equestrian Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-03.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.