Horse Campground
Little Grass Valley Reservoir

Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Plumas National Forest, California
Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Plumas National Forest, California

Horse Campground
Little Grass Valley Reservoir


Horse Campground

Horse Campground 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 Campground 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.

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Horse Campground Basics
Horse Campground 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 Campground
Reservations available: 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 Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Horse Campground 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 Campground: 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




Horse Campground map, Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Plumas National Forest

Map Posted at Horse Campground



map of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, CA


Horse Campground, Little Grass Valley Reservoir, Plumas National Forest

Horse Campground

Little Grass Valley Reservoir
Attractions and Activities

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 Campground and the surrounding area have many opportunities for recreation.

  • Enjoy boating, water skiing, and fishing on Little Grass Valley Reservoir.
  • Hike or horseback ride on the Pacific Crest Trail or the 13-mile Lakeshore Trail around the lake (mountain bikers can use the Lakeshore Trail).
  • Find wheel-chair accessible fishing ramp by the dam.
  • Take your pick between two swim beaches.
  • Enjoy campfire programs at several campgrounds.
  • Explore nearby historic gold mining towns.
  • Hike to the summit of Bald Mountain.

Key Horse Campground Regulations

  1. There is a limit of 1 wheeled camper and 2 tents per camp pad.
  2. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  3. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits.
  4. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.
  5. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.

    Check Plumas National Forest - Horse Camp for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.