About Equestrian Campground
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.
How to Get 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Equestrian Campground
Heading to Equestrian Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Equestrian Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Equestrian Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/14808) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Is Equestrian Campground accessible?
Yes, the campsites and restrooms are accessible
How do I get to Equestrian Campground?
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 Au…
How do I contact Equestrian Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 661-391-6000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
