Equestrian Campground

About

The Equestrian Campground at San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area provides a rustic camping experience tailored for horseback riders. Nestled beneath large oak trees near the Nuckahee Learning Center, the campground offers three accessible campsites equipped with fire rings, wood grills, and picnic tables. Corrals are available for horses, and drinking water is accessible via a paddle-style spigot near the corrals. An accessible restroom and garbage collection are on site. The gravel parking area accommodates 2-3 trucks with horse trailers, with enough space to turn around. A quarter-mile bypass trail connects directly to the main trailhead, providing access to over 20 miles of outstanding multi-use trails throughout the gorge. The area is managed by the BLM Bakersfield Field Office and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Visitors should be aware that cell service is typically nonexistent in the area. A permit is required for campfires, and all fires must be in designated fire rings. Practice Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles when recreating on these public lands.

Directions

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. The visitor center is at 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California.