Sometimes the mountains are calling, and you must go! Fortunately, we have many mountain destinations to choose from in state and just over the border. Loon Lake sits at about 6,400 feet, tucked in the California mountains west of Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness. Known for its pristine waters, the lake is surrounded by spectacular granite peaks and forests of lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, and big cedar trees. Along its south shore, you’ll find the Loon Lake Horse Camp. This newly renovated campground has become a popular destination for equestrians looking for some High Sierra fun.
Campground
The Loon Lake Campground underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2025, and it shows! The horse camp features eight individual sites. Each has two connected 12×12 horse pens, made of sturdy steel. The sites also include picnic tables, bear boxes, charcoal grills, fire pits, and flat areas for tents.
There is no water at the campsites, but several communal water spigots are located throughout the campground. You cannot attach a hose to the spigots, so be prepared to haul water to your site with buckets. In the middle of the horse camp are two vault toilets. There is also a dumpster there, and that is where you need to put manure. The campground even provides a bucket and manure fork at the dumpster in case you forget to bring one. Just remember to put it back when you are done.
The Loon Lake horse camp is open from June to September each year. Some sites are reservable and some are not. That seems to change by week by site, so you’ll need to check the Loon Lake reservation site calendar to know for sure. There are also a few weeks in September where ALL sites are first come, first serve. The sites also vary in size, which is very important depending on what size rig you plan to bring.
As of 2026 when the renovated campground reopened, the map on the reservation site is incorrect. It does not show the site numbers in the correct places, so we made our own map!
Site #71: Large double wide pull through
Site #72: Large double wide back in
Site #73: Small pull through
Site #74: Small pull through
Site #75: Small pull through
Site #76: Small pull through
Site #77: Large double wide back in
Site #78: Large double wide pull through
With the exception of site #78, all of the sites have their own connectors to the main trail which runs around the outside of the horse camp. If you choose a first come, first serve site, you pay at the entrance where the camp host is located. Sites are $36.00 per night (if you book online through the reservation site, they charge an additional $8 fee). Sites #71 & #72 are adjacent to one of the non-equestrian campground loops, which can be busy and noisy.
There is also an equestrian group area in a different section of the Loon Lake Recreation Area. The group site can accommodate up to 25 people and 8 vehicles. It has four different sites, each with corrals, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes. The group site is $135.00. One thing that is very nice about the Loon Lake Campground is that sites designated for equestrians are only for equestrians. You must have a horse to occupy a site, or you will be asked to leave.
Trails
You can ride right out of camp with two trail options. One way goes to the lake and the other heads into the mountains.
Heading north, the lake trail is singletrack and follows the lake shore, though there is only one access point directly to the water early on. The trail gradually climbs through the trees until you are riding high above the lake in the granite peaks. The views are stellar – all the granite gives off little Yosemite vibes. The trail itself is technical, with lots of steps and a few steep drop-offs. About 3.5 miles in is Pleasant Campground, a primitive hike in/boat in campground. The trail then turns east, leading to more lakes and the Desolation Wilderness boundary, about seven miles out from the campground. This is an out-and-back ride; no loop option here.
Riding south from the campground, the trail heads into the mountains. It alternates between winding through dense forests and across open granite slopes. The singletrack trail is technical with lots of step-ups and step-downs, exposed roots, granite boulders, and a few steep drop-offs. With so much foliage, this trail can get pretty overgrown in some places. There are several small water crossings. The forest here is quite lovely, with lots of ferns and moss-covered trees. (PNW vibes!) This trail eventually connects to the Van Vleck Bunkhouse, Tells Creek Equestrian Camp, and more trails.
You’ll need hoof boots or shoes on either trail. It’s very rocky, and be especially careful on the slick granite. Keep an eye out for black bears, mule deer, marmots, and other High Sierra critters. There are a couple of directional signs near the campground, but virtually no signage on the trail, so make sure you have maps downloaded since there is no cell service.
Getting Here
Note: Ice House Road is a steep, windy two-lane road with a max 7% grade. Use caution when towing any trailer, but LQs and/or goosenecks should use extra caution as a couple of the turns are hairpins.
