Skillman Campground is ahidden gem nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Nevada City, CA. Known for its diverse trails and serene environment, it offers an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, biking, or exploring on horseback, Skillman Campground provides 20 miles of single-track trails that loop easily through beautiful scenery.
Conveniently located right off the freeway, Skillman Campground offers quick access while maintaining a peaceful setting away from urban noise. While there is no potable water available for drinking, the campground features water troughs for horses and clean, well-maintained pit toilets that exceed expectations.
Campers appreciate the quiet nights away from traffic noise and the opportunity to connect with nature. Many visitors return year after year, making Skillman Campground a favorite choice for peaceful outdoor adventures.
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Good for kids
On-site parking
if you’re looking for a place with great single track for hiking biking motorcycles horseback riding this is the place for it. You can loop around easily to 20 miles without repeating the trail. Beautiful shade, beautiful trees lots of butterflies birds. Even a bear was nice to see.
We loved it here. It was right off the freeway which was super convenient, but it also meant that every once in a while a loud truck would drive by. The nights didn't have many people driving through though. There was no potable or drinking water available, but there was water troughs for horses. Bathrooms were pit toilets and at first, we expected them to be terrible and gross, but they were actually super clean and well maintained. It was a gorgeous campground, no people, very peaceful. We loved it and will keep it in mind for future trips.
Pretty decent campground for horse camping. Weird setup for disposing of horse manure, bagged in trash bags and put in dumpsters. Pit toilets, could use some cleaning for sure. Best part is the trail system here. Pioneer and hallelujah trail right out of camp. Beautiful forested trails some shaded some sunny. Came in late June and camp was mostly empty. Many non horse campers here.
Beautiful Horse Campground!! The camp sites are good size and most have corrals for the horses. The trails are beautiful, but you have to watch out for bicycles and dirt bikes, which is pretty scary running into someone on a dirt bike flying down the road in front of you. Make sure to stay on the trails marked for horses and bicycles, stay clear of the trails that allow dirt bikes!!
We had a great time horse camping at Skillman. Up in the tall trees, great trails going both directions out of camp. A little road noise, great corrals at each campsite. Would definitely recommend this camp. Check local activities schedule for area before you book. Bicycle races use same trail with horses, make sure one of these races are not scheduled while you are there.