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From Nevada City, travel east on Highway 20 for 14 miles. Turn right into Skillman and then left at the first road. Continue to the campground.
I only park in the dirt turn-out near the entrance to the horse campground as it is a convenient area to stage for dirt bike rides. And I've only been talked to once by an equestrian who went out of her way inform me of their activities and how I could avoid them. Like I care. I've also been give really dirty looks and heard murmurs by spandex clad mountain bikers who thought I was going get on their pioneer trail. But there are two OHV trails directly accessible from the turn-out. One is directly across hwy 20 from the entrance to the road that goes to the horse camp. And the other is just a ways up the main dirt road, past the pioneer trail, you can get on trail 66 (towle loop).
Skillman Horse Camp is one of the nicest horse camps in northern California with pines and dogwoods, plenty of corrals, beautiful trails, and close enough to Nevada City to get supplies or even have a nice dinner out. There are new trail maps at the Gold Country Trails Council's website - they are the equestrian group that cares for this camp. Even if you don't have a reservation, there are three drive-in open sites they don't reserve unless there is one of the three large events (Wild West Endurance Ride, GCTC Poker Ride, CSHA Region 3 Trail Trials) that take over the whole camp. I stay here at least once a year and always have a wonderful time.
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.
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!!
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.
