Within San Bernardino National Forest, Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides horse-friendly camping at $30 per night with water hookups and standard amenities. The US Forest Service manages this forested site with drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables available for campers. Drive-in and walk-in access accommodates various camping styles, though RVs face length restrictions.
One reviewer noted the area's extensive trail system and emphasized bringing extra blankets for cold nighttime temperatures. The campground allows pets and campfires, with cell service typically available. Pinyon Flat Campground sits just over half a mile north for additional forest camping options. Reservations help secure spots during peak seasons.
Description
Overview
Ribbonwood is an ideal mountain escape for equestrian campers. The campground overlooks Palm Desert and the Salton Sea in southern California and provides visitors with access to hundreds of miles of terrain for exploration and enjoyment. The San Bernardino National Forest is submitting a proposal to increase fees at various sites across the Forest and is seeking public input. Please visit the https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf for more information and to submit comments regarding this proposal.
Recreation
Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities. The 5.3-mile Sawmill Trail begins within the campground and traverses an old road with 2,220 feet of elevation gain. It also intersects with the Cactus Spring Trail near the campground's parking area. Bountiful botanical species exist along the trail, providing scenic views for travelers.
Facilities
The campground offers less than a dozen large, single-family campsites for both tent or RV camping. Each is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided, and campsites each have access to two horse corrals and hitching racks.
Natural Features
The campground is located approximately 16 miles southeast of Palm Desert, California, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. It is nestled in a chaparral brush, high desert environment of cactus, pinyon pine and yucca plants. Roads and spurs are gravel.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRibbonwood Equestrian Campground is located in California near Indian Wells
Directions
From Palm Desert, California, take the Palms to Pines Highway/Highway 74 south for approximately 16 miles to the community of Pinyon. Turn left onto South Pinyon Drive and the entrance to the campground is on the right.
Address
54270 PINECREST AVE PO BOX 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Coordinates
33.5761111 N
116.4547222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/7/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/7/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/7/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 54 min from Yuma, AZ
