Horse Flats Campground provides tent and RV camping for equestrians in the Angeles National Forest, approximately 90 minutes from Adelanto. The campground features primitive sites with picnic tables and fire rings but lacks drinking water and modern amenities. Reviews indicate the individual sites are large and well-spaced, offering privacy despite the absence of hookups or horse-specific facilities. The campground area offers a more secluded experience compared to other nearby options, making it suitable for those seeking a quieter retreat with their horses.
Trail access directly from Horse Flats connects riders to several backcountry paths throughout the Angeles National Forest. The campground remains open year-round, though weather conditions can significantly impact accessibility and comfort during winter months. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even when days are warm, as evidenced by campers experiencing 54-degree nighttime temperatures during October despite 79-degree daytime highs. The rough terrain and limited facilities make this location better suited for experienced horse campers prepared for self-sufficient backcountry camping. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies including food, water and firewood, as no supplies are available near the campground.
"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
from $3 - $40 / night
"There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."
"We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot."
"Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night. Has everything you'll need. Bathrooms are close by, showers HOT water available."
"The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. It is away from the populated cities, but not far from them. It still gives you a sense of seclusion."
from $3 - $40 / night
"Nice views of the lake but it's fenced off and access to the lake and park close in the evening. There is a small older bathroom there a flush toilet and a shower"
"Tents RVs fishing showers water electric hookups and reasonable ducks beautiful lake! Buttt..you can only stay 5 days. 😔"
from $35 - $40 / night
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
"You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping"
Available this weekend
from $15 - $119 / night
from $45 - $55 / night
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable."
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
from $40 - $55 / night
TravelerWhen I booked at the reservation site I screenshot that water and 30 amp power was available at my site. There is NO water hook up. Overall it’s good 7 out of 10. Lots to do within 2 hours of this place. Staying for 6 days.
TravelerSo relaxing, quiet, beautiful night sky’s, owners are super nice! Will be coming back!
TravelerPeople shooting here all waking hours, found a group of kittens that some loser left to die.
Definitely a shooting-first, camping second place. Plenty of space once people are done shooting. Won’t personally be back here
GuideLarge, level, gravel lots off highway. Quite a few semis parked. As you continue past there are tons of open spaces to camp, just find a spot you like and set up.
LegendThe Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
ScoutSome nights very windy, but it’s extremely beautiful out here. It’s a great time.
GuideThis is a big area right off the 15 with plenty of space to have a good time. We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot. We woke up on a Saturday morning to people shooting around 7am. It seems like the classic dispersed spot with scattered trash and broken glass from shooting practice, but with the spring flowers it was very beautiful and really quiet at night :) it worked great for what we needed, a spot to break up our long drive.
GuidePrice is $45 t $55, per day. They also charge you $15 per fishing and also required, CA and SB fishing licence. They also charge you $15, per visitor parking, and ask you for , vehicle registration and insurance, amazing???. Why?. Bathroom , is very bad shape, inside streets in bad shape.
RangerUsually come week after Thanksgiving when 25% occupied. They provide gate / bathroom / laundry codes for late arrivals. Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable. Lakeside showers require tokens... inquire at check-in. Limited shower seating to change clothes both sides. Easy drives to downtown area to see Mission Inn Christmas lights and walk around lake at city park. Cabins on-site look good and had some holiday lights. Store on-site has basics for camping and fishing. Overall a good place at this time of year.
Horse Flats Campground is situated at 5,000 feet elevation in Angeles National Forest, approximately 90 minutes from Adelanto. The campground's unique location within the San Gabriel Mountains creates distinct temperature patterns, with summer daytime highs rarely exceeding 80°F and nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly year-round. Campers will find 25 primitive sites arranged in several loops across the pine-forested terrain.
Bouldering routes available: Horse Flats offers multiple climbing opportunities within walking distance of the campground. "There is bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes Kathleen L. about Horse Flats Campground.
Fishing in nearby lakes: Drive 15 minutes from the campground to enjoy fishing at stocked lakes. "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area," explains Megan S. about Mojave Narrows Regional Park.
Hot springs access: For those willing to travel a bit further, Deep Creek area offers unique geothermal features. "The hike to the hot springs is pretty rough but also worth it when you get there," according to For Y. who visited Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground.
Secluded forest camping: The area campgrounds provide a sense of isolation despite being relatively close to urban areas. "This camp sits right over a small meadow that borders the San Gorgonio wilderness. It sits higher above the highway and displaces sound nicely," notes Nick L. about Heart Bar Campground.
Desert oasis environments: Several campgrounds offer unique desert-meets-water environments. "As a result, a small forest of Cottonwood trees abounds, which are the only native tree to this area. The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area," shares Megan S. about Mojave Narrows Regional Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The varied ecosystems support diverse animal sightings. "This spot is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring," explains Nick L. when describing Heart Bar Campground.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for significant day-night temperature swings even during warmer months. "We were surprised to find the campground sites mostly claimed. Probably 75% full by Saturday afternoon. Again, this experience might be an anomaly due to the warmer weather," reports Les R. about camping at Horse Flats in October.
Road conditions vary: Some horse campgrounds near Adelanto require travel on unpaved roads. "Dirt roads were well kept. I came with a 170 wheel base Sprinter Van w/ 2 wheel drive and had no problems making it to site post #11," explains Derek M. about Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites.
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds in the area offer minimal services. "Rustic is the way to go... Cons: Lots of flies. Toilets were unbearable with the amount of flies," warns Justin B. about Horse Flats Campground.
Water recreation options: Some parks offer water features for children. "The little zero gravity water park is nice if you have children," mentions Michelle K. about Mojave Narrows Regional Park.
Insect protection: The area has seasonal insect issues to prepare for. "Bring lots of mosquito repellent. You will need it," advises Luissimo M. about Horse Flats Campground.
Playground access: For families needing structured recreation, look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites," notes Lee D. when describing Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Site spacing considerations: While many horse campgrounds near Adelanto can accommodate RVs, site layouts vary significantly. "The campsites are pretty well spaced out which is nice for a little more privacy and there is a decent amount of trees throughout the campground," notes Christopher D. about Heart Bar Campground.
Water and hookup limitations: Most equestrian-friendly sites have restricted services. "Water and electric only on camp sites. No dump site there. There's nice shade on probably half the sites, the other ones have little or none," explains James C. about Hesperia Lake Park and Campground.
Weather preparation: RV campers should prepare for temperature extremes. "Very cold at night! Horseback riding on weekends and some other day users," warns Will about Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Adelanto, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Adelanto, CA is Mojave Narrows Regional Park with a 3.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Adelanto, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Adelanto, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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