2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Horse Flats Campground provides primitive camping facilities in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa. Located at 5,000 feet elevation, this campground offers 26 first-come, first-served sites that accommodate tent and RV camping. While the campground doesn't have dedicated horse corrals or stalls, it allows horses with proper containment equipment that campers bring themselves. The terrain surrounding Horse Flats features pine trees and boulder formations with multiple fire rings at campsites. Vault toilets are available, but campers must bring their own water for both themselves and their horses. Mosquito repellent is essential during summer months when insects are particularly active around the campground.
The Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed near Horse Flats, providing extensive horseback riding opportunities through the San Gabriel Mountains. Riders frequently use the campground as a basepoint for day rides or multi-day treks along connected trail networks. Mount Pacifico Campground, located deeper in Angeles National Forest, offers another primitive horse camping option with 360-degree mountain views accessible via a 7-mile ride north on the PCT from Mill Creek fire station. Horse owners should note that trailer parking may be limited during peak weekends, particularly from May through October. Pack in all necessary feed, water, and containment systems as no on-site equestrian facilities are provided. The campground remains closed during winter months due to seasonal conditions, typically reopening in late spring when Angeles National Forest roads become accessible.
"Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery. It is also quieter for this reason, which is nice."
"We usually only see rangers come around in the morning. With that said, we still like Horse Flats because there is usually a spot or two open if we arrive on a Saturday."
from $12 / night
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"great views 360 degrees once you're on top. a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. fire rings with multiple spots"
"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
"Rv sites, tent sites and equestrian (horse) sites. Paved road is good for bike riding. Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers."
"It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails and picnicking for day use too."
from $20 / night
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
Available next weekend
from $45 - $225 / night
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
"Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area."
"Casper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses. There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles."
from $20 - $25 / night
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
TravelerDespite the fact that one night costs $42, there are a lot of stupid, miserable people here who listen loudly to stupid music through their stupid speakers after 10pm. It's also full of cockroaches here and it's annoying.
TravelerI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
Horse Flats Campground sits at 5,000 feet elevation in the Angeles National Forest, providing cooler temperatures during summer when lower elevations reach 90-100°F. The campground's terrain features pine trees and boulder formations that attract rock climbers from across Southern California. Sites accommodate tents and RVs on a first-come, first-served basis for $12 per site.
Bouldering excursions: Horse Flats offers excellent climbing opportunities within walking distance. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes Kathleen L. about Horse Flats Campground.
Creek exploration: Hike from Bear Canyon Campground along seasonal streams with natural pools. "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek," suggests Shannon E. about Bear Canyon Campground.
Mountain biking: Trails throughout the area accommodate various skill levels. "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," says Berton M. describing the network around Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
Escape from urban areas: Despite being close to Los Angeles, campers appreciate the natural setting. "It's a great escape from the city, about an hour from DTLA. Popular with climbers as there's bouldering in the area," writes Kate O. about Horse Flats Campground.
Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer privacy between campsites. "The individual sites are large and spread out from each other, so it is easy to have some privacy," reports Les R. about Horse Flats Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animal populations. "Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away," warns Kim L. about Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
Mosquito preparation: Insect activity increases during warmer months. "Bring some bug spray if you're bugged by bugs. Other than that there was plenty of space for plenty of campers," advises Josh F. about Horse Flats.
No water available: Many horse campgrounds near Azusa require bringing your own water. "There is no running water at this campground," notes Les R. about Horse Flats Campground conditions.
Seasonal closures: Check access before traveling. "Know before you go - it's closed from November-ish to April-ish - so check the forest website before you head out there," cautions Kate O. about Mount Pacifico Campground.
Fire restrictions: Conditions often limit fire usage. "They do not allow any outside firewood. Buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want," shares James about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Activity options: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large and private. Will definitely come back," shares Johnny G. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs. "There is a cute playground for kids, a nature center where you can enjoy viewing through the telescope overlooking almost all of the 8,000 acres," notes SmallRVLifestyle about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Reading trails: Some parks offer unique educational features. "Great playground for children. Easy and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," explains Johnny G. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds provide electrical connections. "The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric. The water is off for the time being. The dump station is very close by and easy to access," explains Ronald about Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.
Limited RV access: Many horse campgrounds have restrictions. "Best for tents, tight for RVs," warns Rick L. about Malibu Creek State Park Campground.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for uneven terrain. "A lot of spaces are unleveled but it's not a deal breaker for me," notes Troy A. about camping conditions at Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Azusa, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Azusa, CA is Horse Flats Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Azusa, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Azusa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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