Best Equestrian Camping near Bear Valley Springs, CA

Borax Bill Substation offers dispersed camping for equestrians in a desert setting near California City. The campground provides ample space for horse trailers with no size restrictions, allowing riders to set up camp virtually anywhere in the valley. Facilities include drinking water available for $10, which also grants access to the dump station. The camping area features picnic tables and fire rings at some sites, with fires permitted throughout the area. The wind typically picks up in the evenings, requiring proper securing of equipment and consideration for horse containment. Most camping spots can accommodate both tents and RVs, with enough room for horses to be kept nearby.

Located approximately an hour from Bear Valley Springs, the desert terrain provides open riding opportunities with no designated trails. The area is popular with off-road enthusiasts, creating a mixed-use environment where horses and motorized vehicles share the landscape. Walker Pass Campground offers an alternative with access to the Pacific Crest Trail for dedicated equestrian trail riding. The campground features pit toilets and is situated among Joshua trees, pines, and chaparral with mountain views. Both locations are accessible without four-wheel drive, though some roads may require slow driving due to rough conditions. Water availability is limited, so riders should bring sufficient water for their horses, especially during warmer months when temperatures can rise significantly.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Bear Valley Springs, California (7)

    1. Keysville South Recreation Site

    5 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "The hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place!"

    "Beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River."

    2. Halfmoon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Frazier Park, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 245-3731

    "Coming from Frazier, CA I was able to access the camp site with a 2012 Chevy Equinox LS FWD (By no means an off-roading vehicle) and return back home with no issues."

    "Beautiful drive down grade valley to get to this awesome site. We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs."

    3. Borax Bill Substation

    3 Reviews
    California City, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 349-0102

    "It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks. "

    4. Walker Pass Campground

    3 Reviews
    Onyx, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north."

    "Right off the highway either beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers…lots if tent space."

    5. Frog Meadow Campground

    2 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    48 miles
    +1 (559) 539-2607

    "Nice long drive to a beautiful destination"

    6. QuailValley

    1 Review
    California Hot Springs, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 548-6299

    $25 - $45 / night

    "There are trails to hike. FYI, there is no cell reception and no provided wifi. Personally I think that’s a good thing 😬."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bear Valley Springs, CA

16 Reviews of 7 Bear Valley Springs Campgrounds


  • B
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Borax Bill Substation

    Out in the middle of no where....

    My family would camp here once a year for 4-5 days.  It is dispersed camping, so there are no hookups or designated sites.  It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks.  We would usually go toward the end of the year when it is not so hot (Oct-Dec) and have had a variety of weather over the years.  From beautiful skies, to wind, rain and snow.  The wind always picked up in the evening, so don't forget to roll up your awning.  Our rig is a 30' bunkhouse trailer being pulled by a full size 4x4 truck.  Although you don't need 4x4 and probably any car can make it out there.  You just might have to drive slow as some of the road are pretty tore up.  The camping is all over the valley and I can't see ever showing up and not being able to find a good spot (for what it is).  There will be dust and some dirt bikes, trucks and OHV's rolling around.  You will probably hear some of them long into the night.  But I think there are areas you can go to get away from a lot of it and enjoy the stars and solitude of the desert.  As you drive in you pass a ranger station.  $10 gets you water to fill up your tanks and a pass to use their dump station.

  • Erin M.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Keysville South Recreation Site

    Single track Ahoy!

    The hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place! Some of the best free riding in California! Highly recommend keyesville to everyone! Town is just a few miles away if you should need anything.

  • J
    Dec. 6, 2021

    Halfmoon Campground

    Beautiful Remote Campsite

    Spare of the moment trip idea lead me to finding this campsite. Coming from Frazier, CA I was able to access the camp site with a 2012 Chevy Equinox LS FWD (By no means an off-roading vehicle) and return back home with no issues. The drive down into the little valley is spectacular. There are few cool rock faces on the drive into camp which I had a great time doing some bouldering. The campground was shared by one other vehicle and it was fantastic. The site was pretty clean! Only found and picked up the usual (glass, caps, twist ties, styrofoam, toilet paper, etc.) There are a lot of trails near by and the scenery is pretty incredible.

  • Antonio  C.
    Oct. 2, 2019

    Halfmoon Campground

    Nice and lonesome

    Beautiful drive down grade valley to get to this awesome site. We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs. We were the only ones there and the scenery was pleasing. There is access to some nice hiking trails of Los Padres National Forest. There was some water still available in the nearby creek.

  • j
    Aug. 15, 2023

    Keysville South Recreation Site

    BE CAREFUL

    We were robbed from this location while out hiking and rafting for the day. Lost thousands of dollars in gear, clothes and personal items. Literally everything was gone, they plucked up the whole tent and took it all, nothing left but some tent stakes once we returned. The location is convenient to town and it is nice next to the river BUT BEWARE and don’t leave ANYTHING. We have a feeling it’s people who know the area and do quick grab and goes, not other campers.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2021

    Walker Pass Campground

    Small and Quiet

    Along Hwy 178 towards Ridgecrest you'll find this campground that is small but quiet and clean. It is not for big rigs or RVs. 

    There are 2 sites with fire pits and covered picnic tables that could fit a large van at most. There is one other spot that is level but has no fire pit or covered table. Further back are several scattered picnic tables and tent spots. There are also 2 unisex ADA accessible pit toilet bathrooms which were quite filthy.

    This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north. It is close to the highway so there is some road noise and people stopping to use the bathroom. The road in is paved and narrow and potholed but passable.

    There was no cell service with AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.

    There is a donation based drop box for camping fee so pay what you want or what you can afford.

    Fires and charcoal grills are not allowed per sign at info board, camp stoves are ok.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2022

    Keysville South Recreation Site

    Beautiful spot right on the Kern River

    Beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River. A larger group site on one side and dispersed sites on the other. Great, reliable Verizon service. Road access is rough in some places, but passable in our low-clearance rig. Days are typically windy so tenters beware. Some of the sites on the dispersed side could use some TLC, but for the price you can't complain. Seems like a great fishing spot, and there do appear to be hiking trails in the area. Glad we made the trip out, if we pass it again we will definitely stay again!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2025

    Walker Pass Campground

    Limited space but awesome view

    Right off the highway either beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers…lots if tent space.


Guide to Bear Valley Springs

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • The Keysville South Recreation Site provides drinking water and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • At Walker Pass Campground, you'll find a peaceful environment with basic amenities, perfect for a quiet getaway with your horse.
  • Frog Meadow Campground offers a scenic drive to a beautiful destination, ideal for those looking to enjoy nature with their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Halfmoon Campground allows pets, making it a welcoming spot for horse owners who want to bring their animals along.
  • QuailValley features electric hookups and water facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • At Borax Bill Substation, you can enjoy a range of amenities including firewood and trash disposal, making it easier to focus on your equestrian adventures.

Tips for equestrian camping near Bear Valley Springs, California

  • When visiting the Keysville South Recreation Site, be cautious about leaving valuables unattended, as some campers have reported thefts.
  • The Frog Meadow Campground is not the easiest to access, so consider a vehicle with good clearance for a smoother ride.
  • Always check trail conditions and local regulations before heading out, especially at Walker Pass Campground, where the scenery can be stunning but the roads may be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bear Valley Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bear Valley Springs, CA is Keysville South Recreation Site with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bear Valley Springs, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Bear Valley Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.