W
Wangtao L.
Traveler
TravelerAnthony Chabot Regional Park
Great site! We have camped here more than any other sites in the Bay Area. Clean bathroom
Equestrian Camping near Bolinas, CA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Limited equestrian camping options exist near Bolinas, California, with no campgrounds specifically designed for horses within the immediate vicinity. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers primitive camping accommodations accessible to equestrians via multiple trails including a drive-in option. The park maintains hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout its wilderness area, though horse corrals are not provided on site. Tilden Regional Park also permits horses on select trails, but without dedicated equestrian camping facilities or corrals. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or highlines when camping at these locations.
Equestrians seeking more developed horse camping facilities need to travel further from the Bolinas area. Point Reyes National Seashore allows horseback riding on designated trails but prohibits horses at both Wildcat Campground and Coast Camp. The extensive trail network throughout the region provides day-riding opportunities without overnight horse accommodation options. Riders planning multi-day trips should consider trailering horses in daily from nearby private stables. Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during peak seasons. Water access for horses remains limited at all camping locations, necessitating riders to pack in their own water supplies for their animals.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Bolinas (11)
1. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
"in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach and a 3.2 kilometer (2.0 miles) round-trip walk to [Alamere Falls](https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/alamere_falls.htm"
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
2. Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $90 / night
3. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
"This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
"There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!"
10 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 / night
4. Skyline Wilderness Park
"This location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome."
"We only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants"
5. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails."
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $200 / night
6. Tilden Regional Park
"Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."
"Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $120 / night
7. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
"We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."
"Good access to wineries close by. Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."
17 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $43 / night
8. Spring Lake Regional Park
"It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."
"Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
9. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
"The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
10. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
"campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 / night
Drive Time
- 49 min from San Francisco, CA
- 1 hr 5 min from Vallejo, CA
- 1 hr 12 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 1 hr 16 min from Napa, CA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bolinas, CA
182 Reviews of 11 Bolinas Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendLas Trampas Regional Wilderness
Come for the Solitude & Stay for Those Ridgeline Views
Las Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
- JJack D.
GuideSkyline Wilderness Park
Napa, California
We have stayed here a few times. I have a sister that lives here and this place is only about 3 miles from us! $80 for a back in space.
- Lauren S.Guide
Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Great location, tight spots
The location is great since you’re close to st Helena and Calistoga. The road is narrow and the spots are tricky to back into. It was our first time with out 20ft trailer and we struggled a bit, took us three tries we kept having to drive around the loop of the campground. Lots of poison oak. Dog friendly on the paved road/path. We didn’t use the pool, but it’s open 1-5pm and it’s spring fed. Lots of kids, definitely kid friendly since it’s so small!
- JJohn N.Traveler
Skyline Wilderness Park
Spring in Napa
Not much camping in the but Skyline fit the bill. Typically RV style campsites but showers were good, and the grounds were beautiful. Good hiking trails as well.
Kit K.TravelerSkyline Wilderness Park
Off season is on
They call this the off season, but only if your reason for coming is wine industry happenings. Beautiful weather, lots of space, lush green fields. The hiking here is unreal, the native plant garden is a lovely escape, and the facilities are clean and well tended. This one's a keeper.
Libre J.GuideSpring Lake Regional Park
Stayed a few times
Great spot to camp and explore the Santa Rosa area. No hook ups but there is a spot to fill fresh water tank and a dump station. Sites are well spaced and very clean. Will get weekend locals so you will likely hear people having fun :) My go to in the area.
Gabe Z.TravelerBodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
Better in person
I stayed overnight in the winter so it was pretty empty. The sites are all separate and not too close to one another like they look in photos. The hosts were very nice and it was very quiet when I was there. It's close enough to where you could walk into town but I drove because it was raining. I will definitely be camping here again.
- MMicah C.Traveler
Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
Great sites
Love this campground. So many sites that feel snug and cozy, embedded in nature and not too close to neighbors.
The bathroom on one of the loops is in repair; but in the loop by camp sites 90s it’s working well.
Guide to Bolinas
Equestrian camping options near Bolinas, California cover three primary wilderness areas. The terrain varies from coastal bluffs to forested inland areas, with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet across the region. Winter brings increased rainfall making some horse trails muddy and difficult to navigate from November through February.
What to do
Beach trail riding: Point Reyes National Seashore offers designated horseback riding trails along the coastline. "Miles and miles of hiking trails, unique ecosystem you won't find anywhere else along the coast (or in the world!)" notes one rider at Coast Campground.
Mountain exploration: Take horses through the volcanic terrain at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve where "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard." The preserve connects to the 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail system.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Ride before 9am for optimal wildlife spotting. "We saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away," reports a camper at Skyline Wilderness Park, noting the abundance of native wildlife in early hours.
What campers like
Proximity to coastal scenery: Wildcat Campground provides short trail access to oceanfront settings. "The six mile hike to reach the campground is stunning. The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views."
Sheltered campsites: Bodega Dunes Campground offers protection from coastal winds. "Weather was as to be expected for near the coast, but sheltered enough from the wind. Sites were large, water fill stations and bathrooms (with showers) were easily accessible."
Natural diversity: Equestrian trails at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness showcase ecological variety. "Pass the cows grazing in the meadows to climb clear to the top for a most spectacular view of Eastbay and nearby Mt. Diablo," notes a rider describing the varied environments available on a single trail ride.
What you should know
Limited water access: Horse water stations are scarce across the region. "Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks," warns a camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park, highlighting the need to pack water for animals.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites require advance booking. "Wildcat is the jam. On the beach. A nice mid length hike. Privacy. The only catch is everybody likes its, so book early," advises an experienced camper.
Seasonal considerations: Spring offers optimal conditions for horse camping. "I'd maybe try coming in spring (May) as the wildflowers in the area are amazing!!" suggests a Wildcat Camp visitor, noting the improved trail conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sheltered sites: Coastal winds can make camping uncomfortable for children. "Expect cold and damp at night," warns a camper at Coast Camp, suggesting inland sites for better protection.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Skyline Wilderness Park offers excellent animal sightings for kids. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports a visitor, making it ideal for young nature enthusiasts.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Coastal areas experience significant day-night temperature swings. "At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," notes a Coast Camp visitor describing February conditions.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup locations: Only select campgrounds accommodate RVs with horses. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," reports a visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park.
Arrive early at equestrian sites: Horse-friendly camping areas fill quickly. "During the day you'll have lots of people walk semi/sorta by the campground," notes a Sibley Preserve camper, highlighting the importance of securing spots early.
Vehicle restrictions: Most horse trails limit vehicle access. "We went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc." explains an Anthony Chabot visitor, describing the separate parking areas for horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Bolinas, CA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bolinas, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bolinas, CA is Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Bolinas, CA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bolinas, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Bolinas, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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