2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cowboy Camp, a dispersed camping area near Calistoga, accommodates both tent and RV camping with access to equestrian trails. Located in California's wine country region, this horse-friendly site offers primitive camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and trash collection. The area provides room for horse trailers with no size restrictions for big rigs. Though lacking horse corrals, riders can use highlines or portable pens. Poison oak grows throughout much of the natural terrain, requiring vigilance when setting up camp or tying horses.
Trail access from Cowboy Camp connects directly to several riding routes through the scenic rolling hills of Napa Valley. Situated approximately 45 miles northeast of Calistoga proper, equestrians should plan accordingly for travel time and supplies. No drinking water is available on site, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. Fires are permitted when seasonal restrictions aren't in place, though firewood is not provided. The unpaved access road can become difficult during wet weather, potentially limiting trailer access. Most campers experience quiet weekdays with increased weekend usage during peak riding seasons. Reservations are not accepted, making this horse campground near Calistoga best for self-sufficient riders who prefer a first-come, first-served setup with direct trail access and no site size limits for large rigs.
"Not super cheap cuz you are in California but way more affordable than any hotel and 5 minutes from Calistoga, thru vineyard lined lanes. Lots of hikes for a hike level."
"As many have mentioned, it’s also a Poison Oak farm, but if you keep to the trails and roads it’s fine. Many sites are not level. Road is narrow."
Available this weekend
from $43 / night
"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."
from $35 / night
"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"
"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!!"
Available this weekend
from $45 / night
"If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."
"The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
"Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $90 / night
from $40 / night
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThe 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!
TravelerNot 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.
TravelerThey 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.
GuideGreat 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.
TravelerI 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.
TravelerLove 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.
Cowboy Camp offers primitive dispersed camping 45 miles northeast of Calistoga in California's wine country region. The terrain consists primarily of open grassland with minimal shade and a seasonal creek running alongside the camping area. Campers need to be self-sufficient as the site provides only basic facilities including vault toilets and trash collection.
Horseback riding trails: From Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, riders can access scenic trails through the valleys. "There are nice hiking trails in the park though they are closed currently (Dec 2020) due to the fire in the area. There was no damage to the campground even though the fire burned into the grounds," notes Robert S.
Beach exploration: At Bodega Dunes Campground, campers can walk along expansive shorelines. "Reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself. The water, which is normally pretty cold year round, can also be pretty rough for swimming," explains Shari G.
Vineyard visits: The region near equestrian camping sites offers opportunities to tour local wineries. "It's so nice to be in the Napa Valley. If you're a wine drinker, during non-COVID times you can catch a wine bus from here!" Peter M. writes about staying at Bothe-Napa Valley.
Proximity to wine country: Skyline Wilderness Park provides convenient access to vineyards. "Short drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive," reports Lori H. This location serves as an economical base for equestrian camping near Calistoga.
Privacy between sites: Several camps offer separated camping spots. "Sites were nicely bushed in so as to have a bit of privacy. The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it!" Kelly M. remarks about Liberty Glen Campground.
Wildlife sightings: The natural surroundings support diverse animal populations. "I was awoken (as is the norm in NorCal) to gobbling turkeys at dawn," Jeanna J. mentions about her stay at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. At Skyline Wilderness, Adam B. notes "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!"
Seasonal closures: Check availability before planning horse camping trips. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp.
Insect management: Coast Campground and other sites experience minimal bug issues when properly managed. "Hardly any bugs and thankfully wasn't windy when we went. The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around," shares Char A.
Weather fluctuations: Coastal and valley locations experience significant temperature variations. "During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," notes Char A. about Coast Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Calistoga, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Calistoga, CA is Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Calistoga, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Calistoga, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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