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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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!"
What you should know
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.
