28 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
McCall Equestrian Park in Idyllwild accommodates tent and RV campers in sites that support horse use. The campground provides clean showers and toilet facilities while maintaining a quiet atmosphere suitable for families. Sites offer picnic tables and fire rings, though they lack privacy between camping areas. Multiple trails are accessible directly from the campground for wandering and riding. The nights are quiet except for wildlife sounds, and cellular service through Verizon is reliable throughout the property. Reservations are required and alcohol is prohibited within the campground.
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground near Cathedral City includes drinking water and water hookups for RV campers traveling with horses. Located between the mountains near Idyllwild, the campground features picnic tables, toilet facilities, and trash collection services. Reservations are required for the established sites. The area offers cool hike trails that provide beautiful nighttime views, though evenings can be extremely cold, requiring additional blankets for comfort. The campground's higher elevation helps maintain moderate temperatures even during warmer seasons. Trail access provides riding opportunities throughout the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest with varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels.
"Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."
"Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.
"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."
"Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."
"Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"
from $30 - $280 / night
Check Availability"Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
"Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.
ScoutI was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.
RangerThis is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.
ScoutI only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
GuideStayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.
GuideWhile technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.
PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.
CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.
Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.
After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.
LegendThis campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning. It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.
You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground. You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley. There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.
We are tent campers. There are good tent sites as well RV sites. A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise. Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.
Be prepared. We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.
Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.
You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
The San Bernardino National Forest offers equestrian camping near Cathedral City, California at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 feet. This area provides significant temperature differences between mountain and desert locations, often 15-20 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Winter nights at higher elevation campgrounds regularly drop below freezing, requiring additional cold-weather gear.
Mountain biking access: Heart Bar Campground provides direct access to the Alpine bike path. "Great campground 25 minutes from town. Accommodates travel trailers/rv well, water spigots around. Lots of trees, shade & blue jays. Alpine bike path!" writes Ricky S.
Wildlife viewing: Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. "Quails running around everywhere, cool little spot at JTree, a little different than Jumbo and the other climber sites," notes Michael K. The campground's location provides unique wildlife viewing compared to other Joshua Tree locations.
Trail riding options: Black Rock Equestrian Campground offers extensive riding trails with variable difficulty levels. "Trails are amazing. There is even an overland trail from here to the south end of Joshua Tree NP which is around 35 miles long," explains Judith W. This extensive trail system accommodates different rider experience levels.
Night sky viewing: Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The scenery and starry night sky are breathtaking," reports Kathleen D. The campground's 4,300-foot elevation and distance from city lights creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Temperature management: South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offer cooler summer camping options. "Elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)," notes Tony B. These free sites provide temperature relief compared to lower desert locations during summer months.
Site separation: Heart Bar Campground features more spacious sites than typical campgrounds in the region. "When I go camping, I like getting away from people, and Heart Bar is one of the campgrounds with bigger sites so we can do that easier," states Amy B. The campground's layout creates better privacy between neighboring campsites.
No-alcohol policies: McCall Equestrian Park prohibits alcohol consumption within the campground boundaries. This restriction is strictly enforced for all visitors regardless of camping duration or group size.
Water availability limitations: Most high-elevation sites lack reliable water sources. "No water is available near the main road so bring containers if you go further up the road," warns Tom P. about Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites. Pack in all drinking water needs plus additional emergency supplies.
Cell service variability: Cell coverage is inconsistent throughout the mountain camping areas. "AT&T - Good. 2-4 bars. Verizon - Good. 2-4 bars," reports Will about coverage at Coon Creek. Check with recent visitors about current service conditions for your specific carrier.
Playgrounds and activities: Lake Perris State Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities. "Lake Perris was a fun and clean place to camp at! We did some fishing, bike riding, the water was clear, and my kids loved it. There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," shares Lauren R.
Temperature planning: Nighttime temperatures drop significantly in mountain locations. "We visited in January, and should have been better prepared! I know better, but we didn't check the conditions well enough, and froze our butts the first night!" warns Justin L. Pack extra layers and sleeping gear rated at least 15 degrees below forecasted lows.
Kid-friendly activities: Bring biking options for children at appropriate campgrounds. "The kids liked biking the loop," mentions Kathleen D. about Ryan Campground. Select campgrounds with dedicated biking areas away from main vehicle routes for safer recreation.
Access challenges: Many equestrian campgrounds have unpaved access roads requiring careful driving. "Road in is paved initially then dirt but is fine," explains Amanda L. about Coon Creek. Larger rigs should consider Lake Cahuilla where "wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake" are available according to Patrick M.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are limited in most mountain campgrounds. "Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site," notes Kellie about Lake Cahuilla. Plan accordingly for limited stays or identify dump stations along your route.
Site leveling needs: Uneven terrain is common at many sites. "Sites are gravel and easy to get into," reports Kellie about Lake Cahuilla, while mountain locations require more preparation. Bring leveling blocks and check recent reviews about site conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cathedral City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cathedral City, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cathedral City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Cathedral City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
