Horse Flats Campground is located in the San Gabriel Mountains at approximately 5,300 feet elevation, offering primitive equestrian camping in Angeles National Forest. The campground provides sites for both tents and recreational vehicles with adequate space for horse trailers. Sites are accessible for larger vehicles despite the rustic nature of the facilities, with picnic tables and fire rings available for camper use.
What to do
Mountain biking on forest trails: At O'Neill Regional Park, riders can access multiple trail options throughout the park. "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim," notes Mike G.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers fishing access with some additional fees. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports John H. The lake also offers boat rentals for those without their own equipment.
Nature walks and wildlife viewing: Explore the wilderness areas surrounding Bear Canyon Campground for wildlife viewing and scenic creek exploration. "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," writes Anthony K.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Many horse campgrounds near Chino, California prioritize cleanliness and upkeep. "The park is well maintained and we'll maintained. Bathrooms and showers are clean and lots of hiking trails to choose from," says Brandice S. about Caspers Wilderness County Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers numerous activities for families. "Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean," shares Jeff E.
Natural stream access: Stream access provides water for horses and recreation for campers. At Bear Canyon Campground, Shannon E. describes, "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek."
What you should know
Water availability: Most equestrian campgrounds near Chino require campers to bring their own water. At Horse Flats Campground, Les R. advises, "Make sure to bring all your water with you. There is no running water at this campground."
Reservation systems and occupancy: O'Neill Regional Park uses a different reservation system than many other parks. "Part of OC Parks so getting a campsite is relatively easy compared to other online booking systems like ReserveAmerica. We're usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to go," explains Chanel C.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. "The park does allow fires in the fire pits, of course," notes David N. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area, while Les R. cautions at Horse Flats, "Purchase firewood before driving up the mountain. I've unfortunately seen too many campers collecting wood around the campground to use for fires."
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash pads and playgrounds: Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers multiple family-friendly features. "It's family friendly, great flat biking for kids, large dirt area used for parking during the Balloon and Wine festival that kids can play on and ride bikes in. Splash pad open during the summer which is great for kids and adults alike," recommends Erin & Travis M.
Consider educational activities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs for children. At O'Neill Regional Park, Johnny G. mentions, "Great and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail."
Check for level terrain: For younger children, look for campgrounds with even terrain. "The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric," Ronald shares about Caspers Wilderness Park, making it easier for families to set up play areas near their campsite.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require leveling effort for larger rigs. About Launch Pointe Recreation Destination, Bryan H. notes, "We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39'er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides."
Hookup options: Most equestrian sites offer limited or no hookups. At Caspers Wilderness Park, SmallRVLifestyle V. explains, "I reserved an electric site in the Ortega Flats Campground. I had electric hookup but no water because of the drought."
Dump station access: For RVers staying at O'Neill Regional Park, James mentions, "Self pump out (free) and good rubbish collection points throughout. Campsites are located on a relatively busy road, so you can hear road traffic but nothing that bothered us."
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