2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Cowboy Camp offers primitive equestrian camping on the eastern edge of Lake County with access to the 17-mile Redbud Trail. The campground accommodates RVs and tents while providing toilets and designated areas for horses, though no drinking water is available on site. Riders particularly appreciate the rugged backcountry trails connecting to BLM lands, with most routes following ridge lines and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The campground's location makes it an ideal base for exploring both Cache Creek Natural Area and the surrounding oak woodlands.
Located approximately 40 miles east of Cobb, this horse camping destination provides direct trail access from the camping area, eliminating the need to trailer to trailheads. The terrain consists primarily of rocky, sun-exposed paths with occasional shade in the lower elevations. Horse owners should bring their own water supplies, as the limited facilities do not include horse-specific amenities like corrals or wash stations. Most equestrians set up portable corrals or use highlines at their campsites. Seasonal considerations include extremely hot conditions during summer months and potentially muddy trails after winter rains. The campground typically remains uncrowded, allowing horse campers to find suitable space even without reservations.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $43 / 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 next 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."
"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 next weekend
from $45 / 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"
"Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."
"If it's in a beautiful location and if you're into four-wheeling or dirt bikes, you're going to have a blast."
from $8 / night
"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
"Was 0.75 miles away from water (we have been in a drought?) but beautiful spacious campsite. Even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet."
"The local store is about a 10 minute drive away and during the summer has ice beer and provides firewood for sale (during winter no ice but plenty of snow)."
from $5 / 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.
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
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.
GuideApparently this place has been closed for four years and is just re-opening. It definitely looks like it. Sections of the campground are still closed, and the parts that are open were ROUGH. This places does have potential- views of the lake are good, bathrooms have showers. By far the worst part of camping here is that there was no camp host and no park ranger. Saw unsafe fire practices, and experienced extremely loud music that went to 2:00 am and started again at 6:30 am. Did I ask for it by coming here on Fourth of July weekend? Probably. On the whole, the entire experience felt like trying to camp in a run down city park. Having no one to contact when things get out of control after the sun goes down invites campers to try to regulate other campers, which is always recipe for disaster. I’ve camped in all kinds of place - Nat’l park, state parks, county parks, BLM, National Forests, and have experienced the full range of camping experiences . I will never come back to this place again.
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.
Equestrian camping near Cobb, California includes several primitive sites within the Mendocino National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. The region features oak woodlands transitioning to pine and fir forests, with seasonal temperature variations from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer months. Trail conditions vary dramatically by season, with dusty paths in summer and potentially impassable muddy sections after winter rains.
Trail riding options: The Liberty Glen Campground provides access to multiple horseback riding trails. "Ive been to this campground twice. Both times were fairly full, but never totally full. You can make a reservation, but you cant pick your spot until you get there. Better to get there on the early side," notes Julie D., who adds there are "some sites with decent shade, and I liked there was a hiking trail down to the lake."
Visit nearby wineries: From Skyline Wilderness Park, equestrians can easily access local vineyards. "Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive," reports Leanne R. The park's proximity makes it convenient for riders wanting to combine trail experiences with wine country visits.
Explore mountain terrain: For more challenging riding, the forest roads near Middle Creek Campground offer steeper terrain. "Middle creek campground was as close as we could find to free camping in Upper Lake CA. At the time of our visit 90% of the Mendocino National Forest was closed as a result of fires the past year as well as landslides due to rains," notes Donna M., highlighting the importance of checking trail conditions.
Natural surroundings: Horse campers at Oak Flat Campground appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities. "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays," reports Angela, who cautions that weekends can be busier with "people yelling and/or blasting music, running dogs off leash."
Privacy between sites: Equestrian campers value the layout at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park's Ritchey Creek Campground. "Plenty of space between sites. Super friendly and helpful host. Bike trail right out of the campsite, through the vineyards into Calistoga," shares Bonnie C., noting the direct trail access that's convenient for riders.
Affordable alternative to hotels: Horse campers looking to save money on accommodations while exploring wine country favor camping options. "We have rented at this campground many times. Never had any trouble getting a reservation in spring or fall. Camping here leaves lots of money for food and wine splurges!" writes Susan H. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Seasonal closures: Before planning equestrian camping trips, verify current status with land managers. "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell," reports Natalie T. about Cowboy Camp, highlighting the importance of checking ahead.
Water availability: Many equestrian sites have limited or no water facilities. "The campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people cuz the Elk mountain area is very much a dirt bike and four-wheel Haven. It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up," explains Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground.
Trail hazards: Riders should be aware of potential natural hazards. "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak. Maybe just the time of year and because of so much rain this year? Not sure but it was thick and lush everywhere," warns Samantha T. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Playground access: Families with children will find amenities at Bu-Shay Campground that keep kids entertained. "The camp facilities are fine. The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites. The flush bathrooms are fine, and there are free showers. Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus," shares Joshua H.
Watch for noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy during peak times. "I haven't actually been there for 3 years, but the reason for that is that we felt like we were being hemmed in by other campers and swarms of screaming children on every side.... we left after the 1st night," reports Robin H. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.
Bring insect protection: Families should prepare for insects, especially at sites near water. "There's a small town not far, 15 minutes or so, that has gas, a market, pizza places, and a few other stores. So there's plenty of access to food and gas when necessary," notes Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground, where he also mentioned dealing with "lots of wasps and flies."
Site selection for equestrian rigs: RVers with horse trailers should research site dimensions. "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC. But the park is nice with lots of hiking, views and close to Napa," advises Rich J. about Skyline Wilderness Park, noting both positives and limitations.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian camping sites offer limited services. "Clean showers and bathrooms, some trees, close to Raley's Grocery store. Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive. Picnic table, some full hook-ups and some partial," explains Lori H. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to some equestrian camping areas require careful driving. "This has nothing to do with the campground. Just keep in mind that Elk mountain road, especially the part leading up to the top of the mountain right as you leave the campground is an absolutely terrible road, it needs a lot of maintenance," warns Justin W. about Middle Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cobb, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cobb, 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 Cobb, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Cobb, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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