1 campground with availability this weekend
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park features an excellent equestrian campground with private corrals positioned directly beside each campsite in the Star Mesa Equestrian area. The spacious sites accommodate large rigs with ample room for horse trailers, providing flat tent pads for those preferring to sleep outside. For riders seeking horse camping near Dana Point, the park maintains several miles of equestrian trails that connect directly to the campground through the Orange County foothills. Electric hookups (30 amp) are available, though water access has been periodically restricted due to drought conditions. The campground's well-maintained facilities include a clean dump station within easy access of the equestrian sites.
The extensive trail network throughout Caspers Wilderness Park offers varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Trails wind through oak woodlands and connect to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the park's 8,000 acres. Regular wildlife sightings include deer, rabbits, various bird species, and occasionally coyotes in the evening hours. Equestrians should note that advance reservations are strongly recommended for horse campsites near Dana Point, especially for weekend camping, though weekday availability is typically more flexible. The park enforces a strict no-pet policy (except horses), and alcohol is not permitted within park boundaries. Rangers patrol regularly, providing both security and information about trail conditions and wildlife activity. Trail maps are available at the entrance station where firewood can also be purchased for $5 per bundle.
"This campground is amazing, just a few miles from the ocean @ Dana Point. Several hiking trails. Very quiet. Restrooms and showers available plus spiggots near each campsite."
"Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area."
from $20 - $25 / night
"Rv sites, tent sites and equestrian (horse) sites. Paved road is good for bike riding. Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers."
"It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails and picnicking for day use too."
from $20 / night
"Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool. The boat launch is very near by too but we had no use for that."
"I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights."
from $55 - $140 / night
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
"This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."
"The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."
from $25 - $45 / night
"Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable."
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
from $40 - $55 / night
"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"
"Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $50 / night
"The perfect spot for family, childrens, or scout horse camps! My father and I both went as kids (40 years a part) and remember and treasure our experience."
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
ScoutHas a security guard that thought she was God or something like that. Never seen anybody or place so petty on the place and still searching for the championship horseshoe pits and I can't stop talking about the dark green of the fishing lakes and the fish swimming on their sides
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
TravelerDespite the fact that one night costs $42, there are a lot of stupid, miserable people here who listen loudly to stupid music through their stupid speakers after 10pm. It's also full of cockroaches here and it's annoying.
GuideIf you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
TravelerPlace is ok. Quiet so far. Nice people.
GuideThe title says it all. It's nice, cheap, and quiet. Sites are spacious but beware of the ground squirrels. They're everywhere. Site 42 has a lot of traffic due to trail heads at the back of the site.
TravelerI went with my family for my birthday. My daughters loved the campground. Easy walk to the lake. My wife enjoy the luxury of having a nearby bathroom/ shower with warm water. It’s a good choice for families
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offers additional equestrian camping options near Dana Point, California, beyond the Star Mesa Equestrian area. Located in the Santa Ana Mountains foothills at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet, the park experiences warm summers and mild winters. Fall and spring camping conditions provide moderate temperatures in the 70s while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, requiring adequate water supplies for horses and riders.
Hiking trails for non-equestrians: Caspers Wilderness Park features numerous trails accessible to hikers who aren't bringing horses. "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," notes Berton M. about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Visit nearby historical sites: Just minutes from O'Neill Regional Park, campers can explore local attractions. "There's a cute playground for kids, a nature center where you can enjoy viewing through the telescope overlooking almost all of the 8,000 acres of the Caspers WP," according to SmallRVLifestyle V., who also mentioned that "the nearest shops are about 10-15 drive away."
Family-friendly water activities: When temperatures rise, several parks offer water features. "They have a super nice splash pad park that's no additional cost! There are lots of walking trails. We happened to be there during the poppy super bloom and the butterfly migration so that was also really cool!" reports Jennifer D. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
Quiet camping close to urban areas: Many equestrian camping areas provide isolation despite proximity to cities. "Casper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses," writes Berton M. The park's isolation makes it ideal for equestrian camping near Dana Point while still being accessible.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers excellent wildlife observation beyond what's mentioned in the existing description. "There was abundant firewood for purchase at the gate. There is a nice bathroom with flushing toilets and sinks with soap closer to spot #41, but we were at #19, so it was a small walk to get there. However, there was a portopotty right near our site if the walk is too inconvenient. Our site was flat, and it was easy ground for stakes. Although keep an eye out for critter holes. Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away," shares Kim L. about her experience at Caspers Wilderness Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently praise the upkeep of facilities. "This is a great park in Southern Orange County. I have tent camped here for years with my kids in the Live Oak campground and never had a bad experience. There are hiking trails everywhere with lots of wildlife to watch. I switched to a travel trailer several years ago and now use Ortega Flats campground. The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric," notes Ronald about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Reservation requirements: Due to popularity, advance planning is necessary for equestrian camping. "This is such a great location for folks in orange county who want to get out of town but don't want to be stuck in the car for ages. It feels remote, has beautiful scenery, great trails, a nature center, and comforts such as running water and bathrooms. The park rangers are friendly and helpful," explains Riley E. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Environmental considerations: Some parks have specific environmental issues to note. "You can't swim or let the kids play in the lake because it's a reservoir," mentions Jennifer D. about Lake Skinner Recreation Area.
Traffic noise at some campgrounds: Not all campgrounds offer complete silence. "Traffic noise from nearby roads (not terrible, but reminds you that you're not fully engulfed in nature," notes Johnny G. about O'Neill Regional Park, although this doesn't typically affect horse behavior at equestrian-specific sites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some parks offer additional attractions for children beyond standard camping. "If you're looking for primitive dispersed camping, this is probably not your spot. If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large and private. Will definitely come back," says Johnny G. about O'Neill Regional Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide learning experiences. "Fun fact: This park used to be covered by the Pacific Ocean so there are remnants of marine fossils along the riverbanks," notes Chanel C. about Caspers Wilderness Park, providing excellent educational opportunities for young equestrians and their families.
Safety considerations: Parents should be aware of specific hazards. "Lots of snakes (including rattle snakes) so be careful where you step," warns Chanel C. about Caspers Wilderness Park, which is especially important for families bringing children for equestrian camping.
Hookup availability: RV campers should research utility options beforehand. "I had electric hookup but no water because of the drought. The rangers are friendly and patrol regularly which makes you feel safer," explains SmallRVLifestyle V. about Caspers Wilderness Park, which applies to both standard and equestrian sites.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many RV sites can accommodate horse trailers, but research is essential. "Lovely campsite with all sites on 30a + water spigot. Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24' + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side," reports James about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Self-contained camping preparation: Some equestrian camping areas have limited hookups. "The water is off for the time being. The dump station is very close by and easy to access," notes Ronald about Caspers Wilderness Park, showing the importance of bringing sufficient water supplies for extended equestrian camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dana Point, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dana Point, CA is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dana Point, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Dana Point, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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