Best Equestrian Camping near Firebaugh, CA

Pacheco State Park near Firebaugh allows horses but does not permit overnight camping except during special equestrian events. The park features extensive bridle trails winding through cattle country and down along streams in the Dinosaur Point area. The former ranch property includes a corral at the main parking lot area specifically designed for visiting riders. While the park prohibits dogs on trails, it remains especially horse-friendly due to its history as an equestrian property. The water in streams and ponds throughout the park is deemed safe for horses and livestock though unsuitable for human consumption.

Thousand Trails San Benito, located approximately one hour from Firebaugh, accommodates horses at its 300-acre property. The campground provides multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts for overnight stays with horses. Trails throughout the property connect to surrounding public lands, offering varied terrain for riding experiences. The campground sits in a wildlife-rich area where visitors regularly observe deer, wild pigs, bobcats, and a variety of birds including California Condors from nearby Pinnacles National Park. The campground requires advance reservations, particularly for equestrians planning to bring horses. While some facilities need maintenance, the extensive acreage provides ample space for riders seeking a natural setting away from developed areas.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Firebaugh, California (4)

    1. COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    9 Reviews
    Raymond, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 689-3255

    $20 - $100 / night

    "It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."

    "Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."

    2. Thousand Trails San Benito

    12 Reviews
    Paicines, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."

    "Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"

    3. Douglas Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    Pinnacles National Park, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 801-3323

    4. Pacheco State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Hollister, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-6283

    "However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

    NO WATER."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Firebaugh, CA

22 Reviews of 4 Firebaugh Campgrounds


  • Tyler V.
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Thousand Trails San Benito

    Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park

    Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park. Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order. Park does have a lot of those devil spikes in the grass so beware of those with the dogs or bare feet. I did see someone bare foot walking and I was confused as how he was not stepping on them little spiked mines/ thorns then it happened and he went down having to crawl back to the road and get shoes. Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors. Near the town of Gilroy home of the garlic festival. A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Pacheco State Park Campground

    Beautiful, Magnificent ... But No Camping

    YOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

    NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.

    NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.

    VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)

  • Samantha N.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Thousand Trails San Benito

    Wildlife EVERYWHERE

    Seriously love this place and wish we could go all the time! Too bad we live on the East Coast or id he here 24/7. We stayed in a cabin in January. Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!

  • Haley M.
    Jun. 5, 2023

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Clean and family friendly

    We rented sites #10 & #11 for the weekend of 6/2-6/4/23. Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters. It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two.

    These are the closest sites to the water in the campground, but unfortunately water access is pretty limited (there’s a small trail that leads down to a rocky edge, but wouldn’t be great for small children). We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites.

    The campground was very clean and had rangers and a sheriff patrolling regularly (but not bothersome).

    There is a small pit toilet right next to site #12, but there are larger bathrooms up the road with flushing toilets and showers. There is also a nice playground for the kids too.

    Unfortunately site #10 does not have a shade structure but #9 does, and #11 is well shaded by trees.

    We had one raccoon visitor the first night (came out of the drainage pipe under site #12) but otherwise no other wildlife. We were warned that rattle snakes are out, but we were fortunate not to see any ourselves. There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs. They are supposed to be kept on leash at all times, but our lab just brushed by some of the weeds and was littered with foxtails. So just something to be cautious of.

    Although we were disappointed with not having better water access, it really is a nice campsite overall if you’re okay with driving up the road to swim.

  • Erik J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2024

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Gorgeous setting and easy access

    There are few gems along the Hwy 99 route between Sacramento and Bakersfield but this is definitely one of them! Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning. Situated among rolling hills that are luscious green in the spring, this campsite is quiet and packed full of things to do. Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, this is the site for you!

    We're dry camping at the Wildcat site which the ranger said is rarely used. There is no one else in the whole campground!

    Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet. Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake. Lake is full after the 2023 season.

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 3, 2025

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Quiet and Clean - Codorniz Corps Campground

    We have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24. This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic.

  • Brian and Janet S.
    Jun. 20, 2024

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Not as advertised

    No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.

    Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.

    There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.

    Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night

  • Alberto C.
    May. 10, 2022

    Thousand Trails San Benito

    Disconnect from the World

    Stayed here over the weekend on a last minute reservation. And it’s absolutely beautiful here, campground was very clean and quite. This was our first outing in our pop up and this place made it much better, walking trails and daily activities for the family. Had multiple deers wondering the grounds so be sure to put your food away. Nearest town is San Benito about 20 mins away. They have a small store on the grounds with limited items also. We stayed towards the back site 353 I believe abs had no others around us. Definitely will be booking another stay here!

  • j
    Jun. 5, 2021

    COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground

    Views of a dry lake bed

    A nice campground.  Lots of space between sites, some with electric and water.  Nice views of where the lake should be, with volcanic outcroppings all around.  Site 01 was shaded, level and easy to back our 24 foot trailer into.  Unfortunately the lake was way low due to drought.   Things we did not like:  (1) although not far off of Highway 99, the road from Chowchilla was incredibly rough.  15 miles of poorly-patched pot holes.  I went no faster than 35 mph but still bounced the rig badly.  (2) a vagrant guy was wandering around for the three days we were there.  He came up to our trailer once; he seemed harmless but pretty out of it, maybe just stoned.  (3) a large gathering of campers in the tent area were loud and raucous well past midnight, laughing, loud music, and drunken arguments.  We were worried they could break out weapons.  (4) bathrooms were cleaned daily, but quickly trashed, probably by the aforementioned campers.


Guide to Firebaugh

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the state's stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and hit the trails.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and water hookups

  • At Pacheco State Park Campground, equestrian campers can take advantage of a corral at the main parking area, making it easy to manage your horse during your stay.
  • Codorniz Campground features water hookups at each site, ensuring your horse stays hydrated throughout your visit.
  • Thousand Trails San Benito is known for its spacious sites and friendly atmosphere, perfect for horse camping with family and friends.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails at Pacheco State Park Campground wind through beautiful landscapes, offering a scenic ride for horse lovers.
  • Codorniz Campground is located near Eastman Lake, providing opportunities for fishing and boating after a day of riding.
  • At Thousand Trails San Benito, you can explore the surrounding hills and enjoy wildlife sightings, including deer and wild pigs.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities for a comfortable stay

  • Codorniz Campground offers clean restrooms and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families with horses.
  • Thousand Trails San Benito features electric hookups and a small store on-site, ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxing camping experience.
  • Pacheco State Park Campground provides trash disposal and restroom facilities, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time outdoors with your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Firebaugh, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Firebaugh, CA is COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Firebaugh, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Firebaugh, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.