1 campground with availability next weekend
Horse Flats Campground accommodates tent and RV campers with horses in Angeles National Forest near Glendale. The campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash collection, though there are no dedicated horse corrals. Sites are arranged in groups of 2-4, providing ample space for trailers and camping equipment. Trails surrounding the campground connect to bridle paths through pine-covered mountains, making it popular with equestrians seeking weekend escapes from Los Angeles. Multiple campsites allow adequate privacy between camping parties, and while flies can be numerous during warm months, the secluded location creates a peaceful environment for horses and riders.
Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park provides another option for horse camping, accessible via a one-mile hike from Trippet Ranch Parking Lot. The camp features horse corrals across from the main camping area, which contains approximately six sites with picnic tables. Clean facilities include flush toilets, sinks, and a water spigot for both human and equine needs. The Backbone Trail and other connecting routes offer extensive riding opportunities through the Santa Monica Mountains with varying terrain. Camping costs $7 per person per night, payable at the entrance station or iron ranger at the camp. Overnight parking requires a dashboard note informing rangers about camping plans. No fires are allowed at this horse-friendly campground.
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
Available next weekend
from $45 - $225 / night
"Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery. It is also quieter for this reason, which is nice."
"We usually only see rangers come around in the morning. With that said, we still like Horse Flats because there is usually a spot or two open if we arrive on a Saturday."
from $12 / night
"If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."
"Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city."
from $7 / night
"great views 360 degrees once you're on top. a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. fire rings with multiple spots"
"A little remote and you have to drive to the nearest town(s), but clean grounds and nice site. Very easy to book online. The RV park is pretty large so it's a nice daily walk."
"It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again."
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."
"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."
"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
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.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
TravelerI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
ScoutGreat hikes all around and close to beaches and city. Good sites were 26, 7, 49.
RangerSmall and not level spots, but OK spreaded. Toilet building is fine (paid showers though).
TravelerThe only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
Angeles National Forest offers numerous horse campgrounds near Glendale, California. The forest ranges in elevation from 1,200 to 10,064 feet, providing diverse terrain for equestrians and other campers. During summer months, temperatures at higher elevations typically remain 15-20 degrees cooler than in Glendale, making these sites popular refuges from urban heat.
Bouldering at Horse Flats Campground: Located in Angeles National Forest, the area features numerous bouldering opportunities. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" notes Kathleen L. who visited Horse Flats Campground.
Hiking to Bear Canyon: This secluded hike-in campground requires effort but rewards with natural beauty. "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," shares Anthony K. about Bear Canyon Campground.
Explore movie locations: The surrounding areas contain famous filming sites. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," explains Ryan W. who camped at Malibu Creek State Park.
Peaceful seclusion: Many horse camps near Glendale provide quiet environments away from urban noise. "No individual campsites. They're set up in groups 2, 3 or 4 But it's probably never a problem as this place doesn't seem to get lots of visitors. It is a nice place and campground with lots of trees that provide some shade during the day," reports Luissimo M. about Horse Flats Campground.
Year-round accessibility: Some campsites remain open throughout winter. "We camped here this weekend, which is the latest we've gone before the winter months. This past week had record high temperatures for all of Southern California, so I can't say how representative our experience was compared to typically late fall trips in other years," shares Les R. about camping at Horse Flats in October.
Clean facilities: Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park maintains high standards. "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands," notes marcos P. The camp serves as another equestrian-friendly option near Glendale.
Prepare for insects: Summer months bring increased bug activity to horse campgrounds. "Bring some bug spray if you're bugged by bugs. Other than that there was plenty of space for plenty of campers," advises Josh F. about Horse Flats Campground.
Variable weather conditions: Mountain elevations can experience significant temperature changes. "The temperature was warm during the day, but we definitely brought layers and adequate sleeping gear for the night. Even though it was 79 degrees in the day, temperature got down to 54 at night," shares Les R. about October camping at Horse Flats.
Pack in all water: Mount Pacifico Campground and several other horse camps near Glendale require self-sufficiency. "Great views 360 degrees once you're on top. A 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. Fire rings with multiple spots," explains Anthony K., highlighting both views and the need for preparation.
Choose sites with amenities: For families with children, select campgrounds with appropriate facilities. "Campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap). Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," advises Lizzie C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Consider heat factors: Summer camping requires planning around temperature. "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool, but Malibu Creek State Park is so convenient to LA," warns Chanel C.
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy animal sightings. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack," notes Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park Campground.
Check site specifications: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Best for tents, tight for RVs," advises Rick L. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Research water access: "There are a few campgrounds in this area of the Angeles National Forest. Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less 'green' with regards to the immediate scenery. Make sure to get food and firewood before you start the drive up the mountain, as there is no place to purchase such supplies near the camps," suggests Les R.
Consider family-friendly alternatives: Rancho Jurupa Park offers facilities that appeal to families traveling with RVs. "Cottonwood is for the true RV'ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping," explains Michele N., referencing the different camping areas available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Glendale, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Glendale, CA is Bear Canyon Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Glendale, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Glendale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
