Best Equestrian Camping near Green Valley Lake, CA

Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground and Heart Bar Campground accommodate horses in the San Bernardino National Forest near Green Valley Lake. Both provide primitive camping options with limited horse-specific amenities. Heart Bar Campground sits near a small meadow bordering the San Gorgonio wilderness, making it excellent for wildlife viewing and wilderness access. The campground features several loops with approximately 20 campsites each, providing decent spacing between sites for privacy. Ground tethering is the primary option for horses as no dedicated corrals are available at these locations.

The trail system surrounding these campgrounds connects to extensive equestrian-friendly routes through the San Bernardino Mountains. Heart Bar's location provides access to Alpine trails approximately 25 minutes from Big Bear Lake. Many equestrian campgrounds exist in the area, so riders should expect to encounter horses on nearby trails. Primitive camping conditions require horse owners to bring their own water, feed storage, and portable containment systems. The back of Heart Bar Campground faces west where the rolling mountains showcase beautiful California sunsets, providing a scenic backdrop for evening rides. Morning deer grazing in the meadow areas offers pleasant wildlife viewing opportunities for campers with horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Green Valley Lake, California (27)

    1. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."

    "The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."

    2. Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground

    5 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $10 - $119 / night

    "Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."

    "Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."

    3. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    38 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    26 miles

    $25 - $300 / night

    "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!  "

    "Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."

    4. Seven Oaks Lodge - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOOD

    4 Reviews
    Forest Falls, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 794-2917

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Tent camping, RV camping, they have a restaurant and bar, best burgers in all of southern California!! They also have a small store, there's showers, restrooms and a swimming pool!"

    "Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us."

    5. Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat

    2 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 515-7525

    $15 - $119 / night

    "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping"

    6. Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

    10 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2882

    "There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other."

    "Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another.

    Easy road in most anything can drive it."

    7. Hesperia Lake Park and Campground City Park

    4 Reviews
    Arkabutla Lake, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 244-5951

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Nice views of the lake but it's fenced off and access to the lake and park close in the evening. There is a small older bathroom there a flush toilet and a shower"

    "Tents RVs fishing showers water electric hookups and reasonable ducks beautiful lake! Buttt..you can only stay 5 days. 😔"

    8. Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Riverside, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 684-7032

    $40 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."

    9. Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    9 Reviews
    Apple Valley, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    $3 - $40 / night

    "The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."

    10. Bogart County Park

    4 Reviews
    Banning, CA
    19 miles
    +1 (951) 845-3818

    "We got there after 5pm and no one was at the gate entrance."

    "One runs five miles around the park through oaks and tall grass. Benches and drinking fountains are available in parts of the trail. There is a lake you can fish at."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Green Valley Lake, CA

9 Photos of 27 Green Valley Lake Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Green Valley Lake, CA

215 Reviews of 27 Green Valley Lake Campgrounds


  • Troy L.
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Heart Bar Campground

    Great spot

    We normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.

  • Andy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Pioneertown Corrals

    Cool experience, sites not ideal for tent camping

    This is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

    Quiet, spacious

    I only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.

  • Rick S.
    May. 4, 2018

    Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    Could be better, like it once was

    Been here many times since it is local to me.

    This place has changed a lot over the years, and not necessarily for the good, in my opinion.

    What there is:

    • Trailer camping
    • Tent camping
    • Fishing
    • A playground
    • Small water park
    • Two lakes to fish at
    • Trains, lots of them
    • Bathrooms with showers
    • Frisbee golf
    • Picnic tables and shelters

    What there is no longer:

    • Paddle boats
    • Horse riding stables
    • Horses and cows
    • Other interesting animals
    • Water in the grass fields where the animals roamed
    • Arenas

    Beware of skunks and loud trains!

    It is still a somewhat nice place to visit for a couple hours with the kids.

    We have camped in a tent. The tents sites are adjacent to the lake.

    Trailer camping isn't too bad, other than being adjacent to the busy railroad. Most sites have grass.

  • Elena S.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Close to Joshua Tree

    Stayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.

  • Jeremiah F.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Acceptable campground on the edge of Joshua Tree...

    While technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.

    PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.

    CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground  (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.

    Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.

    After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.

  • Joseph C.
    Oct. 22, 2019

    Heart Bar Campground

    Great Location

    Heart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.

  • MarinMaverick
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Black Rock Campground - Joshua Tree - Place to Start Your Trek

    This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area.  It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead.  So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning.  It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.

    You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground.  You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley.  There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.

    We are tent campers. There are  good tent sites as well RV sites.  A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise.  Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.

    Be prepared.  We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.

    Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.

    You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Mojave Narrows Regional Park

    You'd better like trains!

    General: A mix of FHU RV sites tent sites, group sites around Horseshoe Lake and some additional dry camping and equestrian sites around Pelican Lake. There are also four RVs you can “rent” in the Horseshoe Lake area. The sites around Horseshoe Lake are close to an active rail line. And by active, I mean really active – I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay. 

    Site Quality: IMO the waterfront tent sites are the nicest. They are farthest away from the trains (but not far enough!) The other dry sites have paved camper pads; some are “doubles” which would kind of suck if both sites were occupied by people who did not know each other! (Ours was one but fortunately, this was not the case for us on a Sunday in November). 

    Bath/Shower House: There were two restrooms about equidistant from our campsite, but both were very basic– no soap, hooks or shelves and no mirrors (it looked like they had been ripped off the wall). The floors were concrete, and the entire appearance was very drab. I did not use the shower. 

    This was an overnight stop for us, so we did not take advantage of any of the activities (horseback riding, hiking, disc golf, fishing). There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites. I had called about a week ahead of time to make a reservation (the online reservation system has been down for quite some time) and was assured would not need a reservation. However, there is a gate that is locked at 4 pm and we knew we would not arrive in time, so we called and were able to make a phone reservation when our site was assigned. We were a little concerned when we saw a security guard making rounds around 10 pm (and this combined with the locked gate), we wondered if we were in a safe environment, although we did not encounter any problems. Make sure you know that the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which seems a bit bizarre) so you will need to know the gate code after 4 pm and on those days (the code seems to change daily). Also, I read that seniors (62 and older), active duty military, and veterans receive a $5 discount Sundays through Thursdays but you have to go to the office and show proof and then you will receive a “rebate” a few days later (which we did). This was just an overnight for us as we worked our way back home but we would likely not stay here again.


Guide to Green Valley Lake

Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride through stunning landscapes.

Tips for equestrian camping near Green Valley Lake, California

  • Heart Bar Equestrian provides a serene environment with access to trails, making it ideal for horseback riding adventures.
  • Wild Horse Equestrian Campground is nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering ample space for both horses and riders to enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground features reservable sites that accommodate larger groups, perfect for family outings with horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Holcomb Valley Ranch offers spacious campsites and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites allows pets, making it a great choice for those traveling with their horses.
  • Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground provides access to trails leading to hot springs, adding a unique experience for horse campers.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential features

  • Mojave Narrows Regional Park is well-reviewed for its electric hookups and drinking water, catering to the needs of horse campers.
  • Hesperia Lake Park and Campground City Park features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.
  • Seven Oaks Lodge offers a market and restaurant on-site, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Green Valley Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Green Valley Lake, CA is Heart Bar Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Green Valley Lake, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 equestrian camping locations near Green Valley Lake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.