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McCall Equestrian Park provides camping options for horse riders in Idyllwild, California. The campground offers toilet facilities, showers, and trash collection while maintaining a pet-friendly environment. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at each site. The bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean, with mostly family groups creating a quiet atmosphere at night except for wildlife sounds. The campground features several tent sites alongside the designated horse camping areas. Reservations are accepted, making it easier to secure a spot during busy seasons. The campground remains open year-round, allowing for equestrian camping regardless of season.
Located near mountain trail systems, McCall Equestrian Park serves as a convenient base camp for riders exploring the San Jacinto mountains. Trail access directly from the campground connects to various riding routes through the surrounding wilderness areas. Verizon cell service works well at the campground, allowing riders to stay connected while enjoying the remote setting. Few trails for wandering around the immediate campground area provide opportunities for short rides without venturing far from camp. The campground isn't typically crowded, offering some privacy despite sites not being completely secluded. The location provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape, making it a scenic spot for overnight stays with horses. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly in the mountain environment, so extra blankets are recommended for comfortable camping.
"Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"
"Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."
"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
Check Availability"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."
"This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area. It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."
"Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"
from $30 - $280 / night
Check Availability"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Tons of hiking trails and within 30 min drive of major shopping/grocery stores. Big Bear is about an hour away with and awesome drive up the mountain."
"Close to the city but far enough away from the lights. There is a ton of stuff to do here. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, water slides, disc golf, bike trails. The RV spots are beyond huge!"
"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."
from $29 - $58 / night
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RangerWe 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.
ScoutI was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, 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 close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.
RangerLovely campground in the Orange County foothills. Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area.
Room for large rigs and good space for tents with flat pads.
RangerThis 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.
ScoutI 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.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
LegendCasper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses. There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there’s a nature walk.
GuideStayed 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.
GuideWhile 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.
McCall Equestrian Park serves as a base for horse riders exploring the San Jacinto mountain trails near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California. The campground sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation in a mixed conifer forest, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations. Nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, requiring campers to pack extra layers even during summer months.
Hiking near camp: For non-equestrian visitors, the South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offer excellent hiking options with minimal facilities. "There's a short walk to a west-facing boulder with expansive views of the valley," notes a camper who appreciates the secluded setting. These primitive sites provide access to challenging trails through the San Bernardino National Forest.
Fishing opportunities: Within 45 minutes of Idyllwild, Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground offers fishing for those who want to combine mountain and lake activities. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," reports John H. who frequently fishes the lake. Fishing licenses are required, and the lake stocks various species throughout the year.
Wildlife viewing: The mountain terrain around Idyllwild supports diverse wildlife populations. "Wildlife includes deer, lizards, snakes, woodpeckers, and lots of squirrels," reports one visitor to the Yellow Post sites. Early mornings and evenings provide the best viewing times when animals are most active, particularly around meadow areas near camps.
Clean facilities: While the McCall facilities are noted for cleanliness, Dripping Springs Campground also earns praise for maintenance. "The campground was easy to find, and kept very clean," says Jessica M., who appreciated the well-maintained grounds. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with potable water available from centrally located spigots.
Mountain climate: The elevation provides relief from summer heat in surrounding lower areas. At Heart Bar Campground, campers enjoy the cooler mountain conditions. "We were there in August and the weather was perfect. Warm during the day and just chilly at night," reports Gina C. The pine forest setting creates natural shade at many sites, moderating daytime temperatures.
Solitude options: For those seeking quiet camping experiences, specific site selection matters. "Site #8 is great, also 7 (double site) and 29," recommends one Dripping Springs visitor who found peaceful spots away from busier areas. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, with fewer day hikers and visitors passing through the campgrounds.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently affect camping in the San Jacinto mountains. "Fire bans usually in effect during summer," notes a South Ridge Yellow Post visitor. Check current restrictions before arrival as violations carry substantial fines. Some campgrounds provide metal fire rings when fires are permitted.
Limited services: Most equestrian camping near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California lacks extensive amenities. "No amenities—no toilet, water, or trash—so pack in and out," advises a Yellow Post camper. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds and can be nonexistent in canyons and valleys.
Road conditions: Access to remote sites often requires careful driving. "Access road is rough and rocky but doable in dry conditions with a careful 2WD," reports a visitor to Yellow Post sites. Black Rock Campground has similar challenges, with one camper noting "the park roads are rough...like falling apart rough. Not an issue for most unless you were in a small or low vehicle."
Kid-friendly options: Lake Cahuilla provides excellent family camping alternatives when mountain weather turns unfavorable. "Great place to camp with the family. There was a playground, not too much traffic around the campsite, and fishing for our next trip there," writes Morgen M. The reservoir setting offers flat terrain suitable for young children.
Wildlife awareness: Mountain areas require wildlife precautions for family safety. "Mosquitoes come out at dusk—repellent is a must," advises one camper. Parents should teach children proper food storage and trash disposal practices to prevent attracting animals to campsites.
Temperature preparation: Mountain temperature swings affect children more significantly than adults. Pack appropriate clothing layers for nighttime use, as one camper at Heart Bar notes: "The nights were dark and quiet, no street lights! Always a plus for us!" Clear mountain nights rapidly cool after sunset, requiring warm sleeping bags even in summer.
Site selection: For RV camping in the mountains, site leveling challenges are common. "Most sites have nice new campfire rings. Ours had a very old, barely above ground one. I dug it out to feel a little safer having a nice fire," reports a visitor to Bogart County Park, highlighting the importance of careful site inspection. Arrive early for best site selection opportunities.
Elevation considerations: RVs traveling to Idyllwild-area campgrounds must contend with steep mountain roads. Engine cooling systems work harder at altitude, so monitor temperature gauges when climbing. Allow extra travel time as mountain roads typically reduce speed and increase fuel consumption.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Idyllwild offer minimal RV amenities. "Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site," reports a visitor to Lake Cahuilla. Water conservation becomes essential when camping without sewer connections, especially during multi-day stays where tank capacity limits duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA is South Ridge Yellow Post Sites with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 equestrian camping locations near Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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