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Best Equestrian Camping near Indian Wells, CA

244 Reviews

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for riders and their horses near Indian Wells. Located in Idyllwild, approximately 30 miles from Indian Wells, this campground offers water hookups, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground features toilets and trash collection, though big rigs may find access challenging due to the mountainous terrain. Sites are reservable and accommodate RVs, with pets allowed throughout the grounds. The campground maintains a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the secluded nature of the equestrian-focused camping experience.

McCall Equestrian Park in Idyllwild offers another option for horse owners seeking camping opportunities near Indian Wells. The park provides tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Basic amenities include showers, toilets and trash collection. The campground does not offer electrical or water hookups but remains accessible via drive-in or walk-in options. Trails surrounding both Ribbonwood and McCall provide excellent riding opportunities through the San Bernardino National Forest. The yellow post sites in the South Ridge area offer free, more primitive camping options with access to hiking and riding trails. First-time campers find the sites comfortable despite the rugged terrain, with many noting the spectacular valley views available from nearby boulder outcroppings. Both equestrian campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for cold mountain nights.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Indian Wells, California (26)

    1. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    2. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    3. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "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. "

    4. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Indian Wells, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 862-9984

    $15 / night

    "Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."

    5. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    3 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "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."

    6. Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    6 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbq’s and picnic tables at every site."

    "Amazing rocks, night skies, and climbing to do all around."

    7. McCall Equestrian Park

    2 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2311

    $30 - $280 / night

    "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"

    8. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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."

    9. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    41 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."

    10. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    38 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    50 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Indian Wells, CA

6 Photos of 26 Indian Wells Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Indian Wells, CA

244 Reviews of 26 Indian Wells 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.

  • K
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Very relaxing

    I 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.

  • 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.

  • MomentoMori C.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Sweet Oaks Winery - Temporarily Closed

    Great camping for newbies

    Sweet 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Indian Wells

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.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At McCall Equestrian Park, families can enjoy peaceful nights and explore nearby trails, making it a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.
  • Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground offers access to scenic hiking trails and a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of riding.
  • For those looking to fish, Lake Cahuilla features a small lake where you can cast a line while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Tips for equestrian camping near Indian Wells, California

  • When visiting Black Rock Equestrian Campground, be prepared for a reservation-only system and ensure you arrive early to secure your spot.
  • At Ryan Campground, it's advisable to reserve your site in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment.
  • Make sure to bring plenty of water and supplies, as some campgrounds like Cottonwood Campground do not have water hookups available.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Black Rock Campground features spacious sites with easy access for horse trailers, making it convenient for equestrian campers.
  • At McCall Equestrian Park, the clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere enhance the camping experience for horse lovers.
  • Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides essential amenities like picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Indian Wells, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Indian Wells, CA is Lake Cahuilla with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 26 equestrian camping locations near Indian Wells, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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