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Best Equestrian Camping near Indio, CA

196 Reviews

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground accommodates campers with horses in the Idyllwild area, approximately 35 miles southwest of Indio. The campground features drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets for a comfortable equestrian camping experience. RV camping is available with water hookups, though the campground is not suitable for big rigs. Sites are spaced to allow for horse trailer parking, and most campers appreciate the quiet, natural setting. The campground maintains a reservation system that helps ensure availability for riders planning extended trail excursions.

Located within San Bernardino National Forest, Ribbonwood provides access to an extensive network of bridle trails suitable for day rides or longer expeditions. The Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed from nearby connecting paths, offering multi-day riding opportunities through diverse terrain. Horse owners should bring their own feed and portable corrals, as the campground does not offer permanent stalls or corrals. Summer months provide the most favorable riding conditions, while winter visits may encounter occasional snow at this higher elevation location. Primitive equestrian camping options are also available in the surrounding national forest areas for those seeking a more remote horse camping experience away from developed facilities.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Indio, California (24)

    1. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    17 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.

            "

    2. Lake Cahuilla

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

    "Stayed at the start of May as I had appointments in Indio. Wonderfully quiet, hardly anyone else here. If I’d visited in the busy season I think the closeness of the sites would have bothered me."

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

    3. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    24 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. Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    5 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    22 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."

    5. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Indian Wells, CA
    17 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."

    6. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    3 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    27 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."

    7. Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    1 Review
    Yucca Valley, CA
    24 miles
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."

    8. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    43 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."

    9. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    47 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."

    10. Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary

    1 Review
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 393-5533

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Cascade Trails is a unique experience created by impassioned owners who are personally committed to saving the wild mustangs. Check them out and leave a review."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Indio, CA

6 Photos of 24 Indio Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Indio, CA

196 Reviews of 24 Indio 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.

  • Beverley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2025

    Lake Cahuilla

    Great out of season

    Stayed at the start of May as I had appointments in Indio. Wonderfully quiet, hardly anyone else here. If I’d visited in the busy season I think the closeness of the sites would have bothered me. Lake views are wonderful though it would be nice to have the option of swimming! Trees provided some shade and the surrounding mountains are beautiful plus there’s mountain hiking trails nearby. Definitely would stay again!

  • 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.

Guide to Indio

Horse camping in California offers a unique way 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 Indio, California

  • The Lake Cahuilla campground features spacious sites and a dump station, making it a convenient base for horse camping adventures.
  • At Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground, you’ll find well-maintained trails and a welcoming atmosphere for both horses and riders.
  • McCall Equestrian Park offers clean facilities and a peaceful environment, ideal for families looking to enjoy nature with their horses.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like picnic tables and fire pits

  • Black Rock Equestrian Campground provides picnic tables and fire pits, ensuring a comfortable stay for equestrian campers.
  • Ryan Campground features fire pits and BBQs at each site, perfect for evening gatherings after a day of riding.
  • Cottonwood Campground offers a variety of amenities, including toilets and trash disposal, to enhance your camping experience with horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking trails directly accessible from Black Rock Campground, where you can explore the beautiful surroundings on foot.
  • The Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary allows for interactive experiences with wild mustangs, adding a unique twist to your camping trip.
  • At Belle Campground, you can take short hikes to stunning rock formations, making it a great spot for both riding and exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Indio, CA is Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 equestrian camping locations near Indio, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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